The Forbidden Apple: LGBTQ+ SPIRITUALITY

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/pela...

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 wit...

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...

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 conver...

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 i...

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-...

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 Si...

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. List...

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 Chri...

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 f...

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 nam...

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...

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 cha...

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...

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 suppo...

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 emotion...

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...

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 a...

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 h...

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 pray...

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. htt...

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 too...

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...