Queer Women and Religious Individualism

Appendix A. Biographical Summaries

These summaries are arranged alphabetically by first name. Ages and “current” identities are as of the time of the interviews (summer and fall 2001), unless otherwise noted. Identity terms such as race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation are in the participants’ own words, and generally reflect their statements during the preliminary interviews; some are summaries of more nuanced identities reflected in the in-depth interviews and in the discussions of each participant in the book. (The pages on which each participant appears in the main text are listed in the index.) Adesina—Fifty, middle class from a middle-class background, African American , cisgendered lesbian. Raised in a Baptist church, and describes her current beliefs and practices as an “eclectic mix.” Identifies with Yoruba culture but has studied eastern religions and attends a Science of Mind church. Betty Walker—Forty-four, upper middle class from an upper-middle-class background, black, cisgendered lesbian. Raised in a Baptist church, currently a member of Agape and a follower of Science of Mind. Carmen—Forty-one, from a middle-class background but prefers not to make class distinctions about herself today. Multiracial Caribbean-Canadian, cisgendered lesbian. Raised Presbyterian and continues to identify with and attend that denomination, though she acknowledges and believes in the validity of other religions as well. Cassandra Christenson—Sixty-six, middle class (but recently unemployed and living on Social Security), from a middle-class/upper-middle-class background . Caucasian, cisgendered lesbian. Raised in Disciples of Christ; currently describes an eclectic spirituality that she finds difficult to name. She feels she “belongs to Jesus” but has no involvement with Protestant churches ; she meditates at the International Buddhist Meditation Center and at the Siddha Yoga Meditation Center; she goes to Catholic churches and to twelve-step groups; and she feels very close to God. Christie Tuttle—Forty-one, lower middle class from an upper-middle-class background, white, cisgendered lesbian. Raised Mormon, now describes Appendix A biographical summaries 214 | Appendix A herself as having a much stronger spirituality but no classification for it. Currently works with a white shaman. Christine Logan—Fifty-five, raised upper middle class and continues to see herself as upper middle class socially though she is no longer there economically following her divorce. Caucasian, cisgendered lesbian. Raised in Christian Science, currently identifies as spiritual but not religious. Explores different churches but also finds her spirituality eclectically, including through involvement in twelve-step programs. Christine R. Peña—Forty-one, middle class from a middle-class background, multiracial (Mexican, German, French, and Chinese heritage), cisgendered bisexual woman. Does not place much emphasis on sexual orientation in her identity: “I’m technically bisexual,” she says, “but I’m just me.” Raised irreligious but chose to begin attending a Baptist church at thirteen; currently a Religious Science practitioner. Describes her beliefs as a “transdenominational philosophy and spirituality.” Coco Gallegos—Forty-eight, upper middle class from a lower-class background , Hispanic, cisgendered, gay woman. Raised Catholic, and currently describes herself as a strong and very active Catholic. Corrine Garcia—Forty-four, working class from a working-class background, Native American (Laguna Pueblo and Blackfoot), transgendered (FTM spectrum), bi- or polysexual woman who lives as a man. Raised Catholic, currently practices a blend of Santería and Native religious traditions. Cynthia McCann—Thirty-seven, middle class from a middle-class background , Mexican, cisgendered lesbian. Raised a devout Catholic; currently describes her beliefs and practices as “pretty far from Catholic” but has no name for them. “God is God,” and she prefers not to set any boundaries on that. Partner of Lara Sowinsky. Danielle—Forty-six, middle or working class from a middle- or working-class background, Caucasian, transgendered (MTF spectrum) lesbian. Raised Mormon, continues to identify as Mormon, “but with some disagreements .” DeanBramlett—Fifty-four,middleclassfromalower-middle-classbackground, Caucasian, cisgendered lesbian. Raised in “Heinz 57 Christianity,” attending whatever church was open, but confirmed Lutheran as a teenager. Currently appreciates the ritual of her Episcopal church but also meditates at the Siddha Yoga Meditation Center, lights candles, practices solitary Wicca, and serves as a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence. Emile—Forty-one, working class from a lower-middle-class background, African American, cisgendered lesbian. Raised Pentecostal Christian (Church of God in Christ); currently describes herself as a “strong, practicing believer in God and Christianity.” Appendix A | 215 Kathleen McGregor—Thirty-three, lower middle class from a lower-middleclassbackground ,biracial(whiteandHispanic),cisgenderedlesbian.Raised Catholic, currently...