The long, global history of queer art in churches

Divine Playhouse, a queer arts venue in a deconsecrated church, opened in Sydney on July 8. Christian protesters heckled attendees outside the venue, while others prayed. The following day, after calls from fundamentalist Christian groups, the landlord issued a notice to cease operating “offensive trade”. Divine Playhouse have been forced to close the venue and postpone events while they seek legal options. Both the church venue and the performers’ parodic engagement with Catholic rituals –…