There have been at least 40 diocesan policies on gender identity & gender-affirming care issued over the past two years by Catholic church leaders across the U.S. These policies have exposed deep rifts in schools & communities making it challenging for parents, students, educators, and clergy to engage meaningfully in dialogue about how to support LGBTQ+ youth & families served by Catholic schools.

In this episode of Hiding in Plain Sight, I spoke with David Palmieri, a long-time Catholic school educator who has been thinking a lot about how to accompany LGBTQ+ youth, parents, and clergy in this challenging moment. He offers a unique and timely perspective as a trained theologian, researcher, teacher, and parent. I hope this interview will be useful to any student, parent, educator, or pastor who may find themselves “walking the narrow ridge” (as David describes it) as they discern how to navigate diocesan gender identity policies that have become flashpoints in their schools or parishes.

Note: Although this episode focuses on policies impacting Catholic schools, I think the themes and ideas David explores are relevant for anyone seeking to engage in dialogue around a policy or ideological viewpoint that may not align with their own values or worldview.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eoinbastable.substack.com