Preacher
Theologian
Drag Queen & Host
LGBTQ+ & Disability Justice Educator
Welcome!
I’m a drag queen with an academic background in historic Christian theology who’s pursuing ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church.
But these days, who isn’t?
I’m also a spouse and parent of three and cat mom of two. I’m trans and disabled at a time when it’s particularly hard to be either of those.
I’m passionate about helping people come to experience the truth that they are beloved children of God.
I am always grateful for preaching opportunities, especially when it gives an overworked clergyperson the opportunity for much-needed rest.
I love working with churches and other organizations to help them pursue love, inclusion, and justice for all peoples, whether that’s giving a talk, leading a book or topical study, or hosting events like Drag Queen Storytime or Queer Prom.
I’m hoping to partner with churches, non-profits, businesses, and individuals on a one-time or ongoing basis to help them live more fully into their vision, as well as to help me support my family while I’m going through the ordination process.
What can I do to help you?
I have enjoyed guest preaching at a number of different churches from several different denominations over the years.
I feel things deeply, and I bring that emotion and passion into my preaching. Effective preaching requires trust, and trust requires vulnerability, so I try to model healthy vulnerability in my preaching.
I like to think (my husband might say “overthink”) things through, and 'I put a lot of work into my sermons, spending a lot of time studying the relevant text or texts, going to the Hebrew or Greek when necessary, as well as putting the passage in context of Christian history and contemporary culture. It’s not unusual for a sermon to include references to a medieval monk, an LGBTQ+ or BIPOC activist, and a pop diva.
Prayer is an indispensable part of my sermon prep process, as well. I want my words to comfort and challenge people where and how they need it, and that requires discernment, for which I pray constantly when preparing a sermon.
The final ingredient in my sermons is humor (when appropriate!). I use my experience as a stand-up comedian to break the ice with new audiences and to break the tension to balance a sermon that deals with uncomfortable or challenging topics.
Guest Preaching
Events Hosting
In the past few years, I’ve had opportunities to host a number of different events at churches and businesses throughout Los Angeles and Riverside Counties, both in and out of drag.
Some highlights include Drag Queen Storytimes at churches and independent bookstores, Drag Bingo, Drag Karaoke for a church youth group, a disco-themed dance party, and a church’s first queer prom in its 100-year history.
I have nearly twenty years of experience working in private and public education, as well as a B.A. in Bible, an M.A. in Philosophy of Religion & Ethics, and the equivalent of a second M.A. in Historical Theology. I’ve published a couple of articles in peer-reviewed theology publications, and I’ve given talks at a dozen or so professional academic conferences, including one at Oxford. I hate talking about this stuff, but I want you to know I have some notion of what I’m doing.
Another thing academia taught me is that I don’t want to stay in academia. I want to use the knowledge and skills I have for ministry and social justice work.
Education & Advocacy
To get a taste of my preaching style, here’s a sermon I gave during Pride Month 2023 at All Saints Church in Pasadena, CA.
I’ve recently given talks or interviews or led discussion groups on topics including:
-How Studying an Early Medieval Christian Monk Turned Me into a Drag Queen
-Integrating Queer Theology with the Historic Christian Tradition
-LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy
-Disability Justice
-Study on the Apostles’ Creed from a Queer Theological Perspective
-LGBTQ+ Bible study on the Gospel of John
-Re-reading the Anti-LGBTQ Biblical “Clobber Passages” through a Queer Liberation Theology Lens
-LGBTQ+ Sexual Health and Ethics
-An Introduction to Trans People of the Past & Present
-Frequently Asked Questions about Drag Queens
Or Nothing…?
Maybe none of these match your church or organization’s current needs, or maybe you aren’t in a role where you hire preachers, event planners, entertainers, educators, or activists.
But maybe, for one reason or another, you want to help. Maybe my approach to ministry is one you want to support. Maybe we’re friends or family and you care about me specifically and are in a situation where you have something to give. Maybe you care about trans people or disabled people or parents who struggle financially, or I don’t know what, and you want to help.
Well, I’m certainly not going to stop you. If you want to make a one-time donation to support me in my ministry activity and goals:
-Venmo: @jonathanmquinn
-Paypal: jonathanmarkquinn@gmail.com
Let’s Connect
If you need or want a guest preacher or speaker, want somebody to do a Bible or theology or social justice presentation or facilitate a group study, or host a fun event, or even if you want to pitch me an idea for something else, drop me a line!
In-person gigs in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County or Zoom gigs are logistically easiest, but I can travel for the right gig!