Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence is a remarkable book that offers an unprecedented look into the lives of lesbian nuns. This powerful book explores the struggles of these women in a highly conservative and patriarchal society and sheds light on their individual journeys. Written by independent research scholar, Nancy Manahan, Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence is an inspirational work that chronicles the experiences of lesbian women in religious orders. Through her detailed interviews, Manahan provides valuable insight into the lives of these women and how they overcame tremendous obstacles to find love and acceptance within their faith communities.
Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence Review

Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence, by Nancy Manahan, is a groundbreaking and inspiring book that explores the lives of lesbian nuns. It’s an eye-opening look into the struggles, joys, and triumphs of these women as they discover their true identities.
Key Features:
1. Examines the experiences of lesbian nuns from various religious backgrounds, including Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Buddhism.
2. Describes how coming out has been liberating for many lesbian nuns.
3. Offers insights into the conflicts between religious dogma and sexual orientation.
4. Discusses the impact of homophobia on lesbian nuns and their families.
5. Includes personal stories from lesbian nuns who have chosen to remain in the church despite its intolerance of homosexuality.
In Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence, author Nancy Manahan offers readers an intimate view into the lives of lesbian nuns who have chosen to stay in their religious orders despite their sexuality being condemned by mainstream religions like Catholicism and Anglicanism. The book also provides valuable insight into how coming out can be empowering and liberating for these women, as well as how homophobia affects them and their families on a daily basis. Through interviews with lesbian nuns from various backgrounds, Manahan reveals the courage it takes to live authentically in a world where homosexuality is still perceived as immoral by some religious institutions.
This inspiring book sheds light on a topic that many people know little about: what it’s like to be a lesbian nun living in a homophobic world. By reading Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence, readers will gain greater understanding and appreciation for these courageous women’s journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.
Product Details
| Product Name | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence | Nancy Manahan | Spinsters Ink (June 1, 1997) |
| Publication date | Pages | ISBN-10 |
| June 1, 1997 | 176 pages | 1935226630 |
| Language | Product Dimensions | Shipping Weight |
| English | 5.6 x 0.7 x 8.2 inches | 14 ounces |
| Format | Average Customer Review | |
| Paperback | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence Pros and Cons
1. Pros
- A Unique Perspective: Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence offers a unique perspective on the experiences of lesbian nuns, something that has been rarely documented before.
- Honest and Open Dialogue: The authors provide an honest and open dialogue about the challenges faced by lesbian nuns, as well as their strength and courage in overcoming them.
- Wide Range of Interviews: The book includes interviews with many different former and current lesbian nuns from a wide range of backgrounds, providing an in-depth look at their experiences.
2. Cons
- Focus is Limited: This book focuses mainly on the experiences of Catholic nuns, so it may not be as relevant to readers who are not familiar with this particular religious order.
- Not Suitable for Young Readers: Due to the sensitive nature of some of the topics discussed in the book, it is not suitable for younger readers.
- Lack of Statistical Evidence: Although the authors provide personal accounts from lesbian nuns, there is a lack of statistical evidence to back up some of their claims.
Who are They for
Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence by Nancy Manahan is a groundbreaking book that explores the experiences of lesbian nuns and their struggles for acceptance in the Catholic Church. This powerful and inspiring book offers an intimate portrait of the lives of lesbian nuns and the courage it took for them to break their silence. Through interviews with lesbian nuns, Manahan shines a light on how they navigated their faith, sexuality, and gender within their religious communities.
The book includes stories from women who had to hide their relationships and those who were able to find some form of acceptance. It also looks at the intersection of religious life, sexual orientation, and gender identity in an effort to make connections between religious communities and gay/lesbian rights movement. In addition, Manahan examines the role of sexuality in religious life and how it affects both individuals and institutions.
Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence is an important exploration of a subject that has traditionally been taboo in many cultures. It provides insight into the experiences of those who have had to struggle with issues of identity, acceptance, and belonging in a faith-based environment. This engaging book sheds light on the complexity of being a lesbian nun while allowing readers to gain empathy and understanding for these remarkable women.
My Experience for Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence

I’d heard rumors about Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence, but I had no idea how extraordinary it would be until I read it. My jaw dropped when I finished the book – it’s a fascinating tale of courage, faith, and love.
At its core, Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence is an exploration of lesbian nuns who have had to reconcile their sexuality with their religious beliefs. Through interviews, stories and reflections, Nancy Manahan delves deep into the lives of these women and captures the complexity of their emotions with sensitivity and grace.
The accounts of these courageous women are interspersed with discussions of Catholic theology and the history of lesbian nuns, making this book a truly unique experience. It provides insight into both a long-hidden aspect of Catholicism and an often misunderstood part of the LGBTQ community.
From start to finish, Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence is spellbinding and thought-provoking. In reading it, I gained a greater understanding of what it means to be a woman of faith in today’s world. I highly recommend this book – it will make you laugh, cry, and ponder your own spiritual journey.
What I don’t Like
1. Not available in print – This book is only available in digital format and cannot be printed.
2. Content may not be suitable for all audiences – This book contains content that may not be appropriate for some readers due to its subject matter, which discusses lesbian nuns.
3. Limited availability – The book is not widely distributed, so it may be difficult to find a copy.
4. Outdated information – As the book was published in 1985, some of the information may now be outdated.
How to Create a Supportive Environment for Lesbian Nuns
Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence by Nancy Manahan provides an important look at the history of lesbian nuns and their experiences in religious orders. While it offers insight into the struggles that these women have faced, it’s also important to create a supportive environment for them today. Here are some tips on how to create a safe, inclusive space for lesbian nuns.
- Be Respectful. Show respect for the identities of all individuals, including lesbian nuns. Avoid making assumptions about their lifestyle and beliefs, and treat them with kindness.
- Listen Without Judgment. Listen openly and without judgment to the stories and perspectives of lesbian nuns. This will help ensure that their voices are heard and respected.
- Educate Yourself & Others. Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues, as well as the history of lesbian nuns in religious orders. Share this knowledge with others in your community to help create an accepting environment.
- Create Safe Spaces. Facilitate conversations about LGBTQ+ rights, as well as provide support groups or other safe spaces for lesbian nuns in your community.
- Advocate For Change. Use your voice to advocate for change within religious institutions and organizations. Speak up against discrimination against lesbian nuns and other members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Creating a supportive environment for lesbian nuns is an important step in promoting acceptance and equality. By following these tips, you can help make sure that they feel safe and accepted in your community.
Questions about Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence
What is Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence?
Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence is an essential work about the experiences of lesbian nuns written by Nancy Manahan. It explores how women who are attracted to women have lived and served within the Church, providing an understanding of their struggles and hopes for the future.
How does Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence address church issues?
Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence addresses the issue of how lesbian nuns have been treated in the Catholic Church. Through personal accounts, it examines the challenges they face, such as homophobia and discrimination, while also exploring ways to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for them within the Church.
Who should read Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence?
Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence is an important book for anyone interested in understanding how lesbian nuns experience life in the Catholic Church. It is also a valuable resource for clergy, religious orders, and laypeople who want to learn more about LGBT issues in the Church and promote inclusion.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.














