Kate Bornstein has tattooed on the back of her hand-- I MUST NOT TELL LIES.
It’s almost serendipity that Scientology is all over the news with the very public divorce of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. Many speculate that Holmes left Cruise to escape the oppressive, bizarre religion that she’s afraid would hurt her child.
In recent years, many high ranking church officials have left Scientology due to their the homophobia, transphobia and all around general abuse.
Now, writer and performance artist Kate Bornstein, well known for her work as an advocate for trans folks, queer youth and all misfits is coming forward with her amazing story of being the right hand man of founder L. Ron Hubbard in her new book “A Queer and Pleasant Danger: A Memoir.”
Kate served in the upper echelon of the church aboard L. Ron Hubbard’s gigantic yacht before being forced out, leaving behind her daughter who she hasn’t been able to see in 30 years.
Listen as we talk about the Church of Scientology’s genderless theology, how high ranking members believe they have the power of telekinesis, and why they are losing their grip on Hollywood.
Featured Book:
Kate Bornstein – A Queer and Pleasant Danger: A Memoir: Amazon
FOF #1308 – Happiness for the Holidays – 12.20.10
Kate Bornstein’s ”It Gets Better” Video
VIDEO: Lady Bunny Roasts the New Pope
FOF #1756 – Love is Blind – 03.08.13
2 Comments
Comments
Fabulous episode! Kate is so fascinating. She’s always funny and informative. Thanks for the questions about Scientology, boys. Those were things I was interested in hearing about and Kate told it like it is (was?).
Great guest! Enjoyed Kate very much, and such a soothing voice. Only wish I would have known about her performance here in town.
It’s happening Saturday night at the Center on Halsted Jamie! Still not too late.
Great show, I loved her voice and witty comments!
Listening to this show for a second time because I enjoyed it so much the first. I was miffed when I saw this article going around FB a few weeks ago entitled “Scientology’s summer of hell” (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/scientologys-summer-of-hell-7901943.html) and clicked on it only to see Kate’s name mentioned absolutely NOWHERE! I’m getting everyone to read hir book (via the ONE copy we have in our city library), it’s a wonderful informative read on the history of Scientology as well as an incredibly touching personal story.
I’ve known an unsettling number of people who fit the borderline personality profile, but Aunty Kate (yes, I’m part of her devote “twibe”) gets props for admitting to and getting help for such. The only other notable who I know has such a diagnosis is Susanna Kaysen, author of Girl, Interrupted, but supposedly lots of performer types fit the profile.