We have heard them before in an angry tone. From the bustling roads, inside those public transportations, and even in televisions, preachers like to put that queerness and faith cannot coexist. However, for the queers, there’s a different side of divinity that people and religious homophobes always miss—that God loves and welcomes everyone as His diverse creation.
In this December issue of Metroscene Magazine, we highlighted that exploring identities often mirrors one’s self-love and spiritual connection. Suggesting that “coming out” for queer people of faith may also be akin to “accepting and embracing the fullness of who we truly are as God’s creation”. If anyone remembers, Oprah Winfrey declared this on live TV wayback 1997.
“Well I have a different view of Christian than you do. The God I serve doesn’t care whether you’re tall or short, whether you’re born black or asian, or gay… I believe God created her gay. I believe God did that… I support her right to be who think she is.” This declaration might be a heretical idea back then but that episode surprisingly had a rewind on my head during my exclusive interview with Paul Allen for Metroscene Magazine.
Paul Allen and the Faith of Queer Souls
From being a Tiktok icon to simply serving the OA queerness, Paul Allen really embodies that at the heart of anyone’s faith is one's' personal connection to God that no one can preach to you about what is right or wrong. Growing up under the catholic fold who also experienced limitations in self-expressions, Paul Allen believes that God himself will lead you to your people as you hold on to your faith.
“Huwag mo silang hayaang maging dahilan to question your faith. Hold on to that faith and let God find the community who have the same beliefs that celebrate and support who you are.” Paul Allen explained.
Paul Allen considers himself as faithful and has deep relation to God. Being raised in a catholic environment since young, he also experienced difficulties in expressing himself. Despite the long history of churches condemning the queer community, he still believes that there will be a time that the church will welcome everyone to be a blessed sanctuary of queer love declaration through marriage.
Paul Allen and The Faith of ‘Us’
If we think about it, queer community indeed applies what the preachers speak about love and compassion—to love without limitations, beyond the norms. As faith without love is ineffective, the queer community represents what it means to embrace the marginalized to the point that it applies what the scriptures are saying about loving your neighbors with steadfast love that is inclusive and ever-reaching.
When asked about faith spaces, Paul Allen emphasized the need for queer representation and teaching the new generation to have faith and be human.
“Representation is so important, especially today that we are raising a new generation of children. I think we should start educating children habang maaga pa. So that we can erase the invalidation and discrimination against lgbtq people that were present in churches for a very long time.” Paul Allen said.
In essence, representation can mean validation of queer experiences and support. It shows the possibilities of a better world without discrimination, creating a sense of belongingness, and fostering sympathy that everyone has more in common despite diversity under God’s eyes.
“I think queer people would be God's favorite to be honest. I mean being queer is hard already, especially sa lahat ng pinagdaanan natin. I think god would say na ‘I am proud of you for fighting and standing on who you are’ cause us queer people have been fighting for our rights ever since.” He added.
Start Closing the Altar’s Aisle, Move the People Together
Ultimately, Paul Allen believed in reconciliation and tearing down the barriers. Queers in faith spaces are also pushing back the exclusionary understanding of faith that caused harm to queer communities for centuries.
“I just hope that the barrier within faith communities and queer people ay tuluyan ng mawala and everyone should welcome anyone specially us queer people who just want to also believe and celebrate religion, kase ano ba naman ang mawawala? We are not trying to seclude everyone, we just want to be accepted.”
Simbang Gabi is not just a tradition and religious practice. For the community, Simbang Gabi is also a time for self reflection, love, and representing the diversity of faith. Embracing an accepting and more inclusive vision of His grace.
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Metrocene Mag December 2024 COVER: NANDITO NA KAMI
Featuring Sassa Gurl (@itssassagurl), NEO (@iceeneoo), Paul Allen (@saintpaulallen)
📍Shot at Rocket Design Studio (@rocketsets)
Special Thanks to
Chicken Chingu (@chickenchinguph)
