Unity in Chicago welcomes best selling author Jay Michaelson on July 15th when he will present "A Holy Conversation: Sexuality and Religion" at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. services. An afternoon program "The Spirituality of the LGBT Movement: Why "Gay Rights" is a Spiritual Opportunity for Straight People, Gay People, and Everyone in Between" begins at 1:30 p.m.

[See earlier interview with Jay Michaelson at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/God-vs-Gay-writer-Jay-Michaelson-on-religious-equality/35616.html .]

The conversation regarding religion, sexuality and rights has emerged front and center in our national dialogue and in turn has sparked a passionate discourse. Michaelson points out that we are at a unique moment of opportunity. "This," he says, "is the defining civil-rights struggle of our time." Michaelson has argued that not only should religious people support LGBT equality because of religion and not despite it, but that this public debate is an opportunity for spiritual growth for all of us, regardless of our sexual identity, gender identity, or religious identity. He asserts that religion at its roots backs a pro-equality stance and points out, "There are two or three out of 31,000 verses in the Bible that the antigay movement uses to condemn homosexuality, and those verses are subject to interpretation. There are hundreds of verses about love, justice and equality."

Jay Michaelson is a writer, scholar, and activist whose work focuses on the intersections of religion, spirituality, sexuality, and law. Michaelson is the author of five books and two hundred articles on the subject of sexuality and religion. His most recent book, God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality (Beacon), has been nominated for a 2012 Lambda Literary Award. He is the founding director of Nehirim: GLBT Jewish Culture and Spirituality, a nonprofit organization which builds community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews, partners, and allies.

This fascinating lecture and conversation will be held at Unity in Chicago, 1925 West Thome Ave., Chicago, IL. A $10 donation is requested for the afternoon program. Call 773-973-0007 or visit www.UnityChicago.org for more information.