There isn’t a lot of Christian literature out in the world that focuses on LGBTQIA+ people, and when it does, the focus often centers around the main character leaving their faith as a result of coming to terms with their sexuality.
Joel Shoemaker, associate director of Library Services at Methodist College in Peoria, is hoping to shake things up with his new, self-published book entitled “Bacon Grief."
“Bacon Grief” is a Christian romantic comedy novella that centers around two high school students, Tim and Charlie, as they navigate their relationship and life within the church. Shoemaker says what makes this book so special is that it is truly the first of its kind.
“Overwhelmingly, in fact I can’t think of any other book that celebrates or affirms both faith and sexuality, and so the main inspiration was to put something of quality out into the world that again celebrates or affirms those subject matters together,” said Shoemaker.
The book is largely based on Shoemaker's own life and experiences. Growing up, he was always quite popular, as he has been a practicing magician since he was a child, and the only one for miles. He largely attributes his magic as one of the reasons why he didn’t struggle as much in high school and had quite a positive experience compared to maybe other people of a marginalized population. This is reflected in the book, as it’s incredibly lighthearted and silly at its core.
“It was a joy to put this book together, and there was nothing really but happiness in putting it together and I’m very thrilled with the fact that it's out in the world and it's been as well received as it has so far,” said Shoemaker.
While writing the book was enjoyable, it’s hard to ignore the reason why so many Christian books don’t center on LGBTQIA+ people in the first place, let alone those who are both comfortable in their faith and their sexuality. When asked if he believes if there’s still a population in the world that doesn’t accept queer religious people, he instantly agreed.
“100 percent, and I do expect some controversial reception to come from this book as well… I guess for some it’s a strange topic. I know that there’s a lot of conservative people of faith that aren’t quick to accept the fact that, you know, Jesus is for everyone, the kingdom of Heaven is for everyone, and that’s reflected in the scriptures, and so I know that there's some reluctance towards that, and I accept that, but I also just come to it with a hope that this tiny little silly book could reach someone and maybe change some minds … if nothing else I hope that it’s fun for them,” said Shoemaker.
In addition to potentially starting conversations around sexuality and faith, the book is primarily geared towards young adults, and was written with reluctant readers in mind, as that was the kind of reader Shoemaker was when he was growing up, and even still now.
“There’s a lot of kids out there that long for those like graphic novels and you know different types of media rather than the 300 and 400-page books. They aren't for everyone, and so this book was written with a reluctant reader in mind so that they could grab it. They could feel proud of themselves for reading an entire book,” said Shoemaker.
In addition to creating a book for readers that are often forgotten, Shoemaker said the main goal of “Bacon Grief” was to represent people like him in literature, and allow kids to see themselves in a book, a luxury he never experienced growing up. His favorite review thus far comes from a high schooler he’s never met before.
“Their review was very heartfelt. It was like, ‘This is me, this is my experience, and seeing myself in these pages gives me hope’... and that’s why I think it's important to put a book like this out in the world,” Shoemaker said.
Overall, he says that creating an LGBTQIA+ book that isn’t tragic is something the literary world greatly needs. He’s happy to be one of the first to fulfill that need with “Bacon Grief” and has a very simple wish for those that read the book.
“I just want people to come to it and enjoy reading it and note that there are other experiences than their own perhaps,” said Shoemaker.
“Bacon Grief” is available for purchase on the book's website. It is also available to rent at many of the surrounding libraries, including the Peoria Public Library, and residents of the state of Illinois are eligible to receive a free e-book version via BiblioBoard. Ask your local library for any questions on how to obtain that copy.
