Join Rev. Alba Onofrio to explore Spiritual Violence, white Christian supremacy, and Queer liberation, with Q&A and book signing.About this Event
Join us for a welcoming community conversation about Spiritual Violence: Religious Phenomena that Defile the Faith with Rev. Alba Onofrio, also known as Rev. Sex.
Together, we’ll explore how religious harm and white Christian supremacy affect LGBTQIA+ people and communities, and how we can reclaim faith, nurture healing, and move toward Queer liberation. Rev. Alba will introduce the book and share how Soulforce’s work challenges systems of religious and political oppression while creating space for connection and collective transformation.
The gathering will include a book talk, audience Q&A, and time to connect and have books signed. Whether these experiences are personal to you or you’re curious to learn more, you’re invited to bring your questions and join the conversation.
This event is open to the public.
We encourage everyone to prepurchase their books before the event as we cannot guarantee book availability without prepurchase.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Grounded in Queer feminism, theology, and cultural studies, Spiritual Violence gives readers language for recognizing harm inflicted in the name of faith. Through historical context, real-world examples, and reflective practices, the book explores white Christian Supremacy, religious abuse, and spiritual trauma while offering tools for healing and reclaiming community. It is written by Alba Onofrio, Nadia Arellano, and Judith Bautista Fajardo.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Reverend Alba Onofrio is a public theologian and spiritual activist rooted in the US South engaged in human rights work for over 20 years throughout the US, Latin America, and East Africa. As a Queer, feminist Christian pastor, their ministry works at the intersections of religion, gender and sexuality to heal the wounds of spiritual violence and weaponized religion. They hold a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and serve as a Global Presbyter for The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM).
Also known as Reverend Sex and co-founder of the Sexual Liberation Collective, their global education work aims to eradicate shame and fear around bodies and sex in order to reclaim pleasure and desire as potent centers of sacred knowledge, healing, and spiritual praxis.
They are the co-founder of a bilingual digital platform focused on Queer-Trans Latinx feminist theologies from Latinoamérica and its diaspora in the United States with an online following in over 47 countries. That platform hosts a variety of free digital content including: Shameless Theology podcast, Teología Sin Vergüenza podcast, Love Letters from Reverend Sex, and the Church of the Queerly Beloved.
They currently serve as Executive Director and Spiritual Strategist for Soulforce, an international LGBTQIA+ social justice organization. Reverend Alba Onofrio has published a series of theological resources on liberatory approaches to the Bible and uncovering the ideologies of white Christian Supremacy that have been translated into 7 languages and distributed worldwide.
Their newest publication is a full-length book called Spiritual Violence: Religious Phenomena that Defile the Faith that introduces the concept of white Christian Supremacy and the weaponization of religion that leads to Spiritual Violence, Spiritual Terrorism, Religious Abuse, and Spiritual Trauma. Grounded in Queer-Trans feminism, pastoral and practical theology, and cultural studies, this book provides historical context, ethnographic case studies, somatic healing exercises, and self-assessments to deepen understanding and equip readers with practical tools for resistance and healing.
EVENT SCHEDULE
3:45pm Doors
4:00pm Welcome to MATTER
4:15pm Book talk and community conversation with Rev. Alba Onofrio
5:00pm Audience Q&A
5:30pm Book signing and informal conversation
ACCESSIBILITY
Parking: Metered street parking is available (parallel parking) on Market St. Paid lots are available within a few blocks. The closest one is on 21st and Market St.
Entrance Access: Our front door is at street level and manually operated, accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids. The rest of the block has sidewalks raised by five steps; however, the bike lane offers a step-free route down the block with minimal car traffic.
Restrooms: All-gender restrooms. Just like at home.
Communication: All staff on site speak English. There will be one Spanish speaking staff member. We welcome communication via translation apps (Google Translate is available). While we do not use ASL, we’re happy to communicate through apps or other tools that work for you.
Alcohol Policy: No alcohol will be served or permitted at this event.
Questions or Requests: Please contact us at [email protected] with any accessibility needs or questions.
We encourage everyone to prepurchase their books before the event as we cannot guarantee book availability without prepurchase.
Event venue
The Shop at MATTER, 2114 Market Street, Denver, United States
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