A lot of churches are quick to quip that “love is love,” waving a rainbow flag once a year in worship, while neglecting the fact that queer, trans and drag lives are under attack. Hear me clearly: As a queer clergywoman, I’m grateful that more and more churches have stepped out of the closet and into inclusion, affirming the fullness of LGBTQIA+ lives.
But we cannot forget that Pride is more than rainbows and glitter bombs. It is resistance born at the hands of BIPOC transgender activists and drag queens.
So, the book I’m celebrating for Belief Behind the Book is written by my favorite Asian American drag queen—Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker’s “AffirSLAYtions: Affirmations to Slay Your Day the Sugarbaker Way.”
Belief Behind the Book is a feature that gives readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the beliefs—or what I call “the WHY”—behind books written by progressive spiritual leaders. Inspired by the Ministry from the Margins Books program, Belief Behind the Book shines a spotlight on why authors write the books they write, offering practical tips for readers to apply to their own belief systems.
“AffirSLAYtions” is a gorgeous coffee-table style book meets children’s book filled with stunning glamour shots of the indomitable Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker. Each page includes an affirmation for you to name and claim so you can slay your day the Sugarbaker way.
The Queen of the South and Mother of the House of Sugarbaker, Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker has been the Executive Director of Atlanta Drag Story Hour since 2017. Her work has received global acclaim as part of an international movement seeking to share a love of reading through a lens of diversity and inclusion.
When not pursuing world peace, she is interested in world domination. Her motto is “Reading Books & Serving Looks!”
When I asked Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker why she wrote “AffirSLAYtions,” she responded:
“Like many queer Southerners, I grew up in the church with the knowledge that I was gay and was taught that who I was created to be was wrong. I knew differently, but it’s hard to live your most authentic life when you’re constantly told that your existence is something to be afraid of or ashamed of. My struggle isn’t unique, but I am fortunate to have made it to the other side knowing that I am divinely created, worthy of love, and deserving of celebration. I wrote this book for all the people who may still struggle to love themselves and others. Everyone benefits from the AffirSLAYtions that we tell ourselves and those around us. This book is an act of protest, speaking love into our world.”
Continuing, she elaborated on one practical takeaway for readers:
“The greatest takeaway for readers of “AffirSLAYtions” is that words matter—the words we speak to ourselves and the words we direct at others. Being gentle with ourselves is an act of strength, not weakness. We receive what we pour into the world. My practice of speaking truth to kindness and offering affirmation, both to myself and others, is about creating the kind of world I want to live in. AffirSLAYtions are the golden rule in action: do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. That’ll preach every day of the week!”
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Award-winning author of ten books, including The Authorpreneur Handbook. Founder and CEO of Tehom Center Publishing, a nonprofit press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. Rev. Dr. Yarber’s work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPo, NPR, The Advocate, Ms. Magazine, the television show Tiny House Nation, and more. She travels the world speaking, preaching, publishing, and writing, but she can always be found at www.tehomcenter.org
