Kittredge Cherry

Kittredge Cherry is an author, art historian and minister who studied in Japan on a Rotary International Journalism scholarship.

A native of Iowa, Cherry has degrees in journalism and art history from the University of Iowa, and a master of divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. She studied Japanese language and culture at Kobe College and International Christian University in Tokyo.

Cherry founded JesusInLove.org in 2005 to support LGBT spirituality and the arts. It promotes artistic and religious freedom and teaches love for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. She was ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches, an LGBT-affirming Christian denomination, and served as its National Ecumenical Officer. One of her primary duties was promoting dialogue on homosexuality and religion at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches.

She has written about Japan for such publications as Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal. Her popular “Cool Words” column was a regular feature at the Asahi Weekly from 2006-09.

Her books include Lambda Literary Award finalist "Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More," "The Passion of Christ: A Gay Vision," "Jesus in Love: A Novel," and "Equal Rites: Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations," "Hide and Speak: A Coming Out Guide" and "Womansword: What Japanese Words Say About Women."

The New York Times Book Review praised her "very graceful, erudite" writing style and her poetry has won several awards. Her books have been translated into German, Polish, Chinese and Japanese. She has also written for Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal. Cherry and her spouse live in Los Angeles.