The Queer Evangelist: A Socialist Clergy's Radically Honest Tale

by Cheri Dinovo

A queer minister, politician and staunch activist for LGBTQ rights, Cheri DiNovo went from living on the streets as a teenager to performing the first legalized same-sex marriage registered in Canada in 2001. From rights for queer parents to banning conversion therapy, her story will inspire people (queer or ally) to not only resist the system—but change it.

In The Queer Evangelist, Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo (CM) shares her origins as a young socialist activist in the 1960s, and her rise to ordained minister in the ‘90s and New Democratic member of provincial parliament. During her tenure representing Parkdale-High Park in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2006 to 2017, DiNovo passed more LGBTQ bills than anyone in Canadian history.

She describes the behind-the-scenes details of major changes to Canadian law, including Toby’s the first Transgender Rights legislation in North America. She also passed bills banning conversion therapy, proclaiming parent equality for LGBTQ parents, and for enshrining Trans Day of Remembrance into Ontario law. Every year on November 20th in the legislature, the provincial government is mandated to observe a minute of silence while Trans murders and suicides are detailed.

Interspersed with her political work, DiNovo describes her conversion to religious life with radical intimacy, including her theological work and her ongoing struggle with the Christian Right. Cheri DiNovo's story shows how queer people can be both people of faith and critics of religion, illustrating how one can resist and change repressive systems from within.

“Living on the street, using drugs, abandoned by the adults in her life, all while identifying as ‘queer’ in a hostile world—any one of these things could have unravelled many of us. Cheri hauled herself up and not only survived but thrived. I love that this strong, brilliant, competent woman has told her story so honestly.”—Kathleen Wynne, former premier of Ontario

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, Memoir, LGBT, Politics, Biography, Biography Memoir

Audible Audio

Published February 23, 2023

Reviews

[James Adair · Rating 5 out of 5]

The list of great Canadian socialists is not long. But many of them, the most well known share a unique trait, they are Christians who’s socialism is motivated by faith. Among the list, Cheri DiNovo stands out, but she shares the motivating faith and profession of priesthood of many of her comrades.

In the Queer Evangelist, DiNovo painstakingly and heartbreakingly describes her life growing up, both the *high* highs and the very low lows, but she also accentuates the commonness of it all for queer kids like her. This leads to her story of adulthood, her finding her faith, and then her stories of politics. Surprisingly her political career received some of the least focus in the book, though it’s no less intriguing and revealing.

DiNovo in this book makes the case for her inclusion among the ranks of Canadian socialists like Tommy Douglas and Ed Broadbent, and she’s right. Ontario and Canada is better for her service and the left can and should learn and be inspired by her.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was sent an early copy of this & asked to read/share review.

I want to say it’s decent and mildly interesting if you’re into Canadian politics. Of course DiNovo is a celebrated MP with award-winning books and she is all about LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith & religion — she made contribution as such in her tenure.

My biggest problem with this book was that it was boring.

Autobiographies are ... a genre of fiction. This sounds like slander but it’s not lol. It doesn’t erase one’s achievement or impact. But, like all works of fiction, it ain’t good without a compelling narrative.

I think I am always looking for more than platitudes and trite slogans in political/social justice books. More than the “i came from dirt and i ultimately achieved success, but also here are some feminist/queer soundbite i will insert into the conclusion so it makes me seem woke”. Save that for blog posts.

If i am to read your autobiography, give me your personal story casted atop the present political landscape! give me data, research, make connections between the past and present! what has changed, what didn’t change. I need something more than a catchy “we must strive for intersectionality” phrase... cmon i read enough of that on twitter. (Not to mention i am more inclined to view that as virtual signalling than some genuine reflection of your life).

There should also be more than the dry recount of the nomination/election process. This is why I say folks who are superbly interested in canadian politics would find this interesting. It was very a straightforward “i did this and this happened” event recollection which to me, a layman, forgot about the content of the book as soon as i read it.

BUT
It was immensely interesting to learn that DiNovo was raised as an atheist and converted to religion. This aspect was truly refreshing: you rarely read about that in queer biographies. It’s usually the other way around. raised in religious family, struggle with sexuality, freedom from religious restraints. I appreciate that DiNovo reconciles faith and queerness as an evolving discipline in religion; after all its all just interpretations of scripture. Religious communities are places of respite, love, care, and solidarity; queer people deserve a place in that community.

Overall, organization of the book and the narrative was lost on me. This could be better sorted into a collection of essays than an autobiography. With the title and the way it’s marketed, I suspect they want to target young people and encourage them to go into politics. I think it might achieve this effect. But also useful to note that young people are mostly already well-read and known in the slogans and phrases politicians like to deliver to catch attention. These phrases are often surface-levelled and without any substantive contents. So, books must then really deliver on the substance, else we’d be happy to just peruse one’s twitter account.

Tl;dr: a decent book, but not one I particularly enjoyed.

[Sarah McNeil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really adored about 95% of this book; Cheri DiNovo is an undoubtedly incredible force in queer history, politics, and the faith community. I find her life fascinating and it blows my mind that there exists someone like this in the Christian world, since her ideology is so different than the people who raised me and who I've met.

There are a couple of things in her speech that's included near the end of the book, cited as having been read to a church congregation, that I somewhat disagree with—but that disagreement is spurring me to want to dig deeper into research on the topics, so I guess it's not the worst.

Also, god, FUCK government procedure.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth the read if you’re interested in Canadian politics (Ontario particularly) and are curious about the author (she used to be my MPP and is now the Reverend of a United Church around the corner lol). Otherwise, as a book, a bit dry and disorganized. And I wish there were less platitudes and a bit more analysis.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about Cheri Dinovo who has been the representative in the riding that I lived in. Some of the things I knew, many i did not. I really admire her work and her dedication. At times the chapters felt like stand alone essays which made it feel a bit choppy as a narrative.

[Enid Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a (cis-gndered) female of approximately the same vintage as Cheri; an eco-feminist; an agnostic raised in the United Church - who hasn’t ‘attended church’ for almost 40 years, but I am still involved as a volunteer with Outreach events and activities run by the church; and I grew up, and lived in, Cheri’s riding... and voted for her in each election she ran in.

Wow! An incredibly honest, no holds barred account of the political life and times, and other selected life experiences, of a fabulously confident, radical feminist icon. A compelling peak behind the curtain - at the mostly frustrating reality of life in politics… Notwithstanding the frustrations, this is, ultimately, a positive and hopeful book that reminds that the struggle is worth it, and that positive change can be accomplished with piles upon piles of hard work.

Cheri’s story is inspirational… a must read for all young up and coming political activists. It also serves as a reminder that we are more than our pasts and/or where we come from... that we must all do everything in our power to keep the tent as large as possible. And it recognises and tributes the role of women - from all walks of life - as front and centre in the struggle to construct a more humane and civil society... where we deserve to be… as opposed to being relegated to the dustbin of history.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheri is a personal hero of mine and writes intricately in her new memoir about living on the streets of Toronto in the 60s, and her unexpected path towards becoming a radical socialist in elected office. This book is also a really good investigation into how power operates, and she does not spare critique of her own party, the NDP. I highly recommend this book, especially for any CDN queers.

[Christy MacCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. So many great points about being in community, loving people, and fighting for the marginalized. So many things to think about.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biography that lifts up other women leaders in the Canadian sphere of influence and hi lights the difficult dance of principles and power and getting things done in a world where you don't fit. Demanding a place at the table can get things done anyway. Cheri Dinovo an engaging and purposeful book about her time in public life in ministry and in office.
A woman to admire and be grateful for her existence.
She was a catalyst in pursuing gay rights and trans rights and poverty awareness and all things queer and non conforming. Most importantly she changed laws and customs and even performed the first gay marriage in Ontario and likely in North America.
She even has an apology from the conservative party in the back of her book praising her stance and her service. When even your opponents concede your worth and give respect, that is an extraordinary achievement. Yet she would hold it was mostly hard work by ordinary people and spread the credit wide. This was an encouraging book to read when the morning radio news is discussing the sad reduction in abortion access in the states, even the banning of mail delivery of the abortion pill. People of principle do exist and do change hopeless things for the better. Yeah, Cheri!

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illuminating look into a very interesting life lived, and into the machinations of our political system.

Picked this up because, as a gay former Catholic, I’m interested in people who are able to allow their queerness and faith to coexist. Her view of the Bible as a revolutionary text, written by the oppressed for the oppressed, gave me a whole new perspective and even appreciation for Jesus as a figure (even if I do not believe in him). That part of the book and Cheri’s life was very interesting, but even more interesting to me was the look behind the scenes of parliament that she offers. I finished this feeling like I had a better understanding of how our electoral system works, and how much party politics runs the show (to the detriment of seemingly everyone). I also finished this with hope. The mentally of holding both the goal of reform/incrementalism and revolution at the same time really resonated and gave me some clarity with something I’ve kind of struggled with.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard the author speak last year and bought her book, but I've just got around to reading it now. She has led quite a varied life! After living on the streets as a teen, she later ordained as a United Church minister, and then became a politician, being elected 3 times in her west-of-downtown Toronto riding. The most meaningful part of the book to me was her analysis of how our governmental system works. To simplify enormously, the parties work against each other. Collaborative work to improve the lives of citizens is rare. The emphasis of the party (if not the individual) is to be re-elected (or to win the next election). The book was inspirational, and I was left with the impression of her being very bright. There is a feminist theme underlying most of it, e.g. males taking credit for ideas the author proposed.

[Gwen Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journalists and fellow politicians endorsed Cheri Dinovo's book - deservedly so. This was - as the cover declared - "a socialist clergy's radically honest tale." Putting aside the repeated reference to queer socialist, Dinovo's autobiography shows several turns in her life. She reveals much about her life as a street kid - the circumstances and ways of survival through the seventies, followed by her success as a businesswoman for several years. She found a calling as a minister in the United Church and as a politician with the Ontario NDP. She divulged the inner machinations of the party and government where the social good was not uppermost in mind to either - very disappointing to her and to her readers. We need more evangelists like DiNovo. I voted for her every time. Remarkable MPP.

[Mattia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I greatly respect the author's political work, but the first half of the book which was about her life was a lot more interesting than the next half which was mostly about political process. I skimmed the second half for more interesting and human bits. It could have been a lot more engaging, because the political changes Dinovo helped bring about were so important to Canadian culture. The book was mostly dry but important.

[Colleen Cavanaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. Reading this book will bring sadness, laughter and respect for Cheri as she struggles many times during her life. A true activist and fighter for those on the margins. Thanks Cheri especially for your work for the LGBTQ+ community as well as those who need affordable homes and much more. This world is better because of you.

[Vee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hesitate to review this book because I am bitter about how disappointing it was after eagerly anticipating it. I'll just say it was way shallower than expected and so many things that mattered were glossed over to discuss political campaigning. Such a letdown.

[Heather Lundrigan]

I learned a lot about local history before and during my childhood, so that was super cool, but also DiNovo had a cool perspective on politics and faith. If we all thought more like her, the world would be a kinder place.

[Gwen L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly good read.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected but in the end I learned how frustrating our Canadian government is.

[Corwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't say it lightly, but this is an inspirational book. Raw and honest, its hopeful conclusion feels truly earned.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful

[melhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

The Queer Evangelist is a political and religious memoir by former New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Parkdale-High Park, Reverend Dr. Cheri DiNovo.

There are a few things that made this memoir one of the most interesting political memoirs I've ever read:

1. DiNovo is a queer (bisexual) reverend.
She initially came out as lesbian because "bisexuals" didn't exist back in the day.

There was never a place back then to be bisexual. No one believed in bisexuality. Most still don't. Even though the B became part of the LGBTQ2S acronym, it never was part of the reality. Claiming you were bisexual simply meant that you were still in the closet and didn't have the courage to emerge from it. Still sort of does. Later it meant that you were really straight and just trying to be cool. Either way you were effaced. You didn't exist as you. Funny thing though, I existed. So did and do others. At a recent forum on the Year of the Bisexual (so-proclaimed in 2018), I was astounded to see so many people I thought were gay, lesbian, or straight. I said to the room, "It's so gratifying to see a room full of people like me who don't actually exist!"

2. She had a very dark childhood, grew up on the streets, and was victim to both sexual abuse and drug abuse.

3. She grew up an atheist and was skeptical about the Church (being queer and all), until she found a Church that accepted her and welcomed her with open arms, and learned that "You didn't have to like everyone, but you did have to love them." It was definitely interesting (and refreshing) to read about a queer person's positive experience with faith and religion.

4. As a minister, she performed Canada's first legal same-sex marriage in 2001, before same-sex marriage was actually legalized by Parliament (a few years later).

5. During her tenure as MPP, she passed more LGBTQ+ bills than anyone in Canadian history, and is also known for tabling the most tri-party bills and private member's bills than anyone else.

Although I don't live in DiNovo's riding (and didn't really know of her before reading this book), I definitely enjoyed learning more about local history and issues, as well as the history and background regarding some of the bills that have passed in the province that I live in. I also particularly loved (and thought it pretty funny and interesting) reading about DiNovo's experience working in a rural church, and how it differed from churches in the City.

Honestly, reading this book really made me admire and appreciate all of DiNovo's hard work. She's accomplished so much for the LGBTQ+ community. It was also a bit disheartening to read about how difficult it was to garner party support for certain bills (even support from your own party!) that seem like no-brainers... which I guess is why so many people hate politics. I can see how politics can be soul-crushing, which is why DiNovo deserves all the praise she can get for persevering and advocating for marginalized communities.

While some of the content was a bit repetitive and the last few chapters a tad too religious for my liking, this was by far one of the most interesting political memoirs I've ever read.

*** #4 of my 2021 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - Read an LGBTQ+ history book ***