<p><em>by David Friscic</em></p><p>August 28 2023</p><p>Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is intrinsically linked to an individuals intellect passions and interests/occupations in author and illustrator Jan Haens <i>Heavenly LGBTQ+.&nbsp; </i>Published by Apocryphile Press this vibrantly illustrated book is the second offering from the talented Fr. Haen who previously gave us the marvelous and informative <i>Heavenly Homos</i> publication.</p><p><em><img src='https://www.dignityusa.org/sites/default/files/book_heavenly_lgbtq.jpg'></em></p><p>A sense of quirky and endearing curiosity runs joyously rampant throughout this informative and compelling book. With anti-LGBTQ+ activity on the rise in this increasingly polarized world this well-designed and thoughtful book could not have arrived at a more urgent time. Author Haen focuses on the war in Ukraine and the horrid accusations of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow. Kirill claimed that the LGBTQ Pride parades endangered the salvation of humankindand he used this ridiculous and hateful logic to justify Russias invasion of Ukraine. These horrid and vile accusations certainly justify the need for healingin the face of the hate that the LGBTQ + community is continually facing.</p><p>Author Haen weaves together queer icons that include authors activists educators and professional entertainers in a seamless unified whole. Haen provides a vivid and varied panorama of queer icons throughout the book while giving appropriate length to the personal stories of everyone that is portrayed.</p><p>The visual style of the book is full of vivid colors that are vibrant striking and pulsating with life. The human body is unabashedly displayed concurrent with extremely perceptive and compelling renderings of such well-known artistic figures as choreographer Alvin Ailey and the poet Audre Lorde and beloved actor Ramon Novarro.&nbsp; A succession of beautifully colored panels come to life in the gorgeously appealing visual style of artist Haen.</p><p>fid:6447view_mode:teaserfields:{alt:Kirill of Moscow by Jan Haenclass:media-element file-defaultdata-delta:3format:teaserfield_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]:Kirill of Moscow by Jan Haenfield_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]:false}type:mediafield_deltas:{3:{alt:Kirill of Moscow by Jan Haenclass:media-element file-defaultdata-delta:3format:teaserfield_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]:Kirill of Moscow by Jan Haenfield_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]:false}}attributes:{alt:Kirill of Moscow by Jan Haenclass:media-element file-teaserdata-delta:3}</p><p>Author Haen also includes such figures as Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg blazing activist Bayard Rustin activist Vida Dutton Scudder and Brother Grant-Michael Fitzgerald. The interesting concept in this book is the interweaving of so many different types of LGBTQ+ people with differing talents ministries and spiritual philosophies.</p><p>The writing style of Haen is slyly wry and witty while concurrently portraying these fascinating LGBTQ+ characters with a cutting-edge and informative writing style. Author Haen writes with affection and true concern for the beloved gay icons he portrays.</p><p>fid:6448view_mode:teaserfields:{format:teaserfield_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]:Anne Lister by Jan Haenfield_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]:false}type:mediafield_deltas:{4:{format:teaserfield_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]:Anne Lister by Jan Haenfield_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]:false}}attributes:{alt:Anne Lister by Jan Haenstyle:float: right;class:media-element file-teaserdata-delta:4}</p><p>Writer Haen utilizes the interesting technique of employing individuals with names such as Evie Al Tony and John who talk in a conversational and intimately engaging manner to expand on the themes of the book.</p><p>This intellectually intriguing book is suited for adults who understand the complexity and richness inherent in life.&nbsp; (Perhaps older students could read this intriguing book with the supervision of their parents).</p><p>The triumph of this book is that it speaks with a strong and affirmative voice towards the LGBTQ+ community without ever being preachy didactic or sanctimonious.&nbsp; The tone of the work is iconoclastic edgy and it is full of affirmation and affection for the LGBTQ+ community.</p><p>In a closing section Author Haen gives his personal reflections describing how the LGBTQ+ community can hopefully be a part of the larger religious community with true inclusionas he cites Pope Francis and the organizations New Ways Ministry and Dignity.</p><p>The book <i>Heavenly LGBTQ+ </i>is a must read for anyone who is interested in the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in the church and in the world. It is more vital than ever to break down the barriers of hate in our worldrush to read this marvelous and uniquely barrier-breaking book!</p><p><strong><a href=https://qspirit.net/heavenly-lgbtq-book/>Click here to purchase the book.</a></strong></p>