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: