THE DIALOG RESUMES: AUTHOR CHRISTIAN DE LA HUERTA
Monday, November 9, 2009
6:00PM - 8:00PM
The Dialog Resumes:
Christian de la Huerta on Using Sexuality for Spiritual Growth
Cuban-born author Christian de la Huerta
("Coming Out Spiritually") views the LGBT community as particularly
prepared to bring about a spiritual change in society. Library Journal
sees this argument as a unique aspect of the author's work.
Distinguishing spirituality from organized religion, de la Huerta
emphasizes that "Spirituality and sexuality should be inseparable."
In
his return to Out Professionals, Christian provides a fresh outlook on
gay sexuality, emphasizing the need to reconnect and assert our
spiritual and sexual identities.
"Our culture provides us with little sense of awe, reverence or
respect for sex," the author maintains. "Yet in some indigenous
cultures and spiritual traditions, sex is seen as a valid path to
spiritual development, even to enlightenment."
Once, de la Huerta declares, "People we now call gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgendered, or simply queer were actually revered for
their roles of spiritual leadership. We were the shamans, the healers,
the visionaries, the mediators, the peacekeepers, the keepers of
beauty, the 'people who walk between the worlds.' Now, with our status
as outsiders, comes the responsibility to test waters and stretch
limits."
Along with author Judy Grahn ("Another Mother
Tongue: Gay Words, Gay Worlds"), Christian believes that one role for
the LGBT community is to hold up a mirror. "Society looks at what we're
doing, and then decides how much to embrace and how much to reject. We
are the catalysts, the forerunners. By reconnecting spirituality and
sexuality we gain a greater sense of our personal power."
A professional speaker, seminar leader and retreat facilitator
for almost two decades, de la Huerta is at work on a new book, "The
Soul of Power," intended principally to support women's empowerment.
Based in Miami (www.revolutionarywisdom.us),
he is founder and president of Q-Spirit, an organization aimed at
creating the conditions necessary for LGBT people to fully reclaim our
spiritual roles of service, leadership and community enrichment. He has
served as a consultant to a national nonprofit on issues of faith,
religion and morality.
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE FOR THIS EVENT!
Location: The LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St.
Admission: Nonmembers, $10. OP Members, just $5. RSVP thoughtful but not required; you're always welcome to just show up!
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