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.