Gay, Catholic, and American: My Legal Battle for Marriage Equality and Inclusion

Gay, Catholic, and American is a memoir by Greg Bourke that recounts his struggles for acceptance as a gay Catholic in the South, his transformation into an outspoken gay rights activist, and his historic role in the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage. Bourke and his husband, Michael De Leon, have been active members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for over three decades, and their family includes two adopted children who attended Lourdes school. The book provides insight into how the Bourke De Leon family struggled to overcome antigay discrimination and fought to legalize same-sex marriage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2021
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

In his captivating memoir, Catholic Greg Bourke shares the profound journey of growing up gay and navigating the challenges of discrimination in the fight for same-sex marriage in the United States. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Bourke candidly recounts his early struggles for acceptance as an out gay man in the South during the 1980s and 90s. Despite facing rejection from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in 2012 after being dismissed as a troop leader, Bourke's life took an unexpected turn when he became an outspoken advocate for gay rights. His historic role as one of the named plaintiffs in the landmark Supreme Court decision, Obergefell vs. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015, solidified his legacy as a trailblazer.

After being ousted by the BSA, Bourke became a prominent figure in the movement to amend antigay policies within the organization. However, his efforts were met with resistance from the Archdiocese of Louisville, which opposed marriage equality. Despite his impeccable long-term record as a distinguished boy scout leader, Bourke was blocked from returning to leadership. Nevertheless, he and his husband, Michael De Leon, have been active members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for over three decades, raising two adopted children who attended Lourdes school and were raised in the faith.

Through their unwavering commitment and resilience, Bourke and De Leon have successfully navigated the complexities of being openly gay while integrating into their parish life and community. Bourke's memoir is a testament to his unwavering Catholic faith, which serves as the foundation for his inspiring story of resilience and perseverance. It sheds light on the struggles faced by the Bourke De Leon family as they battled antigay discrimination not only from the BSA but also from the Catholic Church. Their unwavering commitment to their faith and their pursuit of equality have made them pioneers in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

In conclusion, Catholic Greg Bourke's memoir is a powerful testament to the strength of love, faith, and resilience. It chronicles his journey from rejection to advocacy, from discrimination to legalization, and from a life lived in the shadows to one of visibility and empowerment. Bourke's story inspires us to embrace our differences, stand up for what is right, and fight for equality for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268201234