Whiplash with Maxwell Kuzma brings queer voices to the table to explore Catholicism through the lens of queer liberation theology. Growing up in conservative, fundamentalist Catholic environments, Max’s journey has led him to a deeper, more authentic understanding of Jesus—rooted in radical love, not rigid doctrine. The show examines the tension between religious dogma and lived faith, dismantling harmful narratives and imagining a Church and world that fully honors the dignity of LGBTQ+ people and all marginalized communities. Tune in for candid reflections, theological insights, and conversa
For more than five years, I’ve had the privilege of working with Corey Harvard, Executive Director of Prism United, to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people in Southwest Alabama. In this episode of Whiplash, Corey and I talk about how that collaboration began, why storytelling became such an important part of Prism’s work, and what it means to document the lives of LGBTQ+ people in a community that doesn’t always get the attention—or the resources—it deserves. Prism United began as a grassroots effort supporting LGBTQ+ youth and has grown into a community-rooted organization offering support, connection, mental health resources, education, and advocacy.
We also talk about what happens when you give people the opportunity to tell their own stories: the visibility that comes from seeing yourself represented, the relationships that develop behind the camera, and the ways documentary storytelling can become a form of community-building in its own right. This conversation is personal for me because these projects have allowed me to do something I care deeply about as a filmmaker—to make space for people to be seen and heard in their own words. Learn more about Prism United and their work serving LGBTQ+ youth and their loved ones in Southwest Alabama at prismunited.org (https://prismunited.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
5 Aug 2026
Queer Virtue: A Theological Lens for Christianity
In this episode of Whiplash, Max sits down with the Reverend Liz Edman, Episcopal priest and author of Queer Virtue, to explore what queer experience can teach Christianity. Rather than treating queerness as simply an identity to be debated or affirmed, Edman argues that it offers a theological lens—one that challenges false binaries, cultivates virtues like courage and truth-telling, and invites Christians into a richer understanding of vocation, community, and faith.
Together, Max and Liz discuss the spiritual significance of coming out, the role of human suffering in theological reflection, the dangers of fundamentalism, and why Christianity has much to learn from those who have long lived at its margins. Whether you're interested in queer theology, Christian ethics, or simply looking for a deeper conversation about faith and human flourishing, this episode offers a thoughtful and compelling invitation to see Christianity through a new lens.
To stay up to date on new podcast episodes, essays, and other projects, subscribe with your email at https://MaxwellKuzma.substack.com (https://MaxwellKuzma.substack.com).
Also, if you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to check out Maxwell's recent webinar with Tyler Bieber on his biography of Fr. Tom Oddo, now available on the LGBTQ Religious Archive Network YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=Jreo7n4DFUUPjR9u&v=TL9dPT4Y85I&feature=youtu.be (https://youtu.be/TL9dPT4Y85I?si=iCU5pkPVBgUkE6WH)
13 Jul 2026
Living Outside the Norm
In this episode, I reflect on the recent New York Times essay by Matthew Vines, "I'm Gay, Not Queer. It Matters," and use it as a starting point for a broader conversation about what queer means to me. As a transgender Catholic, I've come to understand queerness not simply as a label for sexual orientation or gender identity, but as a way of living beyond society's assumptions about what is "normal" or "default." We explore why these conversations matter in a time of renewed backlash against LGBTQ people, how my faith has shaped my understanding of identity and belonging, and why I believe the Gospel has always made room for lives that challenge conventional expectations.
For more podcast episodes and essays, subscribe at: https://maxwellkuzma.substack.com/
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