Courageous Conversations about Religion, Sex, and Love with “Nun Better” Author Joanie Lindenmeyer

WATCH RECORDING: https://youtu.be/R0HitVHHrz8

Since publishing her book about her memoir about her 40-year love affair and marriage with another nun, Joanie Lindenmeyer has been touring the US sharing her energy and wisdom with those who have flocked to her book events.

She set out to discuss and share what happens when two women commit to serving the Catholic Church as nuns-Brides of Christ, taking vows of chastity… and fall passionately in love. As she shared how they defied the Church’s rules against same-sex relationships and blazed their own bold trail for a joyous, adventurous life together during at a time when LGBTQ people could be killed for being gay and same-sex marriage was decades in the future, something unexpected and profound happened.

Joanie’s events created a safe space for others to share their stories about their own love stories, their relationship with religion, and their coming out stories – sometimes for the first time ever, including an octogenarian coming out to Joanie for the first time in their life.

Come celebrate the one-year “book-iversary” and hear how Joanie’s book has changed lives and prompted her to work on two more books, co-written with her publisher Elizabeth Ann Atkins. These new books are due out in the summer of 2024. They were inspired by what Joanie discovered on the road: 

Joyously Free! Stories and Tips to Live Your Truth as LGBTQ+ People, Allies, and Parents

Healing Religious Hurts: Stories and Tips to Find Love and Peace.

Joanie’s positive outlook for humanity is front and center as she talks about being gay, keeping it secret, coming out, and how all of that wrapped around are Catholicism as nuns and as believers.

Joanie Lindenmeyer is the co-author of Nun Better: An AMAZING Love Story. She’s a former Catholic nun and retired teacher and coach who enjoys playing and watching sports, traveling, fishing, gardening, playing guitar, listening to music, hiking, and walking, baking treats and hanging out with family and friends.

Filled with joy and hope, she believes Jesus is her best friend. In 1982, she met Carol Tierheimer and they married on August 5, 2020. Raised in San Diego, California, she taught Physical Education and Health in public high school for 25 years, after teaching Religion and P.E. for four years in Catholic elementary schools.

She coached boys and girls sports teams for 20 years. Joanie worked at two nonprofits and a county Department of Health in areas of community health, addictions, teen pregnancy, sexuality, child abuse prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention, STI testing and counseling, and wellness.

A San Diego State University graduate, she was a member of the university volleyball team and has a California teaching credential.

She was a Catholic Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, ministering in many ways. Her dedication shines to people of all ages, making their lives brighter, happier and healthier. She was committed to her one and only, lifetime lover and spouse of 40 years and is a recent widow.

Joanie and Carol Tierheimer began writing “Nun Better: An AMAZING Love Story” together in the Brookings, Oregon home they shared for 31 years.

Presenter’s Website: https://twosisterswriting.com

RVML’s full events calendar:  https://rvml.org/events