Gay Boy Bible
Writer and influential gay rights activist Konrad Juengling has hit headlines in recent weeks, having appeared in magazines like Gay Star News to discuss his ‘coming out’ as an atheist.
The 31-year-old, who was born in Oregon and is now living in Idaho, said that he is “now everything that he despised as a teenager: liberal, gay, atheist, and sometimes-vegan”. The journalist and author, who has had articles published on LGBT issues in The Washington Blade, Purple Unions, Q Center, GayRVA and more, also commented on the negative backlash from his LGBTQ+ activism, telling Gay Star News that he received countless abuse from men on social media, and that despite talking to powerful lawmakers, he is yet to see positive change.
Juengling, whose family is originally from Germany, studied at Portland State University, where he received a Bachelors of Psychology, with a Minor in Women, Gender & Sexualities Studies. He has worked at The Clarion, a student newspaper in North Salem High School, as a reporter, and has since served as a paid journalist for The Portland State Vanguard on a column called Just A Phase, which ran through 2013. In 2015, the author was awarded Huffington Post’s Unicorn of the Week award for his activism and fight against Indiana’s ‘Religious Freedom Restoration Act’ bill.
His activism
Konrad’s activism focuses on equal rights for LGBT people, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repealing the blood ban for gay men, non-discrimination ordinances, ethical consumerism, and supporting liberal politicians.
Frustrated by Indiana state legislators, who voted for the state’s religious freedom bill, Konrad took the decision to register domain names for Republican State Reps Martin Carbaugh, Dale Devon, Douglas Gutwein, Kathy Kreag Richardson, Don Lehe and Donna Schaibley, directing them to websites about LGBT issues hosted by the Human Rights Campaign.
Konrad was also incredibly vocal during the 2016 Presidential Election, telling Gay Star News that he “made an Amazon wish list with LGBT-related items for people to buy which would be sent to Ted Cruz’s office,” and that “they were gay educational items, and items related to gay rights in general, to remind Cruz he has LGBT constituents as well. For example, there were unicorn blow up pool toys, etc.” These are just two of Konrad’s many impressive stunts to raise awareness for LGBT issues, and he promises that he’ll continue to fight for equality in America.
Juengling, who is an alum of Boise State University, also endorsed Paulette Jordan for the Governor of Idaho, and even wrote a satirical children’s book about Jeb Bush so he wouldn’t get the 2016 nomination for president. Called Jed’s ABCs, the book focused on The Republican presidential candidate’s policies, included quotes from Jeb, such as the infamous “Should sodomy be elevated to the same constitutional status as race and religion? My answer is no.”
The future
It’s been a busy few years for Konrad, but he tells Gay Boy Bible in an exclusive chat that he isn’t done yet. “For 2020, I’d like to see a presidential bid by Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or Cory Booker, and that’s something that I want to support publicly and help people to get behind. I’m ready to make some noise and start discussions.”
Whatever Konrad decides to put his weight behind next, there’s no doubting that he’ll continue to challenge public opinions and make a real change.
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