The Forbidden Apple: LGBTQ+ SPIRITUALITY

Melissa Weisz
  • 4.7 (3)
  • RELIGION

Melissa Weisz, raised Hasidic in Brooklyn, and Pelayo Alvarez, raised Catholic in Spain, explore the complex relationship between queerness and religion through conversations with people who live at the intersection of both.

  1. 07/23/2024

    Reconciling Faith and Desire: with Dr Sara Glass

    In this episode, hosts Melissa and Zahra, are joined by Dr. Sara Glass, psychologist and author of Kissing Girls on Shabbat. Dr. Glass’s journey from an insular religious community to embracing her true self is both profound and inspiring. We delve into her personal experiences with coming out, going back into the closet, and ultimately finding self-acceptance. We also explore our journeys through arranged marriages within Muslim and Jewish communities, examining how these experiences shape our views on intimacy and desire. Together, we discuss the challenge of navigating our identities without traditional guidance and how we’re stepping into the role of becoming the elders we need for ourselves and others. Tune in to hear how her role as a therapist and her work with clients shape her writing in Kissing Girls on Shabbat. Learn more about Dr. Glass and her work at drsaraglass.com. Follow her on Instagram @drsaraglass.

    40 min

  2. 06/03/2024

    Navigating Family and Tradition with Melissa Weisz & Zahra Ladak

    In this episode of The Forbidden Apple Podcast, hosts Melissa Weisz and Zahra Ladak discuss navigating family and tradition as queer folks raised in religious homes. Though they come from different faiths—Zahra from a Muslim home and Melissa from a Chasidic Jewish home—their paths are very much aligned. They share how they've become each other's family and explore how to build a home that doesn’t look like the traditional home.

    22 min
  3. Welcome our new Co-host Zahra Ladak

    04/19/2024

    Welcome our new Co-host Zahra Ladak

    Melissa Weisz, born and raised a Chasidic Jew welcomes new cohost Zahra Ladak, a Muslim born and raised in the US with deep East African/ Indian roots.  Throughout this season, Melissa and Zahra will discuss the parallels they've discovered in their lives. Expect engaging discussions on the complexities of navigating queerness and religious identity. From the meaning of home to the challenges of living between two worlds, we're here to spark thought-provoking conversations that challenge norms and broaden perspectives.

    7 min

  4. 06/20/2022

    Becoming an LGBT Global faith leader - Bishop Joseph Tolton (Part II)

    In Part II of this Episode, Bishop Tolton talks about his mission of creating Interconnected Justice (ICJ)- a global racial justice movement in which the continent of Africa and its diaspora build an ecosystem of self-defined and determined advocacy. Bishop Tolton works directly with leaders to build integrated justice movements connecting activists with civil society advocates, media professionals, academics, and political leaders. Bishop Tolton opens our eyes to the “invisible” influences of the West that jeopardize LGBTQ rights in Africa. You can contact Bishop Tolton and check out his mission here: https://icjustice.org/ http://tfamglobal.org/

    1h 4m

  5. 06/12/2022

    Becoming an LGBT Global faith leader - Bishop Joseph Tolton (Part I)

    Bishop Joseph Tolton is a legendary global faith leader and the Founder and President of Interconnected Justice - a global racial justice movement in which the continent of Africa and its diaspora build an ecosystem of self-defined and determined advocacy. Bishop Tolton shares the complexities of growing up in Harlem as a promising preacher kid with an inner conflict: feeling the devil had planted the seed of homosexuality as part of his spiritual journey. Bishop Tolton opens about about his journey from going through exoricisms to try to rid himself of the "devil", to coming to a place of self acceptance and embracing his sexuality.    You can contact Bishop Tolton and check out his mission here: https://icjustice.org/ http://tfamglobal.org/

    59 min

  6. 06/06/2022

    A Queer Feminist Activist - Dr. Stella Nyanzi

    The inimitable Dr. Stella Nyanzi is a Ugandan queer feminist activist, human rights advocate, poet, medical anthropologist, and scholar of sexuality, family planning, and public health. At the time of our recording, Stella speaks to us from Kenya where she is taking refuge due to the current regime in Uganda where she is unsafe as a very vocal opposition. Stella shares with us about her work being a vocal activist. She talks about her time in prison and using her body and sexuality as a means of protest. Listen till the end to hear Dr. Stella read a poem that she wrote while in prison.

    1h 23m

  7. 05/31/2022

    Raising the voice of sexual violence survivors with Mary Muthui TW Sexual Violence

    Mary Muthui is a human rights activist from Kenya. She shares the stigma and violence she faced being noticeably queer, and what gave her the strength and courage to fight for herself and others. Mary talks to us about the practice of corrective rape- which is unfortunately common practice against LGBTQ individuals specifically lesbians. Mary survived this sexual violence against her and is an outspoken activist trying to end this practice often putting herself at risk to help others. Mary’s home is open 24/7 to victims of sexual violence and is often the first stop for those needing medical help, food, safety, and support.  Listen to learn more about the lifesaving work she does singlehandedly.  You can support Mary by donating here through Paypal: mmuthui26@yahoo.com

    31 min

  8. 05/22/2022

    A Media Pioneer from Angola - Coréon Dú

    Coréon Dú is an award-winning Angolan recording artist, creative director, designer, screenwriter and producer.  Coréon shares how he started creating much-needed entertainment for folks his own age in Angola, and how he became a leading voice on the forefront of change with his revolutionary content. We discuss the far-reaching impact his work has had on the representation of the LGBTQ community in Angola and beyond. Listen to hear Coréon share how he incorporates his love of Africa into everything he does.

    1h 4m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Melissa Weisz, raised Hasidic in Brooklyn, and Pelayo Alvarez, raised Catholic in Spain, explore the complex relationship between queerness and religion through conversations with people who live at the intersection of both.

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