Spirited: Affirming the Soul And Black Gay/lesbian Identity

by G. Winston James (Editor), Lisa C. Moore (Editor)

Literary Nonfiction. African American Studies. LGBT Studies. Finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in Spirituality. SPIRITED: AFFIRMING THE SOUL AND BLACK GAY/LESBIAN IDENTITY is a collection of essays that centers on the relationships between spirituality, religion and self-acceptance.

Genres: LGBT, Queer, Spirituality, Essays

391 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

ever get a hold of one of those books where, after you check it out from the library and start reading it, you *KNOW* you have to get your own copy? i'm pleased to say that i now have my own copy! it's a right-on-time book that i needed to read to reaffirm my past & present paths to spirituality. it's been wonderful to read so many varying accounts of truly personal connections with the Creator, and i've gotten the most affirmation in the essays that paralleled my own journey.

while i've found the entire book enjoyable so far, these specific essays are the ones that have really stood out to me:
interlude #21: the road to Higher Power by sharon bridgforth
At the End of My Suffering... by C.C. Carter
The Journey to Myself by Tonda Clarke
Buddha on the Land by Mona de Vestel
Love Lessons by Elisa Durrette
Shamanism: My Path of Self-Discovery by Anthony Farmer
The Voodoo That We Do: Discovering My Sexual/Political/Spiritual Self by Kenyon Farrow
A Nation Divided by Clarence J. Fluker
Why I Am a Heathen by Tracee Ford
Regardless of or Despite the Church I Love Myself: One Lesbian's Opinion by Diane Foster
I Hate God by Steven G. Fullwood
Same Spirit by Dorothy Harris
Testify: A Spiritual Trek to Irawo Omi by Michaela Harrison
The Simple Truth by G. Winston James
A Connection to the Divine by Jaija Langley
Still Waters Run Deep by Earthlyn Marselean Manuel
Taking the Reins by Jorhan Mbonisi

[JW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bookend for me, following after Christian De La Huerta's, "Coming Out Spiritually", and could have easily been called (for me) "Coming Out Black and Spiritual!". This collection of spiritual journeys from protestant and catholic Christian to Buddhist to Ifa presents living a testimony of our collective identity and spiritual LGBTI people.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intense. This book pushes the limits of the traditional church system and explores the confinement that many face within their own religions. This book also places a serious look at the black church and harsh treatment of many GLBT members.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mint julips on a summer night in the deep south! Refreshing and well delivered - great read, and very timely!

[Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Expected more.