Queer Communion: Religion in Appalachia

"Communion is about more than truth. It's a holy coming together, an intimate exchange of love. . . . Communion, it seems, doesn't have to happen in the same space and time. Communion, it seems, is something altogether bigger."—Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. Queer Communion is a collection of twelve essays, poems, and stories that follows and fractures the expectations surrounding LGBTQIA+ Appalachians and their religious beliefs. Gathered by Davis Shoulders, the pieces delve into themes of chosen family, loss, congregation, and alternative expressions of faith. Set against the backdrop of Christian cultural mores and a region considered to be deeply pious, these writings offer diverse perspectives on religion, queerness, and growth. Queer Communion explores everything from the joy and excitement of worship to the complexities of navigating one's queerness and spiritual convictions in oppressive environments. The authors highlight their personal journeys, illuminating the ways in which folks find spirituality while confronting bigotry, loneliness, and fear. Queer Communion represents an act of creation, reclaiming and redefining faith in the face of changing beliefs and societal pressures.