I am beyond pleased to introduce Queerly Beloved Pottery, a heartfelt project born from my desire to support Queer youth in the church community. 50% of all net proceeds will be donated to causes that support this mission.

Those who know me understand how this endeavor has become an incredible way to integrate various parts of myself into a values-driven mission. For those who don’t, buckle up, it’s a wild story…

I was raised in a Catholic family in suburban Ohio and was passionately involved in my church community. At 18, I committed to attend an *extremely* Catholic university to study theology and catechetics, with hopes of eventually joining a convent (yes, I wanted to become a nun). Prior to attending, a friend shared a news article with me. To summarize the article, a group of Gay alumni raised concerns around a course the university was teaching called “deviant behavior” – and yes, homosexuality was categorized as deviant (alongside rape, incest, murder, etc.). In response, the university threatened legal action against the alumni, shutting down the discussion. Instantly, my world crumbled under my feet; without a second thought, I left the church and rejected my acceptance at the university.

Fast forward 12 years, and I am living happily out of the closet as a proud lesbian. I ended up studying studio art and art history and pursued theology in grad school, researching ascetic Orthodox iconographic traditions. Though I am personally no longer religious, I still hold a strong reverence for several religious practices, and I even have icons decorating mine and my girlfriend’s home.

I know firsthand how painful it is to lose the community one builds within the church, and I also know how beautiful the community is on the other side. I only wish I could have integrated the two as a teenager. Queerly Beloved Pottery was born from this desire, with a mission to foster acceptance, inclusivity, safety, and healing for Queer youth of faith.

50% of all net proceeds will be donated to causes aligned with this mission. I encourage you to consider purchasing a piece or two; your support means the world. Thank you, and thank God I’m Gay!

Explore the collection and join me in creating a more inclusive and loving community for all.