The Forbidden Apple: LGBTQ+ SPIRITUALITY

Reconciling Faith and Desire: with Dr Sara Glass

In this episode, hosts Melissa and Zahra, are joined by Dr. Sara Glass, psychologist and author of Kissing Girls on Shabbat. Dr. Glass’s journey from an insular religious community to embracing her true self is both profound and inspiring. We delve into her personal experiences with coming out, going back into the closet, and ultimately finding self-acceptance. We also explore our journeys through arranged marriages within Muslim and Jewish communities, examining how these experiences shape our views on intimacy and desire. Together, we discuss the challenge of navigating our identities without traditional guidance and how we’re stepping into the role of becoming the elders we need for ourselves and others. Tune in to hear how her role as a therapist and her work with clients shape her writing in Kissing Girls on Shabbat. Learn more about Dr. Glass and her work at drsaraglass.com [http://drsaraglass.com]. Follow her on Instagram @drsaraglass [https://www.instagram.com/drsaraglass].

Navigating Family and Tradition with Melissa Weisz & Zahra Ladak

In this episode of The Forbidden Apple Podcast, hosts Melissa Weisz and Zahra Ladak discuss navigating family and tradition as queer folks raised in religious homes. Though they come from different faiths—Zahra from a Muslim home and Melissa from a Chasidic Jewish home—their paths are very much aligned. They share how they've become each other's family and explore how to build a home that doesn’t look like the traditional home.

Welcome our new Co-host Zahra Ladak

Melissa Weisz, born and raised a Chasidic Jew welcomes new cohost Zahra Ladak, a Muslim born and raised in the US with deep East African/ Indian roots.  Throughout this season, Melissa and Zahra will discuss the parallels they've discovered in their lives. Expect engaging discussions on the complexities of navigating queerness and religious identity. From the meaning of home to the challenges of living between two worlds, we're here to spark thought-provoking conversations that challenge norms and broaden perspectives.

Becoming an LGBT Global faith leader - Bishop Joseph Tolton (Part II)

In Part II of this Episode, Bishop Tolton talks about his mission of creating Interconnected Justice (ICJ)- a global racial justice movement in which the continent of Africa and its diaspora build an ecosystem of self-defined and determined advocacy. Bishop Tolton works directly with leaders to build integrated justice movements connecting activists with civil society advocates, media professionals, academics, and political leaders. Bishop Tolton opens our eyes to the “invisible” influences of the West that jeopardize LGBTQ rights in Africa. You can contact Bishop Tolton and check out his mission here: https://icjustice.org/ [https://icjustice.org/] http://tfamglobal.org/ [http://tfamglobal.org/]

Becoming an LGBT Global faith leader - Bishop Joseph Tolton (Part I)

Bishop Joseph Tolton is a legendary global faith leader and the Founder and President of Interconnected Justice - a global racial justice movement in which the continent of Africa and its diaspora build an ecosystem of self-defined and determined advocacy. Bishop Tolton shares the complexities of growing up in Harlem as a promising preacher kid with an inner conflict: feeling the devil had planted the seed of homosexuality as part of his spiritual journey. Bishop Tolton opens about about his journey from going through exoricisms to try to rid himself of the "devil", to coming to a place of self acceptance and embracing his sexuality.    You can contact Bishop Tolton and check out his mission here: https://icjustice.org/ [https://icjustice.org/] http://tfamglobal.org/ [http://tfamglobal.org/]