Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Catholic Thought: A Proposal
Nancy Dallavalle, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Fairfield University
Rapidly changing social narratives around gender identity, gender equality and sexual orientation have challenged Catholic theology – and Catholics! – for the past 70 years. Some inclusive visions for human flourishing sideline any distinctive difference between male and female, while some traditionalist positions have given male-female sexual intercourse even more prominence. Seeking a pastoral response, many in Catholic leadership have embraced a more inclusive tone in these conversations, yet such an invitation seems to fall short when it is paired with the reassertion of “constant” norms. So, does sexuality mean nothing, or everything? (And does Catholic theology have anything to offer this conversation – or anything to learn?)
Organized by the Center for Catholic Studies at Sacred Heart University