Out author to visit Denver and Boulder for new book, ‘God vs. Gay?’

Jay Michaelson’s relationship with God began when he came out.

While the author of God vs. Gay? believed he could get closer to God by hiding his homosexuality and trying to pray away the gay, he admits that it actually drew a deeper wedge between him and his Creator. In his latest book, Michaelson explores the fallacy that the Bible condemns gays. In his opinion, the Bible proves that divinity lies in the truth about our sexuality.

“Out of 31,500 passages in the Bible, five are about homosexuality,” Michaelson said. “And even those five can be translated to mean other things. Why are we concentrating on them? The Bible has a lot more to say about equality, respect and compassion.”

Michaelson will discuss his findings and his own journey at two upcoming events in Denver and Boulder later this month.

First, Michaelson will be a keynote speaker at the Faithful Conversations: Building Support for LGBTQ People and Allies in Religious Communities conference, April 22. The conversation series, presented by the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado and the One Colorado Education Fund, and co-sponsored by Keshet and Nehirim, will kick off at 1 p.m. at the Park Hill United Methodist Church, 5209 E. Montview Blvd.

“The conference is a gathering for LBGTQ people of faith, goodwill, and allies to build relationships, engage in challenging conversations, enhance and build skills for advocacy, and empower faith communities to support LGBTQ inclusion,” said Jeremy Shaver, director of the Interfaith Alliance.

Registration is $25, which includes dinner. You must register online by April 17 at www.one-colorado.org/faith-conference.

Then at April 23 at 7 p.m., Michaelson will deliver another lecture at the Boulder Jewish Community Center, 3800 Kalmia Ave. There will be a meet-and-greet reception at 5:30 p.m., donations encouraged.

“We are delighted to bring Jay Michaelson to Boulder for this unique and powerful perspective on the religious case for LGBT equality,” Aicila Lewis of Out Boulder said. “Too long we have let a minority of loud, homophobic religious voices keep us from embracing our spiritual lives and experiences. People like Jay stand as an important beacon of the truth – that religion and spirituality are a foundation for our equality not a barrier to it.”

On the Web at http://jaymichaelson.net