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 Obergefell vs. Hodges. 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: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 01 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 1990s. Despite facing rejection and adversity, he unexpectedly found his voice as an outspoken advocate for gay rights after being dismissed as a troop leader from the Boy Scouts of America in 2012.

Bourke's historic role as one of the named plaintiffs in the landmark United States Supreme Court decision Obergefell vs. Hodges played a pivotal role in legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015. Following his ouster from the BSA, Bourke became a leading 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.

Despite these obstacles, Bourke and his husband, Michael De Leon, have been active members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for over three decades. Their family includes 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 the vibrant community of their parish life. Bourke's memoir is a testament to his unwavering Catholic faith, which serves as the foundation for his inspiring story of resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of equality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268201241