Max meeting Pope Francis after a general audience on October 23, 2024 (Rome, the Vatican, Italy).

About Maxwell Kuzma

Maxwell Kuzma is a writer, advocate, and podcast host exploring what it means to be queer, Catholic, and committed to justice. His work spans journalism, independent publishing, and digital media, all rooted in the belief that queer and trans people are not just welcome in the Church—they are essential to its future.

Max writes for outlets like National Catholic Reporter, runs a personal Substack focused on queer Catholic identity (often in collaboration with Emma Cieslik), and co-hosts the Whiplash with Maxwell Kuzma podcast. He also does frequent media interviews with outlets such as the BBC and NYTimes. Across platforms, he creates content that reimagines Catholic theology by centering the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ Catholics as full participants in the life of the Church.

Drawing from Catholic social teaching, queer theology, and personal experience, Max’s work offers intellectual and spiritual companionship for those navigating faith after disillusionment. It questions the unjust structures of the Church and society alike, while offering education, solidarity, and liberatory vision for those who remain—by choice or by memory—within the Catholic tradition.

Whether you’re a queer Catholic, a former conservative seeking healing, or an ally looking to grow, this work is for you.

July 2024 Headshot of Max Kuzma


Pull quote from Max’s NCR article about meeting the Pope, October 2024. Read the article here

Max during a 40 mile bike ride in May 2024

Fr James Martin (left) LGBTQ affirming Jesuit Priest with Max in Summer 2023 for the Outreach Conference

Fr James Martin and Max at the 2024 Outreach Conference (where Max was a panelist on “Transgender Catholics and the Church”)

Max with Sr Jeannine Gramick, SL, New Ways Ministry’s Co-Founder, at the Outreach 2024 Conference prior to presenting on his panel

Max at home on his farm in May 2024