What happens when you're queer, raised Catholic, and called to theology? In this episode of Spirituali-TEA, we’re serving a full pot with Dr. Ish Ruiz—Puerto Rican theologian, ethics professor, and specialist in Latinx and queer decolonial theology.
Dr. Ish takes us on his personal journey from devout Catholic altar boy to PhD-holding professor reshaping what it means to be queer and faithful. We explore what it looks like to walk away from religion, why some of us are called back, and how reclaiming spirituality can be both rebellious and healing. He shares the moment he nearly closed the door on faith after falling for someone burned by it—and what made him knock again, years later, with a deeper thirst for truth.
Things get real as we dig into whether being gay is a sin, how Jesus’ silence on queerness speaks volumes, and why the word homosexual didn’t even exist when the Bible was written. We stir the pot around being “born this way” versus choosing queerness unapologetically, the colonial wounds embedded in Latin American Catholicism, and whether hell is just spiritual blackmail.
Dr. Ish invites us to see Jesus as a radical queer icon who broke rules, blurred boundaries, and defied every label put on him—human, divine, or otherwise. We reflect on sin, grace, intimacy, and how faith can be rebuilt not just for queer people, but by them.
This episode is tender, fiery, controversial, and rooted in a deep desire for spiritual freedom. Whether you're clinging to the rosary or tossing it in the fire, this one’s for you.
🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.
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✨ Connect with Dr. Ish Ruiz and His Work ✨
Dr. Ish is changing the narrative around faith, queerness, and decolonial theology—and you can dive deeper into his world here:
📘 Read His Book LGBTQ Educators in Catholic Schools: A Framework for Inclusivity Available on Amazon
🌐 Learn More About His Work Graduate Theological Union: www.psr.edu Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion: www.clgs.psr.edu
📩 Reach Out Directly Email: iruiz@psr.edu | iruiz@clgs.edu
📱 Follow Him on Facebook facebook.com/ish.ruiz
Whether you’re looking to challenge old beliefs, explore faith with nuance, or just feel seen in your spiritual journey—Dr. Ish is a brilliant resource, scholar, and compassionate guide.