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Aaron Musser: Lutheran pastor slammed 'sick' for dressing in drag for kids' worship service

'Well, it's really rotten in America,' a Twitter user commented as many condemned Aaron Musser's act

A newly-ordained Lutheran pastor from Chicago became the latest target of religious hardliners online for dressing up in drag while holding a worship service at the church. Aaron Musser, who is believed to be a drag queen, was ordained in summer of 2021 as a pastor. A week ago, he addressed the group of children at an event at his parish, at the St Luke's Lutheran Church of Logan Square. 

During the event, Musser dressed up in drag with a blonde wig and white dress that resembled a pastor's robe, but sleeker with more embellishments attached to it. Standing on the pulpit, he read out a religious book about Joy to the children. He also explained how he personally perceives the idea of happiness, as he said, "I have an awesome story to share with you today. I am also a boy most of the time when I'm here, but today, I'm a girl."

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In a Facebook post about the event, Musser, who is proudly gay, wrote, "The sixth Sunday of advent is rejoice Sunday. It's a chance for us to rehearse what a life of joy could look like. It's a dress rehearsal. Preaching in drag is a theological reflection on joy: Joy overflows so abundantly, it can't help but make itself known. Weaving together the day's theme, queer theory, and lectionary texts, we will 'dress rehearse' for joy."

The Lutheran church also shared a post about Musser, saying, “Today, we consider what it might be like to have a dress rehearsal for the kind of joy awaiting us on the other side of Advent. It’s been so hard to know what that joy will be, because it’s been so long since some of us have been joyful. It’s been a difficult and tiring couple of years. And I decided instead of telling you, ‘this is how I want you to be joyful,’ as we prepare for this dress rehearsal, I figured I would instead put on a dress as so many who have inspired me have done. I decided to follow their example, showing that liberation from oppressive laws clears a path for joy. But allowing yourself to feel joy can be scary. I wasn’t sure how the outside world would handle me when they saw me this morning. Joy is difficult to feel, it’s vulnerable. But isn’t it so beautiful?"

In his personal Facebook page, Musser explained how he considers Queerness a beautiful concept. "Queer sexualities, gender identities, and gender expressions outpour from the depths of our being. We are who we are. And we can articulate our truth," he writes. 

However, Musser's service as a Drag Queen did not sit well with many netizens, who condemned him in the most insensitive manners. 

Controversial journalist Andy Ngo tweeted, "Aaron Musser, a leftist activist at St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Logan Square (@stlukesLS) in Chicago, was part of a drag queen hour on 13 Dec. for children. In a previous tirade he posted on Facebook, Musser falsely blamed "white fascists" for the deaths of black trans women."

"These people are sick," tweeted a channel named Bad Religion UK, adding the details about Musser. Another user said, "Meet Mr Aaron Musser (yup! the one below in drag at the pulpit!) St Luke's Lutheran Church - Logan Square - Chicago, Il. Shame Shame Shame & TWISTED the Gospel too!"

A fourth user noted, "St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Chicago a guy called Aaron Musser. Dressed in women's clothing, he preached a sermon on how "liberation from oppressive laws clears the way for joy." Well, it's really rotten in America."