Shameless Theology: Queer Feminist Latine Decolonial Faith

Host Rev. Alba Onofrio welcomes Arelis Figueroa, who discusses the day to day details of accompanying migrants to court dates and protecting them from ICE. Arelis also shares their journey from the Dominican Republic to New York. They discuss the importance of decolonial theology, the struggles of the immigrant community, and the essential work of organizing for justice. They dive into themes of mental health, resurrection, and the power of community, while learning about influential figures within the liberation theology movement. This episode is a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of those who fight for a more inclusive and equitable world.

00:00 Introduction to Queer and Feminist Theology

01:50 Defining 'Sin Vergüenza' and Personal Experiences

05:30 Journey to New York and Community Involvement

07:03 Ministry and Advocacy Work

11:46 Personal Journey and Faith

19:51 Finding Home in People

21:44 The Gift of Resurrection

22:35 Mental Health and Faith

26:39 Accompanying Immigrant Families

29:13 Christian Nationalism and Liberation Theology

37:47 Prophetic Imagination and New Creation

39:43 Honoring Ancestors and Their Legacy

Arelis Figueroa is the Lead Pastor and Co-founder of La Iglesia del Pueblo and holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. She has worked with marginalized communities in New York City for more than thirty years.

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this episode of Soulforce’s ‘Friday from the Archives,' host Nadia Arellano introduces a powerful sermon by Reverend Alba Onofrio, also known as Reverend Sex, delivered during the Episcopal Church's Gender Justice Jam in 2025. The sermon explores the concept of being made in the image of God beyond the gender binary, drawing from Soulforce's resource 'The Gender of God and Creation.' Reverend Alba challenges traditional interpretations of Genesis 1 and emphasizes the expansive, inclusive nature of divine identity, using examples from Hebrew texts and feminine and plural imagery for God. The episode emphasizes the importance of a broader, more inclusive understanding of the divine and invites listeners to reimagine traditional religious texts in ways that affirm gender diversity and expressions of love.

Friday From the Archives is hosted by Nadia Arellano, the Associate Director of Soulforce. 

The other content on this channel is Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce). Soulforce’s podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this episode of Love Letters, Reverend Sex introduces themself and discusses their background, the series' focus on queer and Latina identity, decolonial theology, faith, and gender justice. Rev. Sex explores the concept of the Gospel of the Erotic, inspired by Audre Lorde, as a deep life force and source of power for change. Reverend Sex shares her perspective on recognizing internal desires, dismantling patriarchal systems, and fostering community, emphasizing the importance of listening to the erotic for personal liberation and resistance against oppressive structures. The episode concludes with a prayer and an invitation for listeners to engage with the podcast and submit questions or stories for future discussions.

00:00 Introduction to Love Letters with Reverend Sex

00:51 Getting to Know Reverend Sex

02:22 The Gospel of the Erotic

02:29 Audre Lorde and the Power of the Erotic

07:37 Ethics of Life and Theology

08:52 The Erotic as a Source of Power

12:59 Challenges of Traditional Christian Expectations

17:16 Embracing the Erotic and Personal Power

22:59 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Host Reverend Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio) welcomes Karla Perez, a licensed mental health therapist with a rich background in social justice and community wellness, to discuss queer and feminist theology. Karla shares her journey of embracing her identity as both a queer, non-binary person and an ally turned advocate. The conversation covers the founding of Ministerio Latino, challenges and revelations in her personal life, and the significance of decolonial theology in addressing real-world issues. They also explore the complex dynamics of being an immigrant, spiritual displacement, and maintaining faith amid political and community challenges. The episode highlights the importance of intersectional support, community building, and spiritual resilience.

00:00 Introduction to Queer and Feminist Theology

01:29 Meet Karla Perez: A Journey of Intersectionality

02:25 Exploring Identity and Breaking Norms

05:36 Navigating Expectations and Personal Growth

14:28 Founding Ministerio Latino: A Safe Haven

22:54 Rediscovering Self in New Spaces

29:49 The Concept of Home and Belonging

34:27 Discussing the Current Political Climate

35:01 Mental Health Advocacy in Arizona

39:04 The Intersection of Faith and Activism

45:35 Liberation Theology and Community Organizing

48:13 The Experience of the Diaspora

57:33 Spiritual Displacement and Ancestral Connections

01:00:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Karla Perez (She/Her/They/Them) is a licensed mental health therapist currently living near Phoenix, Arizona. Karla has 20 years’ experience working in social justice and community wellness as an organizer and is passionate about the intersection of mental health and justice-making. She is the co-founder of Ministerio Latino, a ministry and space for migrants and LGBTQIA+ folks to express their faith/spirituality and create support systems of accompaniment.

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this heartfelt episode, Reverend Sex delves into the pervasive and damaging effects of conversion therapy, addressing those who have experienced it firsthand. They explore the societal and religious pressures to conform to heteronormative standards and discuss the flawed theology of original sin that perpetuates these harmful practices. Offering a contrasting perspective, Reverend Sex champions the idea of original blessing, celebrating the natural diversity and inherent goodness in all individuals. The episode concludes with a prayer for freedom, acceptance, and the embracement of one's true self.

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Reverend Sex welcomes guest ana. They discuss their identification as a 'sinvergüenza' and their paths through gender identity, sexual identity, and overcoming intergenerational trauma. The guest shares a transformative moment of self-realization, choosing life amidst chronic pain and societal oppression. They delve into systemic poverty, social justice, and the intersections of faith and activism. The narrative continues with insights into the guest's family background, particularly their mother's resistive spirit, and their experiences in both Guatemala and the US. The episode emphasizes themes of community support, intergenerational care, and the importance of rituals in fostering connection and healing. It concludes with a reflection on the importance of a ministry of presence and the guest's commitment to building a world where everyone's needs are met through love, justice, and collective effort.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:33 Defining Identity and Self-Discovery

03:08 A Transformative Moment

05:02 Commitment to Liberation and Love

08:27 Ministry and Organizing Work

11:58 Understanding Poverty and Systemic Issues

18:53 Personal Journey and Lineage of Resistance

27:33 A Friend's Call and a Journey of Healing

28:59 Organizing for Community and Self

30:05 The Intersection of Ministry and Organizing

31:14 Answering the Call to Seminary

32:39 Grief and New Beginnings

39:16 Ministry of Presence

47:36 Home and Diaspora

51:42 Lineage and Ancestral Guidance

Rooted in Guatemala and shaped by global liberation movements of dispossessed peoples, ana’s work is grounded in the dismantling of capitalism, white supremacy, ableism, and patriarchy—with an unwavering commitment to collective liberation. They build community through a trauma-informed, intergenerational, and disability justice–centered praxis, organizing people to remember, reclaim, and revel in their shared power, beauty, and belonging.

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this intimate witching-hour love letter, Reverend Sex speaks to those who were once taught to fear their magic, distrust their ancestors, and turn away from ritual and remembrance. This episode arrives during the season of Halloween, Samhain, and Día de los Muertos in order to reclaim what was taken from us in the name of purity, control, and white Christian Supremacy.

Reverend Sex shares:

💫 A midnight meditation on finding each other in a chaotic world

💫 The painful erasure of ancestral practices under white Christian Supremacy

💫 A call for faith communities to reclaim ministries of death, ritual, and care

💫 The spiritual and political power of ancestor work

💫 Confronting complicated lineages — colonizer and colonized, heroes and harm-doers

💫 The sacred task of tending to the stories we inherit and the futures we shape

This episode honors those who were denied their histories — and those who are courageously reclaiming them.

You are not alone.

Your people are with you — even the ones you never met, even the ones you wrestle with.

There is power in remembering, and holiness in repair.

This love letter is for every church kid who was told magic was dangerous,

every queer child who lost their ancestors to doctrine,

every soul learning to speak again with the dead,

and every heart choosing remembrance over forgetting.

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Host Rev. Sex engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Norma Ramirez, discussing the intersections of undocumented status, shame, gender, and spirituality within the context of their personal and professional life. The dialogue navigates the parallels between political and religious shame, the influence of harmful theological narratives, and the significance of reclaiming one's inherent worth. Emphasizing collective healing and spirituality, they also explore the unknown aspects of a relationship with God and the importance of ancestral wisdom and interconnectedness in the journey toward justice and healing.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:35 Understanding 'Sinvergüenza'

01:51 Personal Experiences of Shame and Guilt

03:27 Parallels Between Political and Religious Shame

06:19 Theological Education and Personal Reflections

10:20 Navigating Emotions and Trauma

15:55 Maintaining Humanity in Challenging Times

24:39 Facing Terror and Uncertainty

28:54 Exploring the Origins of Messages and Belonging

30:01 Checking In With Yourself and Questioning Messages

32:15 Navigating Shame, Gender, and Sexuality

40:43 The Journey Through Seminary and Faith

42:42 The Mystery of God and Personal Struggles

43:54 Fighting for DACA and Personal Resilience

50:26 Words of Wisdom and Ancestral Connections

53:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Norma Ramirez (She/ Her/ Ella) is a California and Nevada licensed psychologist dedicated to serving diverse populations, including undocumented immigrants, first-generation professionals, neurodivergent individuals, and the LGBTQ community. A passionate immigrant advocate, Dr. Ramirez was a plaintiff against DACA's 2017 rescission and has been recognized by the Biden and Harris Administration as a Latinx leader. Her professional approach is deeply influenced by her own marginalized identities, spirituality, activism, and varied professional roles.

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this Love Letter, Rev. Sex grapples with the traditional Christian belief that non-Christians and individuals who do not conform to certain religious norms are destined for hell. Reflecting on personal experiences and teachings within the queer and trans community, the speaker questions whether a loving God would condemn people to eternal damnation. The conclusion is to decolonize their faith by rejecting a controlling and punitive image of God, and instead embracing a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of Christianity.

• 00:00 Questioning Eternal Damnation
• 19:12 Struggling with Traditional Teachings
• 19:30 The Queer and Trans Perspective
• 19:48 Redefining Faith and God
• 19:59 Decolonizing Religion

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Host Reverend Sex engages in an illuminating conversation with Belén Morales about the intersections of queer, trans, feminist, and faith identities within the context of Latin American theology. They explore the concept of living without shame, the challenges of growing up in fundamentalist communities, and the journey to reclaim self-trust and spiritual autonomy. Belén provides insights into their experiences of disentangling white supremacist and patriarchal beliefs within the church, connecting the dots to the current political moment and the role of ICE agents. The episode delves deep into the importance of decolonial theology, body sovereignty, and the continuous cycle of endings and rebirths in the pursuit of equity and justice.

00:00 Introduction to Queer and Feminist Theology

01:28 Guest Introduction: Belén's Journey

02:09 Growing Up in a Fundamentalist Context

06:46 Discovering Queerness and Self-Trust

12:46 Theological Studies and Awakening

19:02 Connecting Theology with Social Justice

31:58 Reflecting on Church Services and Capitalism

32:48 Growing Up in a Predominantly Black and Brown Community

34:21 The Influence of American Patriotism in Immigrant Churches

35:56 The Role of Military Service and Gender Roles

37:54 Connecting Political Education and white Christian Supremacy

41:44 Theological Connections and Individualism

49:41 Divesting from States and the Concept of Zionism

56:25 End Times and Resurrection

57:55 Defining Home and Ancestors

01:01:18 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Belén Morales (She/They/Ella/Elle) is a Mexi-Salvi queer lesbian from Oakland, CA. She holds a BA in Biblical Studies and a MA in Systematic and Philosophical Theology. They are passionate about queer liberation both in and out of the church. Belén works as a non-profit strategist and has worked with an array of social justice organizations to maximize their impact.

Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.

TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.

Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.

https://soulforce.org/donate/

Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/