In New Interview, Sufjan Stevens Says the Bible is 'Very Gay'

Sufjan Stevens – whose songs have appeared in "Call Me By Your Name" and "Sex Education" – explained in a recent interview why he sees faith and eros as deeply interconnected, People magazine reported.

"The religious is very sexual," the 49-year-old "Mystery of Love" singer said in comments to Vulture (where the story is behind a paywall). "It's erotic," he added. "Look at Catholic art through the ages, Baroque art. It's all very fleshy and sensual and full of naked bodies."

Moreover, he noted the prevalence on men in the Bible, saying that scripture is "very gay" in focus on males figures.

"That's what you get when there's a patriarchy that's endured for so long," the "With My Whole Heart" singer posited. "Jesus was single, never married," he added, before pointing out that the "disciples were all dudes..."

Stevens went on to explain that his own experience of faith has an erotic side. "I've always felt that my relationship to God is a very intimate and sensual one," the singer disclosed, noting that "Sacraments are... engaging with God in a physical way."

"You're literally eating the flesh and drinking the blood of God during the Eucharist," he added. "It doesn't get much more erotic than that."

"Elsewhere in the conversation, the musician also opened up about his relationship with grief following the death of his late partner, Evans Richardson, at the age of 43 in April 2023," People said.

"I felt like I had fewer fucks to give about anything or anyone after that," People quoted Stevens saying. "Life is short. You got to just be true and honest and real. That's what death does to you."