Colloquium - Presenters

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the intersection of musicianship, queerness, and religious identity
within the context of conservative Christian churches, particularly through the lens of a queer
Filipino scholar and musician. The author reflects on their personal experiences as a church
pianist and choir director, navigating the tensions between their queer identity and the
expectations of a religious community that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ individuals. The paper
begins with a narrative about the author’s struggle with self-expression through their visibly
queer physical presentation, which symbolizes personal freedom and the discomfort of existing
as a queer individual in a religious setting. This story sets the stage for a broader discussion on
the complexities of being queer in the church, where traditional interpretations of religious texts
often condemn non-heteronormative identities.

The paper delves into queer theory and queer phenomenology, drawing on scholars like
Sara Ahmed and Teresa de Lauretis to examine how queer identities are constructed and
performed within cultural and religious contexts. It also addresses the challenges of conducting
ethnomusicological research as a queer scholar, particularly in fields dominated by
heteronormative frameworks. The author critiques the limitations of existing literature on
queerness in ethnomusicology, highlighting the need for more inclusive and intersectional
approaches that consider race, class, and colonial histories.

Through autoethnography, the author situates their personal experiences within broader
cultural and religious narratives, emphasizing the importance of reflexivity and self-awareness in
research. The paper concludes by reflecting on the ongoing journey of reconciling queerness
with religious faith, acknowledging the deeply personal and often challenging nature of this
process. Ultimately, the author argues for the importance of creating spaces within religious
communities where queer individuals can fully embrace their identities, finding “amazing grace”
in both their faith and their queerness.

 

KEYWORDS
Ethnomusicology, Intersectionality, Queerness, Autoethnography, Religious Identity

 

BIO

André Lorenz B. Feria is a music educator and researcher currently pursuing his graduate
studies in Ethnomusicology at Memorial University. He earned his Diploma in Creative and
Performing Musical Arts and Bachelor of Music in Music Education degrees from the University
of the Philippines Diliman. His graduate research looks into the multi- and intergenerational
musical practices of the Filipino diaspora in Canada and its intersection with gender identity and
expression. Prior to pursuing further studies, he was a volunteer research assistant at the UP
Center for Ethnomusicology. His other research interests include decolonizing the music
classroom, equity, and social justice in music education, intersections of gender expression and
queer studies in music, and the emergence of Philippine Pop (PPop) music. André is also a choir
conductor, arranger, and freelance music instructor.
You can reach him at albf.music@gmail.com and @angmusiko on Instagram.