Thoughtful conversations on the G-Spot (G(od)-Spot podcast)

There’s a lot happening in the Queer Blood and Fire world at the moment. The discussions led by the queer voices in The Salvation Army are being furthered as the hard cover version of my book is out for sale and some of the planned podcasts are being released. The audio book, recorded at the Base Studio in Melbourne, is now in post-production.

A new podcast interview I recently recorded with host Monica Ahbin on The G(od)-Spot Podcast has just dropped. Monica was introduced to me through a mutual friend, Kris Halliday. It was great to connect with European audiences, some new readers of my book and another former Salvation Army Officer, now University Chaplain for the Uniting Church in Sweden, from across the other side of the globe.

The G(od)-Spot has been running for 10 seasons, broadcast from Sweden. This is a podcast for those of us who are on a journey in faith, life, spirituality and everything that has to do with God, “whatever God means to each one of us” (to quote Monica). It creates an open atmosphere where no questions and thoughts are stupid and where we can broaden our horizons together. 

The podcast interviews give a chance to dive into topics from the research and book at depth in a casual way. In this conversation, we talk about my journey of faith, ministry, identity, and leadership, as well as the experiences that shaped my newly released book, Queer Blood and Fire: The Experiences of Gay and Lesbian Salvation Army Officers. It was a thoughtful, generous conversation, and I’m grateful to Monica for creating space for it with such warmth and care.

This interview matters to me because these stories matter. They are deeply personal, but they are also part of a much wider conversation about faith, justice, dignity, and belonging. It also enabled connection with people from Europe, whose context and experience of being queer in The Salvation Army is not dissimilar to that of the participants in my research in Australia.

My hope is that this episode offers something meaningful not only to people with a Salvation Army connection, but also to anyone interested in the lived experience of LGBTQIA+ people in Christian spaces. I hope it encourages reflection, compassion, and a deeper commitment to truth and justice.

You know the drill: Listen, Like & Share the episode

If you’d like to hear more about the book, my story, and the heart behind this work, I’d love for you to listen to the episode.

I’d be grateful if you could share the episode with others who may find it valuable. Thoughtful conversations can open doors, deepen understanding, and remind people that they are not alone.

G(od)-Spot Podcast

https://gudpunktenpodcast.blogg.se/2026/april/s10-episode-7-queer-blood-and-fire-brad-watson.html

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3tZbhM6oL1RQoAFK9q5vzv?si=f9f1d614e8c240b1&nd=1&dlsi=77bee1404d77410c

PodBean

https://monica6.podbean.com/e/s10-episode-7-queer-blood-and-fire-brad-watson/

Listening to Lived Experience: Reviewing Queer Blood and Fire

Queer Blood and Fire’ by Dr Brad Watson tells the experiences of queer Australian Salvation Army officers (current, past and closeted), as part of the author’s PhD studies.

This book highlights the real and far-reaching hurts and harms resulting from the systemic othering and rejection of gender-diverse Christians (including those with a vocational calling to ministry) in any church, not just The Salvation Army. Yet throughout this book is such a strong anchoring of hope about what is possible with and for God within The Salvation Army. If … and this is my own prayerful response … IF we can stop turning away in fear or ignorance, and instead lean into the inherent dignity of all people (Imago Dei), the rich diversity of humanity, and the wideness of God’s love.

Brad was an officer until recently and remains a strong supporter of the Army’s mission, worshipping at The Salvation Army in Melbourne. Missionally, he is on ‘our side’ in this journey, not throwing vengeful stones from the posture of ‘banished outsider’. Brad’s personal commitment to the DNA of The Salvation Army runs like a grace-filled river through the pages of this book. A river enriched by its myriad merging tributaries. What is this river? It is life-giving river of God’s love.

‘Queer Blood and Fire’ has three sections. The first traces the history of the Army’s relationship with the LGBTQI+ community (although Brad notes there is little content related to Intersex or Trans people as his survey respondents did not self-identify this way). While focused on the Army’s origins in Britain and, from there, to Australia, it does reference other nations - including the 1980s Homosexual Law Reform in New Zealand. This section considers SA theological teaching - especially in key moments of discipleship formation (such as people’s preparation for soldiership/membership).

In the second section, Brad shifts to a deeper consideration of the harm experienced by queer LGBTQ+ officers. This foregrounds the issue of moral injury, with its resemblance to but distinction from PTSD. The impact of religious trauma is discussed - ranging from micro-aggressions, homophobia and workplace discrimination to conversion therapy.

This section galvanised my own commitment to keep wearing Rainbow shields, keep including pronouns on my email signature, keep affirming the value of signage that extends safe welcome to gender and sexually-diverse people. That’s because such actions counter the traumatising micro-aggressions that have been the lived experience of so many on the receiving end of the church’s often tone-deaf moral messaging.

The final section provides hope, witnessing to the value that comes personally and missionally when officers are able to live and minister from an authenticity that integrates faith and identity. This was both humbling and reassuring. As Brad writes, ‘LGBTQ+ officers are in a unique position to teach and lead in The Salvation Army because of their understanding of God’s expansive grace and their affinity with people on the margins. Along with LGBTQ+ siblings in other denominations they enliven this grace as examples of sacrifice, resilience and love.’

There is a lot of ‘us’ talking about ‘them’ when it comes to sexuality across The Salvation Army and in the wider Christian church. Too much. This rare book shifts the conversation so that a largely - but thankfully not exclusively - hetero congregation might listen and, most importantly, learn. Because as Proverbs 18:13 says: ‘To answer before listening - that is folly and shame.’

Review kindly provided by

Major Christina Tyson (Territorial Secretary for Community Ministries, The Salvation Army New Zealand , Fiji, Tonga and SamoaTerritory)

Queer Blood and Fire – Spiritual Misfits Podcast Recap – LGBTIQA+ and Faith Communities

I had the privilege of joining Will Small on the Spiritual Misfits Podcast recently for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about my journey as a Salvation Army officer, researcher, and member of the LGBTIQA+ community. We explored the stories and research that led to my book, “Queer Blood and Fire”, and dug deep into the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ officers within the Salvation Army.

Our discussion covered the unique dual identity of The Salvation Army and what that means for those of us who exist at the intersection of faith, service, and identity. On the one hand it is beloved social service, ranked as the number 4 trusted charity in Australia (YouGov 2026), but also exists as a conservative evangelical church.

We then unpacked concepts like moral injury and religious trauma, and also the way that many queer people reveal the possibility of hope, the reality of their resilience, and the depth of their grace in the face of ongoing hostility.

As someone who has worked both inside and outside the institution, I shared about navigating complex systems, the importance of genuine allyship, and the power of authenticity. The stories I gathered for my research were often heavy, but every single person I spoke with also expressed hope - whether through finding their voice, supporting others, or reimagining what inclusive ministry can look like.

If you’re interested in the intersection of faith, identity, and justice - or want to understand more about the challenges and opportunities for LGBTQ+ people in religious contexts - I invite you to listen to this episode. My hope is that our conversation sparks deeper listening, reflection, and action, wherever you find yourself on this journey.

Listen to the episode on Spiritual Misfits Here:

My Book “Queer Blood and Fire” is available now:

Portraying hope and igniting change:

Queer voices from The Salvation Army come to life at queerbloodandfire.com

I am thrilled to announce the official launch of www.queerbloodandfire.com - a dedicated space for readers, faith communities, and allies to engage with a “remarkable and pathbreaking” book Queer Blood and Fire. (Not my words, for the record, but the kind review by a reader of the first text).

This new site features free downloadable discussion questions relating to each chapter of the book, perfect for book clubs, small groups, church settings, or personal reflection.

This website marks a significant milestone for the stories at the heart of Queer Blood and Fire. The book sheds light on the lived experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual and pansexual Salvation Army officers, offering a careful, research-based perspective that is honest about the movement’s history and past harms whilst holding hope for a more inclusive and affirming Salvation Army. While there have been individual testimonies and allyship publications in the past, this is the first documented study of LGBTIQ+ Salvation Army officers’ lived experiences.

The aim of publishing this work is to ensure it reaches a wider audience, sparking conversation and fostering understanding in faith communities and beyond. I hope that in doing so, we actually move beyond discussions about ‘inclusion,’ recognise that there are queer people already serving faithfully in the ranks of the Salvos, and that they have a lot to contribute to the theology and practice of the church.

Glen O’Brien, Professor of Christian Thought and History at the University of Divinity, Melbourne, and co-supervisor of the research which forms the basis of the book shares:

“Queer Blood and Fire is an important book. It positively explores the presence and contribution of gay and lesbian Salvation Army officers. Grounded in experience, it is the result of careful research and offers a clear theological rationale, not only for inclusion, but for receiving with gratitude the wisdom of Queer Salvationists. It boldly addresses the harms that have been caused through rejection while at the same time holding out hope for a fully affirming Salvation Army.”

Readers are already resonating with the book’s message. Susie from Western Australia writes:

“I don’t normally go in for heavy research academic texts, but yours has sucked me in and I am already 100 pages in.”

One friend from the UK said that by chapter four “it has made me sad and angry, and so it should.” Certainly, some sections make for a challenging read.

Queer Blood and Fire is connecting with readers worldwide with encouraging feedback around this timely work coming from both allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have a connection with The Salvation Army. Our hope is that this work encourages those in the minority to keep working towards justice, inclusion, and celebration of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

Ultimately, my vision is for The Salvation Army to move beyond statements and truly embody a culture of welcome so that every part of the organisation isn’t only motivated by external pressures, but truly loves, affirms and celebrates all people. Who-so-ever, as the olden day Salvos would say!

To join this important movement for change, visit www.queerbloodandfire.com. Here, you can order your own copy of Queer Blood and Fire at a special author discount and access resources to spark meaningful conversations in your community. You can also drop a comment, review or suggestion using the online form – I’d love to hear your thoughts.