What does it mean to live truthfully—especially within and alongside a tradition that has not always made space for the fullness of who you are? This panel brings together voices from the Catholic(ish) queer community to reflect on the courage, creativity, and spiritual wisdom that emerge from navigating faith, identity, and belonging. Grounded in lived experience and shaped by theological reflection, panelists will share their experience on authenticity, resilience, and the ongoing work of claiming one’s voice in the Church and beyond.
Moderated by James Reding of the God Talk podcast, this conversation invites all who are seeking a more honest and expansive way of living their truth—whether you identify as queer, Catholic(ish), both, or neither.
About the panel:
James Reding (moderator) is a gay Catholic who grew up in rural Kentucky. He currently lives his discipleship as the lead theology teacher at Providence High School in Burbank, CA and the co-host of God Talk with Medene and James. James completed his master's of theological studies at Boston College STM in 2022 with an emphasis in narrative theology.
Emma Cieslik (she/her) is a queer, neurodivergent religious scholar and museum worker based in Washington, D.C. She studies the intersections of gender, sexuality, and Catholic material cultures, and serves as director for Queer and Catholic: A CLGS Oral History Project.
Ellen Euclide (she/her) is a paralegal at FG+G Trial Lawyers, a former National Board member of DignityUSA and a leader of the NE Ohio Dignity chapter. She and her wife met singing in the Newman choir and are active in their local parish. They live on the east side of Cleveland with their anime-loving kid and a sweet cattle dog named Audie.
Mark Guevarra (he/him) is a board member with Concerned Lay Catholics of Canada, a member of Dignity Canada Dignité, and a doctoral candidate from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He has an interest in how restorative justice practices are necessary on the road to a synodal church, especially in restoring relationships between LGBTQ+ folkx and the Catholic church. His interest is personal, having been fired as a pastoral associate for being in a same-gender relationship. Mark’s faith, shaped by his Filipino-Canadian and gay identity, is something he is passionate about witnessing to, sharing, and nurturing in a world of grace and brokenness. Mark is co-editor of Cornerstones: Sacred Stories of LGBTQ+ Employees in Catholic Institutions published by New Ways Ministry and presented to Pope Francis in October 2024.
Kathryn Muensterman is a PhD student in Systematic Theology at Notre Dame University. Her research focuses on theological approaches to human and ecological suffering, sin, and salvation, particularly through the intersection of liberationist and mystical theologies. She is especially interested in how the Catholic church responds to the social, political, and existential concerns of the wider world, and she seeks to engage in constructive Catholic ecclesiology through ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. She is also a member of the Working Group on Óscar Romero.
Michael Sennett (he/they) is a Catholic trans man and a parishioner of St. Ignatius Church in Boston, MA, where he serves on the Parish Pastoral Council and assists in forming LGBTQ+ ministry. Michael’s passion for LGBTQ+ ministry was cultivated by his relationships with Sisters of Mercy, the Jesuits, and Jesus. He is currently pursuing his MA in Pastoral Care at Fordham University with a goal of supporting queer people of faith through encounter and dialogue. Since 2023, Michael has been a member of the New Ways Ministry's Advisory Board.