Musician Sufjan Stevens Discusses Queer Themes in His Music

Sufjan Stevens, the acclaimed musician, shared his thoughts on incorporating queer themes in his work. In an interview with Vulture, he remarked on how many people overlook the intimate relationships between characters like Jonathan and David in biblical texts.

Stevens boldly stated that he believes the Bible is “very gay,” asserting that it’s a reflection of a long-endured patriarchy. He pointed out that Jesus was single and that all his disciples were men, suggesting that these elements intertwine with themes of sexuality.

However, it’s worth noting that there are around 600 women referenced in the Bible, a figure that contrasts with the more than 3,000 men mentioned, which brings some complexity to Stevens’ argument.

The singer, known for his track “Chicago,” also explored the connections between sexuality and religion. He suggested that religion possesses a “very sexual” and “erotic” character, pointing to Baroque art as an example of the physical and sensual representations prevalent in Catholicism.

Describing his spirituality, Stevens commented, “My relationship with God feels very intimate and sensual.” He elaborated on the sacraments, saying they involve a physical connection to God, likening it to “the ultimate erotic experience” for those who might view it through a different lens.

While there are ongoing discussions about his sexuality, especially following the death of his partner Evans Richardson, Stevens has not explicitly identified as gay. In a heartfelt tribute, he dedicated his recent album to Richardson, describing him as a unique gem full of love and joy.

In 2019, the “Mystery of Love” singer hinted at his queerness by releasing two tracks in celebration of Pride, which fueled speculation about his sexuality, particularly due to ambiguous references in his lyrics. Recently, he also made headlines for disclosing that he is dealing with Gilan-Bale syndrome.