The Forbidden Apple

  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.          

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. 

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. 

After narrating his adventurous life in the last episode, Bishop Tolton introduces us to his mission in life as being the driving force behind the global racial justice movement in which the continent of Africa and its diaspora build an ecosystem of self-defined and determined advocacy.   Bishop Tolton narrates the life-changing event in which he decided to abandon his life in America and go to Africa to fight for LGBTQ rights.   He opens our eyes as he shares the dark intentions of white evangelical groups from the US in Africa.    Bishop Tolton works directly with leaders to build integrated justice movements connecting activists with civil society advocates, media professionals, academics, and political leaders.   Listen to learn how the “invisible” influences of the west jeopardize LGBTQ rights in Africa and to hear his vision on the future of the African queer community.   You can contact Bishop Tolton and check out his mission here: https://icjustice.org/ http://tfamglobal.org/

Bishop Joseph Tolton is a legendary global faith leader and the Founder and President of Interconnected Justice. 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/

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.

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

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. 

Val Kalende is an activist and a founding member of Uganda's LGBTQ MOVEMENT. Val helped launch Freedom and Roam Uganda-FARUG. She shares how taking the risk to be visible has paid off in making Uganda safer for LGBTQ folks. Val opens up about her journey of going back into the closet after being a vocal LGBTQ activist to undergo conversion therapy. Her journey is one of struggle and hope and finally coming to full acceptance of her queerness.  Find Val on Fb @Val Kalende To learn more about Val : https://76crimes.com/2022/02/02/unchanged-a-lesbian-christians-journey-through-ex-gay-life/

Edafe Okporo is a global gay rights activist, the founder of Refuge America, and one of the most visible voices on the issue of displacement.   Edafe grew up in Nigeria where religion played an important role in his childhood.  Edafe shares how he was guided to pray the gay away and how he became a pentecostal pastor in this effort.  An interaction with an older closeted priest made him realize he was in for a life of suffering and needed to come out to live an authentic life.   Edafe talks about becoming an advocate and getting involved in LGBTQ organizations after losing many friends to AIDS due to homophobic laws and stigmas which prevent many from getting tested and treated.   Due to this work, Edafe was the victim of violence from anti- LGBTQ groups in Nigeria which resulted in him seeking asylum in the US to save his life.    Edafe tells us more about the asylum seeking process and how and why he created Refuge America to help the many LGBTQ refugees who come to the US to live safely.    He is the author of ASYLUM, A Memoir & Mainfesto, a poignant memoir and urgent call to action for immigration justice, out June 2022.   https://www.edafeokporo.com/book   https://www.refugeamerica.org/

Aderonke is a Nigerian LGBTQ Activist and the founder of African Rainbow Family charity- a UK-Based organization that supports LGBTIQ people of African heritage and the wider Black and Asian Minority Ethnic groups.  Aderonke was born and raised in Nigeria where being gay is illegal. When she was found to be a lesbian she suffered intense persecution. Aderonke fled to the UK to seek asylum. Despite fearing imprisonment and death in her country, Aderonke was not believed and she languished in the asylum system for years with her claim being repeatedly refused by the UK authorities. After a 13-year long battle Aderonke was finally granted refugee status. Aderonke shares how she has used her journey, and the tools she learned struggling to get refugee status, to now  provide services for others through her charity which supports LGBTIQ refugees and people seeking asylum and campaigns for global LGBTIQ equality - standing against hate crimes and supporting communities who face constant harassment, hate crimes and discrimination heaped on them by an ignorant society because of their sexuality or sexual preferences and or gender identity. You can support the African Rainbow Family charity here: https://africanrainbowfamily.org/

Luzie talks about her struggle growing up as a Lesbian in Kenya. She opens up about the spiritual violence she suffered and being made to believe that it's demonic to be attracted to the same sex. Luzie shines a light on how gay clubs become a safe haven for many LGBTQ folks- drinking to numb the pain- and even more dire, using it as place to sleep when they become homeless once they're rejected and kicked out of their homes. Luzie also shares about being shunned from her family at the same time that she is the sole caretaker for her mom who has dementia. She hopes to be a pastor one day to other LGBTQ folks in Kenya so they don't have to suffer like she has. Paypal info to help Luzie care for her elderly mom and her daily expenses: marienganga35@gmail.com

Ezra Chitando is a Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Zimbabwe and co-author of “Reimagining Christianity and Sexual Diversity in Africa”.  Ezra serves as Theology Consultant on HIV and AIDS with EHAIA, the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy, of the World Council of Churches. Ezra talks about the importance of diversity of opinions and how education helps in the fight to bring about equal rights for LGBTQ folks.  Ezra speaks of his work educating about African indigenous spiritual practices and their accepting views on gender and sexuality as opposed to the oppressive teaching christianity brought about to their region. Buy his most recent book  “Reimagining Christianity and Sexual Diversity in Africa” co-authored with Adriaan van Klinken : https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/reimagining-christianity-and-sexual-diversity-in-africa/#!/ Learn more about Ezra:  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_Chitando

Cedric Tchante is an activist, marketing coordinator and blogger from Cameroon, currently living in San Francisco.    Cedric talks about growing up in Cameroon where being gay is illegal. He shares how he became a vocal activist and appeared in the documentary “Born This Way”.  A first in Cameroon, this documentary showed the faces of LGBTQ folks talking about their sexuality.    With the documentary making national news, Cedric was the target of harassment and violent attacks. It was only when his loved ones were threatened that Cedric knew he must leave Cameroon and claim asylum.    Listen to hear Cedric share his experience of being a refugee in America.    You can learn more about Cedric here: https://www.huffpost.com/author/cedric-tchante   To watch the documentary “Born this way” visit: https://www.bornthiswaydocumentary.com/

Katlego Kai Kolanyane-Kesupile is a performance artist, musician, writer and LGBT artivist from Botswana. She is known for being the first public figure from Botswana to openly identify as trans. Katlego is also the first-ever TED Fellow from Botswana.  Katlego talks about the biggest misconceptions from the western media about LGBTQ folks in Botswana.  She shares her personal journey and talks passionately about the narrative for trans people that exists in Africa and how their identities are not justified by the politics of surgery.  Listen to hear how Kat sees God in everything, and what she means by “Deputy Jesus”. To learn more about Katlego visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katlego_Kai_Kolanyane-Kesupile To follow her journey visit her website: https://kkolkes.wixsite.com/kkolkes

Ssenfuka Joanita Warry (Biggie) is the Executive Director of Freedom and Roam Uganda FARUG which is a Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer diverse persons and women's rights organization based in Uganda.  FARUG's mission is to strengthen and mobilize the voice, visibility, and collective organizing power of LBQ womxn in order to change the norms, institutions, policies, and practices that perpetuate inequality, homophobia, hetero normativity and violence in both the public and private arenas. Biggie shares the life-saving work FARUG does on a daily basis including teaching the queer community how to navigate the laws in Uganda which still criminals homosexuality. Biggie breaks down how Christianity is used as a perpetrator of violence to the LGBTQ community. BIGGIE ALSO chairs  LGBTQ Catholics- faithful souls Uganda to counter hateful speech from the church and have a safe religious space and a support group.  FARUG is currently looking for help with getting binders and other devices(which are not yet accessible in Uganda) for the trans men in their community. You can help FARUG by contacting them here: https://www.faruganda.org/contact-us/

Bis Alimi is a Nigerian gay rights activist, public speaker, blog writer, and HIV/LGBT advocate who gained international attention when he became the first Nigerian to come out on television. Bisi shares about how coming out on tv caused him to be driven out of his country and shaped his life and the legacy he is creating. He also opens up about his struggles and the journey he went through to become an advocate for others so they don't have to go through what he did. He talks about reconnecting with his ancestral spirituality once he started university and what inspired him.  Bisi is the Executive Director of Bisi Alimi Foundation https://www.bisialimifoundation.org/ which advocates for LGBT rights in Nigeria and a co-founder and director of Rainbow Intersection, https://mobile.twitter.com/UKIntersection  a forum for discussions of queer identity, religion, and race as well as co-founder of https://www.kaleidoscopetrust.com/  a nonprofit organization that campaigns for the human rights of LGBT+ people in countries where they are discriminated against. Listen to hear how a teddy bear is what Bisi finds most spiritual.  Please bear with us as the connection was weak but we couldn't pass up this conversation.

After two years of exploring the relationship between LGBTQ people and religion, TFA is traveling abroad.  In this new season we amplify LGBTQ voices from African countries. We will hear from people who have survived gender-based violence and corrective rape, live with HIV in Africa, and those who risked their lives to work towards legalizing homosexuality in their countries.  They share these stories to bring light to these issues, teach us about the impact of colonialism and neo-colonialism, and to get support for their local organizations to change the narrative of LGBTQ people in Africa where in many places homosexuality is still criminalized. You can now listen to these stories weekly at the Forbidden Apple Podcast available on all streaming platforms.

On this final episode of The Nuanced Series, your hosts look back on the lessons learned throughout this season. From listening to others perspectives to giving ourselves permission to think differently, Melissa and Pelayo discuss how to engage in difficult yet meaningful conversations. Thank you all so much for listening. The Forbidden Apple Podcast will be back in the fall . Follow us @thhttps://www.instagram.com/theforbiddenapplepodcast Follow Pelayo's Youtube comedy series  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpEfkPbDsE5cHYMxnHDUhA

Singer/songwriter Grace Semler Baldridge shares with us their journey from being a preacher's kid to charting on Christian music charts as an openly queer artist. Grace shares how they deconstructed and reconstructed their faith coming out stronger on the other side with a deeper and more connected spirituality. We discuss music, inspiration and relationships.  Follow Semler @ https://www.instagram.com/gracebaldridge/?hl=en https://twitter.com/gracebaldridge?lang=en

Melissa sits down with Rabbi James, Director of social justice programming at CBST to discuss being a queer liberal Jew in 2021. We discuss how it may seem at odds to stand up for more than one people's pain and our steadfast belief that all people should be free and live safely without fear. We discuss the harmful stereotypes about the Jewish people, the rise in antisemitism, and how it mutates from generation to generation often under the guise of social justice movements. Melissa and Rabbi James talk about “Tikkun Olam”- healing the world, and the use of poetry in the Torah as a way that the Jewish people have dealt with persecution for generations. Rabbi James talks about the need to develop relationships across borders and shares practical advice on how to deal with our fears and pain and turn it into love and connection. Listen and inspire change. https://cbst.org/content/rabbi-marisa-elana-james-director-social-justice-programming    https://twitter.com/marisaelana?lang=en 

Melissa and Pelayo discuss 2021 pride and the decision of the organization that runs New York's Pride to ban cops from the parade. Do you feel safer without cops at the pride parade? We wanna hear from our community so let us know your thoughts on this via our Instagram @theforbiddenapplepodcast or email info@theforbiddenapplepodcast.com  Sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

What if the word homosexual was never meant to be in the bible? Sharon Rocky Roggio, producer and director of the documentary film 1946 joins us to discuss the film that chronicles how the misuse of a single word changed the course of modern history. Rocky also shares her personal struggle and her complex relationship with her dad, a conservative pastor, and her hope that this film heals and prevents further pain for LGBTQ folks. 1946 the movie: https://www.1946themovie.com  https://www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Penny Cost, a drag queen in the process of getting ordained by the Methodist Church, shares how her ordination has caused “chaos” in the church. While she has received support from her church she has also received backlash from conservative Methodists. Penny wants to use drag and carnivalesque performance to transform the church into a more accepting and welcoming space for LGBT folks. Check out Ms. Penny Cost journey( Isaac Simmons (he/his) out of drag) on her IG page:

 https://www.instagram.com/mspennycost/ Sink your teeth into.... The Forbidden Apple  

Ross Murray from GLAAD, Yass, Jesus! podcast and the Naming Project is back on the pod! His new book ”Made, Known, Loved” shows congregations how to create a program that affirms LGBTQ youth. How can we transform religious spaces into more welcoming environments and guide future leaders? Listen to find out! Order this important book. Find it anywhere you buy your books and on www.rossmurray.org  Check out www.thenamingproject.org   https://www.yassjesuspod.com/    www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Today are joined by our favorite comedian Carolyn Bergier host of the podcast "Dyking Out". We discuss all things comedy: The limits, the pitfalls, and how smart comedy can be used for social change. Carolyn breaks down how to broach difficult topics with humor. Listen for a good time and expert advice. www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com  www.patreon.com/theforbiddenapple 

Pelayo brings you a rant on the Catholic Church statement on same-sex unions and their impossibility to bless them.  An answer to their "unjust discriminations" and being "unable to bless sin". This statement comes shortly after Pope Francis mentioning homosexuals are children of God and have a right to a family, If you have enjoyed this feel free to check out Pelayo's channel www.youtube.com/pelayoaf   www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com www.patreon.com/theforbiddenapple 

Your hosts are joined by Rev. Liz Edman, queer priest, and author of “Queer Virtue”, to discuss the latest statement from the Vatican on Same-sex Unions. We talk about the let down many of us feel about this statement and the need to unite to continue the fight. Liz explains the cycle of reformation of religious institutions every 500 years and shares her personal experience on creating change within orthodox institutions. We close off with advice on how as queer people we can move forward in challenging the status quo. Spotlight of the day: Minoritea report podcast. Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/theforbiddenapple Reclaim your spirituality: www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com

Continuing with our "nuanced series" we discuss how to build your own spiritual toolbox.' Your hosts Pelayo and Melissa unpack the difference between appropriation vs appreciation. The question of the hour is " how do we learn from others and apply it in a respectful way to our lives? We look forward to hearing your thoughts! Remember to leave us a 5 stars review and send us your questions to our Instagram @theforbiddenapplepodcast

Melissa and Pelayo talk about the phenomenon of the “ex-gay’ and the effects it has on LGBTQ+ community. Can we live our truth without judging others or does our truth affect our humanity as a whole? How do we have nuanced conversations around things we are ideologically opposed to? We discuss this and more in this episode. More questions than answers but we’re doing it - having these tough conversations. As @glennondoyle says “ we can do hard things” Please join these conversations We wanna hear from you so send us your opinions and thoughts to info@theforbiddenapplepodcast or to our IG @theforbiddenapplepodcast

Join Pelayo and Melissa as they share the details of their new series "the Forbidden Apple Around the world: Africa". We will hear from people who have survived gender-based violence and corrective rape, live with HIV in Africa, and those who risked their lives to work towards legalizing homosexuality in their countries. They share these stories to bring light to these issues, teach us about the impact of colonialism and get support for their local organizations to change the narrative of LGBT people in Africa where in many places homosexuality is still criminalized. Coming out in February 2021. For more updates and early access check out: www.patreon.com/theforbiddenapple www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Pelayo and Melissa close a year full of meaningful queer stories and share the Forbidden Apple’s plans for the New Year. In the meantime check out our previous seasons: LGBTQ finding meaning in art. LGBTQ Voices in recovery. Can you be religious and queer? LBGTQ Clergy and interfaith leaders. Leaders and advocates for the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ leaving ultra-orthodox communities. The old-age/ new-age movement. Conversations with your hosts! Thanks for the support during this year, enjoy your holidays and we cannot wait to see you in 2021. www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com www.pelayoaf.com www.melissaweisz.com

Chris DiMeglio is a meditation teacher and professional musician. He opens up about the interconnections between coming out and starting his meditation practice. Chris shares how the work of Byron Katie and Shinzen Young help him when he’s in a stressful mindset and remind him to just observe and not identify with his thoughts. Meditate with Chris: http://www.chrisdimegliomeditation.com/classes Sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com

We welcome Gaby Dunn,  author, comedian, you-tuber, and fellow podcaster from "Bad with Money" and "Just Between Us" Gaby shares how ritual, culture, history, and dark humor connects her to her Judaism. We discuss separatism, generational trauma, and how antisemitism is on the rise. Gaby talks about why she started her podcast “Bad with Money” and the harmful stereotypes associated with Jews. Listen to learn more. Follow Gaby @GabyRoad https://www.gabyandallison.com/ Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com

Mandi Rice is a chaplain and founder of the Queerituality project. Mandi traveled around the US, with her project Queerituality, interviewing folks who were trying to reconcile their queerness and spirituality. She attended Harvard Divinity School, and after 16 years of reconciling her queerness and faith, she was able to find a community where she belonged, completing her "confirmation" as a Christian, on her own terms. For more on Mandi’s journey check out : http://queerituality.com/mandi-rice Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Brit Barron talks about her journey from being raised in an Evangelical mega-church to coming out after falling in love. Brit shares “behind-the-scenes” information about the church's positions on LGBTQ inclusion and the misleading language they use to come across as "accepting". Listen for some great advice on how we can use the strength it takes to hide, to become fully realized, and to choose freedom over fear.   https://britbarron.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Worth-Overcome-Your-Fears-Embrace/dp/1506463274 Don't forget to sink your teeth into...    www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com   

David Djemal is an Israeli-British actor, theatre creator, and activist. He brings humor to his work to portray important issues. David shares the struggles of being LGBTQ in his traditional religious home, as well as being religious in the LGBTQ community. David is committed to increasing representation and co-created “The Jewish Cabaret” a theatre collective. David co-wrote the musical “Cafe named desire” which has toured Internationally. Follow David and his work @ https://www.thejewishcabaret.com/cafenameddesire https://instagram.com/dzeividz?igshid=1c4pf1kegf117   If you like our stories and would like to listen to more awesome episodes of LGBT folks we recommend "Out Loud: LGBT Stories of Faith" hosted by Greg Thompson. https://gregthompsonmedia.com/out-loud    Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com   

Colin Bedell "Queer Cosmos" shares how astrology helps him in his spiritual life. We talk about how science works hand in hand with astrology. We discuss the importance of accessible language and the dangers of gatekeeping. Colin shares how using the principles of “A Course in Miracles" can help us to heal, connect with ourselves and with society. Visit Colin's website: https://www.queercosmos.com/ Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Digital-media darling, Phillip Picardi, joins us to share his spiritual journey from growing up in a Catholic home to starting his podcast “Unholier Than Thou.” Phil shares the important role media played in his own coming out and how he now works to ensure more positive queer representation in the media. We talk privilege and the process of starting “them” at "Teen Vogue" and how Anna Wintour championed for him. “Unholier Than Thou” is now available on Crooked Media : https://crooked.com/podcast-series/unholier-than-thou/  To follow Phillip Picardi: https://www.instagram.com/pfpicardi/?hl=en  Don't forget to sink your teeth into: www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com  

Y-Love is a rapper and activist who has created Tribe Herald, a space for Jews of color. He opens up about feeling he was Jewish at a young age and the challenges of converting. Y-Love shares how at his highest professional point, as a recognized rapper, he was going through a low personal point, after being outed by one of the community members. Y-Love is now dedicated to creating representation for Jews of color and LGBTQ folks.   https://tribeherald.com/author/ylove613/  Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Rev. Yolanda and, Rev. Glen Ganaway join us to discuss their ministry "The Mighty Companions” a ministry that hosts weekly meetings to discuss lessons from "A Course in Miracles" and  "Church of the 2 Drink Minimum" a monthly spiritual cabaret. Rev. Yolanda shares her personal journey of coming to terms with her identity as trans femme and genderqueer.  Her partner Rev. Glen discusses how he supported her through this transition while they were both in seminary. You cannot miss this episode where we will sing along to Rev Yolanda's anthem “I love myself”. Check out all the super-powerful songs from Rev. Yolanda: https://yolanda.net/ Do you have some extra time?  Leave us a review! www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Jay Malksy, comedian and entertainer, shares their experience as a gay and non-binary practicing Catholic. Jay came out in Catholic high school and was supported by the LBGTQ group run by a priest at school. We discuss the complex progress of LGBTQ rights in the Catholic Church. https://linktr.ee/gaymalsky  @GayMalksy www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Pelayo and Melissa discuss what brings them joy and how they find their voice during these uncertain times. As we enter our 6th month of the global pandemic we wanted to share methods we find useful to stay present and connected to our own inner truth. Extra! Extra! Extra! Pelayo has launched his youtube channel Pelayo A.F., where he focuses on spirituality, creativity, and working through emotions with a fun twist. Subscribe to Pelayo’s channel here: https://youtu.be/ZjVSVZ0XW-0 

Casper ter Kuile, Harvard Divinity School fellow, is the host of "Harry Potter & the Sacred text", author of the book of “The Power of Ritual” and founder of “Sacred Design Lab”. We discuss how to discover connection, meaning, and purpose through the power of ritual. Casper also assesses the complex structure of spirituality as well as where he sees the future of religion. Join our conversation to learn how to uncover the rituals you already have and ensure they have a transformative effect in your life. Learn more about rituals: https://www.caspertk.com/ Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Ethan Roberts shares how his journey took him to seminary and to eventually become a chaplain in the trans unit on Rikers Island. Ethan opens up about his own spiritual injury and journey of healing and how he creates trust with the people he helps in jail. We also discuss ways Ethan unwinds and practices self-care to avoid burn out. This episode is released in memory of Layleen Polanco who died at Rikers Island on June 7, 2019 in solitary confinement. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/26/nyregion/layleen-polanco-rikers-transgender-death.html You can contact Ethan @imagodeifag www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

Singer/songwriter, Ryan Cassata, shares his journey of losing touch with religion after he came out as trans. After feeling spiritually sick he found a mentor whose powerful words helped him realize that being queer and religious can coexist. As a result, Ryan found healing and reconnected with his faith. Listen to hear Ryan's advice on how to be true to yourself and how to use your struggles to help others. http://www.ryancassata.com/music Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

We had the honor to speak with Rev. Troy Perry who is a gay rights activist, and founder of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). MCC started with 12 people in Perry’s home and has grown to have a presence in 37 countries with 222 affiliated churches. Rev. Perry who has been invited to the white house 5 times, talks to us about organizing the first pride in Los Angeles. He shares how he used prayer and friendship to empower him to fight towards LGBTQ equality for all these years. https://www.mccchurch.org/overview/history-of-mcc/ Don't forget to sink your teeth into: www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

We are joined by Sushant Divgikar aka Rani KoHEnur, "Mr. Gay India", who was recently featured as the first Indian drag queen on "Forbes 30 Under 30" Asia. Sushant talks about building their career with no representation and paving a path for others to follow. They share how hatred and criticism made them stronger. Sushant also clears up some misconceptions the west has of the Hindu religion. https://www.instagram.com/sushantdivgikr/?hl=en Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

We are honored to have Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson, a multidisciplinary author with years of experience working in the intersection of politics and spirituality. Jay is also a teacher and editor at Ten Percent Happier. Jay shows us how paganism is present in "Burning Man" and hidden in many normative religious practices. He shares his thoughts on the future of spirituality and gives us actionable tools on being mindful and present as we progress through the opening stages of the pandemic. Tune in to learn about the correlations between pride and being truthful to oneself. To learn about Jay's work: https://www.jaymichaelson.net/ https://www.tenpercent.com/  Don't forget to sink your teeth into... www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com 

To our new and old listeners welcome to this space of radical acceptance! It has been a whole year and we wanted to take this moment to reintroduce ourselves. We are Pelayo Alvarez and Melissa Weisz.  We are the hosts of "The Forbidden Apple" where we explore the complex relationship between queer people and spirituality. We discuss our views on spirituality and how its relationship with the LGBTQ community has evolved. Do you want to know our real reasons behind starting the podcast? Listen to this episode and find out: www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com

Happy anniversary!!!  365 days of the Forbidden Apple!  Pelayo and Melissa discuss their feelings and get personal as we unwrap a wonderful year. We share our goals and ambitions for this new year. Thank you for joining us on this journey and we promise to make this year even better. Don't forget to sink your teeth into: www.theforbiddenapplepodcast.com