The Concert and the Closet
A comic book on depression, moments of grace, and closeted gay Christians.
October Recital - We enter a writer’s thoughts, outer and inner experiences. During a single day, a thread weaves through events, emotions, ideas and memories.
A Parade in June - Let’s go to San Francisco! A man encounters gay Christians - a few who are deeply closeted - as he himself approaches the faith.
FOR AGES 13 AND UP. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
“A Catholic San Francisco artist shares his loving encounters with LGBTQ Christians, including closeted gay men and an LGBTQ-affirming priest, as he himself approaches the faith in the illustrated book “The Concert and the Closet: A Comic Book on Depression, Moments of Grace, and Closeted Gay Christians” by Stefan Salinas. Reading the graphic novel is like looking through the artist’s sketchbook. Handwritten notes and unedited drawings give a fresh, personal view of people and places such as Father Donal Godfrey of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic church, Grace Episcopal cathedral (including the AIDS Interfaith Memorial Chapel), Twin Peaks bar in the Castro and the Pride parade. The impressionistic style subtly explores the insider/outsider dynamic of being in/out of the church or the closet. The author’s work has been widely published and he did public art commissions for many churches. Published by Camelopardalis.”
- Q Spirit.net, September 6, 2020
Purchase at the stores listed below, or ask your favorite bookshop.
(If on AMAZON, check for the best New book price, as sometimes they first list an increased amount)
Subtitled "Brief encounters with closeted gay Christians", the gorgeous, colorful San Francisco-set graphic novel by the local artist tells a slice-of-life - and transformative - story.
— Review of A Parade in June, in San Francisco Examiner, June 24, 2012
© 2020 Art and Text by Stefan Salinas
Format: Softbound, 94 pages Size: 7"x 0.26”x 10"
Publisher: Camelopardalis
Language: English
ISBN: 978-0-9986088-3-9
Library of Congress Control Number: 2020912758
Artwork: Color pencil, ink and acrylic on paper.
Proofreader: Jack Ronan
Review of A Parade in June by Susan Casslan, July. 2012
(author of Conversations with Richard Purcell)
Some may describe Stefan Salinas’ new creation A Parade in June: Brief Encounters with Closeted Gay Christians as a “comic book.” Salinas himself, a San Francisco writer and artist who immigrated here from Houston, calls it a “graphic novella.” However defined, the book is indeed a remarkable work of art.
This is a beautifully written story about a young gay man’s journey into Catholicism. And beyond the narrative, each frame of illustrations is a stunning feast of color and design. Salinas received his BFA in art at the University of Houston, and what a blessing for all of us that he’s utilizing his education and gift.
Salinas shares a story and perspective that is seldom told – that of a gay Christian. He does so in a manner that is compelling and easy to read. It will certainly appeal to a broad variety of readers, regardless of their age, orientation or background.
This is a tale that needs to be told – a view of gays that is not based on tired old stereotypes. Salinas’s work is honest and touching, and much to the delight of any San Franciscan, the book vividly describes gay life in SF. This includes the protagonist’s encounter with Father Donal Godfrey, a local Jesuit priest who is much admired by many gay Catholics, and who has taken a brave stand against homophobia in the Church.
A Parade in June is worth picking up, and hopefully it will be widely read. It will undoubtedly serve as a force against ignorance, and also help LGBTQs who are trying to find their own spiritual path.