Synopsis
Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people is rampant and getting worse. The source of much LGBTQ+ discrimination, including anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, is religious belief — despite the teaching of virtually all religions that everyone is welcome.
“Wonderfully Made — LGBTQ+R(eligion)” is a combined fine art project and feature-length documentary that together strike at the root of anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes by exploring the challenges and aspirations of LGBTQ+ Catholics. The message, however, applies to any religious tradition that does not fully embrace our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters.
Jesus has almost always been depicted in paintings, sculptures and film as a white, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, cisgender male. But such depictions exclude, contrary to everything Jesus taught. And this exclusion has enabled centuries of discrimination, oppression and injustice against women, people of color, and anyone else who has found themselves on the margins of society, including LGBTQ+ people.
This project reimagines this centuries-long tradition. Jesus is depicted as a member/ally of the LGBTQ+ community by numerous models of diverse ethnicities, genders, races, sexualities and identities. The result is unprecedented photo art showing Jesus in solidarity with LGBTQ+ people; suffering with them; and loving them regardless of their sexuality, skin-color or gender.
The film features behind-the-scenes footage of creation of the art. The images are revealed at the end of the film. A curated set of these images is available on this site. The film also includes extensive interviews with leading advocates of LGBTQ+ Catholics, including a pioneering nun, prominent priests (one of whom is openly gay), a former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, and founders/directors of major organizations seeking change.
The film is respectful of those of faith. It is the first in a planned documentary series,“LGBTQ+R(eligion),” in which each episode will focus on a different faith tradition
