"Awe is an intuition for the dignity of all things, a realization that things not only are what they are but also stand, however remotely, for something supreme. Awe is a sense for transcendence, for the reference everywhere to mystery beyond all things. It enables us to perceive in the world intimations of the divine. ... to sense the ultimate in the common and the simple: to feel in the rush of the passing the stillness of the eternal. What we cannot comprehend by analysis, we become aware of in awe."
-Abraham Joshua Heschel
"Queer transcendence" is a concept that intersects queer theory and spiritual metaphysics. It refers to the idea of moving beyond or surpassing outmoded cultural and traditional binary understandings of gender, sexuality, and identity. This work moves from an exploration of the external world, whether real or imagined, and instead ventures beyond the physical to explore the spiritual, particularly in the form of Queer Inner Divinity; encapsulating the profound recognition and celebration of the inherent sacredness and authenticity within individuals who identify as queer. It signifies the acknowledgment and celebrates the divine essence present within each person, irrespective of gender identity, sexual orientation, or societal norms.
At its core, queer transcendence challenges societal norms and constructs that limit or restrict individuals based on their gender or sexual orientation. It posits the embracing of complexity, ambiguity, and multiplicity in identity, rather than adhering to rigid definitions. It is my goal for this work to truly transgress constraints of heteronormativity and cisnormativity, as well as exploring alternative ways of being and experiencing the world. It encompasses spiritual or metaphysical dimensions, seeking to connect with something larger while embracing the divine essence of queer identity.