Gay and Catholic: Accepting My Sexuality, Finding Community, Living My Faith

Popular Catholic blogger Tushnet tries to forge a truce between the gay community and religious groups, often at war with one another, by explaining how, as a lesbian, she lives a celibate lifestyle that is consistent with official Catholic teaching about human sexuality and finds joy in doing so. The author is irreverent and has a sharp wit, making for appealing reading. Her polished writing style and humor move the autobiographical narrative along briskly. Her conversion from liberal atheist to traditional Catholic is fascinating and not overly pious. Struggling with alcoholism, she found solace in the Catholic Church, deep friendships, and faith, three themes to which she recurs. She also offers insights about faith that spiritual seekers will find helpful. While some might find the author's strict adherence to celibacy contrary to natural human desires, the message that all human beings have a vocation to love will appeal to everyone. (Oct.)