A Lutheran church in Chicago is drawing attention after newly-ordained pastor Aaron Musser decided to host a children’s Bible study while in drag. Photos of Musser in a blonde wig and heels were uploaded to the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square’s Facebook page. In one shot, he read a book to a group of small children.
- There was an explanation for Musser’s outfit choice that day. “The sixth Sunday of advent is rejoice Sunday. It’s a chance for us to rehearse what a life of joy could look like. It’s a dress rehearsal,” he wrote in an announcement on Facebook. “Preaching in drag is a theological reflection on joy: Joy overflows so abundantly, it can’t help but make itself known. Weaving together the day’s theme, queer theory, and lectionary texts, we will ‘dress rehearse’ for joy.”
- The church let members know that Musser would be preaching in drag that week. The announcement to the congregation said that “Seminarian Aaron” would be “preaching in drag!” and informed members of the church that they should come wearing “garments/accessories that make you feel 100% like the best version of yourself.”
- Musser considers “queerness” an important part of the church’s teachings. Musser, who’s openly gay, has always insisted that teaching acceptance and love for those who are queer should be a central part of religious lessons. “Queer sexualities, gender identities, and gender expressions outpour from the depths of our being. We are who we are. And we can articulate our truth,” he wrote on his personal Facebook page.
- Preaching in drag was all about experiencing joy. Posting on the Church’s Facebook page, Musser explained that many people had struggled to experience joy and that we need to allow ourselves to feel it when it happens. “It’s been so hard to know what that joy will be, because it’s been so long since some of us have been joyful. It’s been a difficult and tiring couple of years,” he wrote. “And I decided instead of telling you, ‘this is how I want you to be joyful,’ as we prepare for this dress rehearsal, I figured I would instead put on a dress as so many who have inspired me have done. I decided to follow their example, showing that liberation from oppressive laws clears a path for joy. But allowing yourself to feel joy can be scary. I wasn’t sure how the outside world would handle me when they saw me this morning. Joy is difficult to feel, it’s vulnerable. But isn’t it so beautiful?”
- Musser’s drag teachings received plenty of support online. It wasn’t only church members who loved the gesture but people who came across the story online. “Thank you for your inspiring and empowering message of beautiful joy!!” one person wrote. Another added: “Thank you for sharing joy with us today! I’m really feeling it, so thank you! I needed it!”
