Sex, Kink, and Recovering Catholicism

Like a lot of kinksters—like a lot of people in general—I have a complicated relationship to religion and spirituality.

I’m what is only half-jokingly referred to as a “recovering Catholic.” Because, like alcoholism or addiction, you’re never not a Catholic; you’re just forever in recovery. Because, let’s be honest, for those of us that grew up in the tradition, that shit sticks with you.

In good ways, like in the fact that I personally, more than most people I know, love doing charity work; it was something that was instilled in me through the church and through school and my family as being a social good. One that I don’t feel the need to let go of, regardless of my personal place with god.

And, it sticks with you in not so good ways. Like the many ways it makes sex and shame so much more—and often so unnecessarily—complicated.

Which felt like a common theme in my various social media themes today.

So I thought I’d share some of the gems I found: Like this well-written piece by Amy Mackelden, all about her own issues and baggage when it comes to religion and sex.

 As well as, Matt Barber & Brittany Machado’s brilliant documentary “Give Me Sex Jesus,” all about the purity movement in the US:
Give Me Sex Jesus from Matt Barber on Vimeo.

Then, of course, there’s the religious conservative mess...I mean, movement led by some Utahn Mormons to brand porn a “social health crisis,” claiming that porn, specifically in public places like McDonalds and libraries, is like cigarettes and second-hand smoking:


Which, of course, reminded me of Dr. David Ley’s tweet: "Tobacco kills 6 million people a year; tell me more about porn being 'like' cigarettes." Yes, Tony Perkins and Sen. Todd Weiler, please, do tell.

And, lastly, and on a more uplifting if still sad note, I loved Touré’s piece on Prince I am a proud Minnesotan, even if I can't say that I'm a big Prince fan. But I do mourn the passing of an interesting and influential hometown artist and icon. Made all the more fascinating because of his fervent belief that "there was no need to separate the things we do on Saturday night from the things we do on Sunday morning." That is a message that was worth spreading and I hope it continues even though he's gone.