In an episode of the podcast Curious Spirits, Matt Devine, a gay Catholic, shares his personal journey navigating his faith within the church. Hosted by Zoe Kourajian and produced by Cristian Murphy, this conversation delves into the complexities and challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face within religious institutions.
Matt Devine, an alumnus of Stanford Business School where he earned his MBA, first gained attention in 2022 with a testimonial on YouTube that highlighted his experiences as a gay man in the Catholic Church. The video received significant attention, prompting many responses and setting the stage for his detailed discussion with Kourajian.
The episode, produced by the Spirit Alive Institute in collaboration with U.S. Catholic, not only explores Devine's personal story but also reflects broader themes relevant to LGBTQ+ Catholics. The Spirit Alive Institute, directed by Sr. Maria Pascuzzi and supported by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, N.Y., aims to foster conversations that bridge faith and lived experiences.
During the podcast, Devine speaks candidly about his decision to "stay" in the Catholic Church despite the challenges he faces due to his sexuality. This mantra of staying active and engaged has been a guiding principle in other aspects of his life as well. His story touches on themes of resilience, identity, and the search for acceptance within religious institutions.
Listeners can access the conversation on Apple and Spotify, providing an intimate look into Devine's journey and offering insights into the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ identity. The episode stands as a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about inclusivity and acceptance within the church.
By sharing his story, Devine hopes to contribute to a broader understanding and foster a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in religious spaces. His experience serves as a personal testament to the power of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity.