Pondering Drag Queen Theology

Isaac Simmons made headlines in April when he became the first openly gay man to receive approval as a certified candidate for ordained ministry in his United Methodist (Illinois Great Rivers) annual conference. So far as anyone knows, he is also the first drag queen thus certified. More recently, the Rev. Craig Duke, also a United Methodist, performed in drag on the HBO Special, "We're Here." One man is gay. The other is in a long-term heterosexual marriage. One man considers his drag queen persona -- "Penny Cost" -- a key part of his identity and calling. The other, it appears, sought to understand through participation, so that he could provide radical welcome to all who might come to the church he serves as pastor. Both together represent the leading edge of determined activism.