ABSTRACT
Ruth and Naomi’s refusal to accept their fate as childless widows in a society that measured women’s worth according to husbands and sons provides the Queer community with an example for refusing to accept our marginalized status as sexual minorities in a heterosexist, patriarchal society. The book of Ruth is also filled with terms and language that describe family and kinship. Ruth and Boaz remind us that even in the midst of hostile environments, we are able to create communities that affirm our relationships, provide protection, and sustain us. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz is a biblical example of not only same-sex love, but also relational and procreative strategies that are affirming and life-giving for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. The gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community hears the blessing of the townswomen of Bethlehem in our unions.
