[EXTENDED CUT] Finding Family and Commitment in Platonic Relationships (feat. Bridget Eileen Rivera)

Bridget Eileen Rivera provides support to churches and ministries seeking to improve their relationship with the LGBTQ community. A leading voice on gay celibacy in the church, Bridget helps Christians better grapple with gender and sexuality in a divided culture. She has worked with a number of faith-based organizations, including Revoice, Christians for Social Action, and Preston Sprinkle's Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, where she contributed to the Digital Leaders Forum. The recipient of multiple fellowship awards, she is completing her PhD in sociology at the CUNY Graduate Center and serves as an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her first book, Heavy Burdens (Brazos Press 2022), was a Foreword INDIES 2022 Finalist in religion

In this episode, you'll hear Bridget and I talk about

• The beauty of finding and building chosen family
• The role of commitment in friendships and spiritual families
• How to have a “commitment conversation” with a friend
• All the good, beautiful, and messy meanings of pride

You can follow Bridget on Instagram and Twitter @travelingnun. Check out her writing on her website, meditationsofatravelingnun.com. Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ People Experience Harm in the Church is available wherever you buy books.

It's no secret that many singles feel like outsiders in the church. That's why we've created a Patreon community. For a small monthly fee, you can get access to bonus content, plus a community where your voice and presence are valued. Tiers start at just $5/month. Sign up at patreon.com/unsuitable. I can't wait to see you there! 

Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday fall on the same day this year. So I've created some Ash Valentine's for you to download and send to your pals. They're silly and irreverent and perfect for folks who could use a laugh this February 14. Get yours for free at marybsafrit.com/links. Alright, let's dive into today's episode

Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite single pal--or for a treat for yourself? You're going to love our line of cheeky, empowering merch for those walking a non-traditional path. We have beanies, sweatshirts, mugs, and more with phrases like "nobody's better half, already whole" and designs you'll love to rock. Snag yours at marybsafrit.com/shop. Alright, let's dive into today's episode.