By Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.

Third century Roman martyrs, Saints Sergius and Bacchus, are believed to have been lovers martyred for their faith.

 Likewise, Joan of Arc, who famously and consistently adopted men’s clothing, is frequently discussed in contemporary scholarship through the lens of gender expansiveness.

 Blessed Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos y de Sena in the 13th century had a vision of Jesus visiting him and calling Bernardo his husband!

 St. Brigid, a nun, eventually became Ireland’s most famous female saint. She took a nun, Darlughdach, as a “soul friend.” The two grew so close they shared a bed and they are today revered in parts of the world as lesbian saints.

 A 17th-century Ethiopian saint, Walatta Petros, described her longtime relationship with noblewoman turned nun Eheta Kristos. The two lived together, and while both had taken vows of celibacy, they openly proclaimed a romantic love for each other.  

These modern identifications of ancient church figures serve to acknowledge the fluidity of pre-modern identity and foster greater inclusivity within faith traditions. The stories of these re-contextualized saints provide historical affirmation, demonstrating that spiritual devotion and holiness have always manifested across the full, complex spectrum of human identity. 

November 1st is All Saints Day. Remember that “All” in All Saints means “all” and includes LGBTQ people of faith.

Bishop Dr. Durrell Watkins is the Senior Minister of Fort Lauderdale’s Sunshine Cathedral.