ESU Hosts Meet the Author and Book Signing, November 30

Growing up on the dusty streets of Mexico, religion came into Fernando Alcántar’s life at a very young age.

“In Mexico, you’re either a Catholic or you’re nothing,” he said.

When he immigrated to the United States at 18 years old, he converted to Protestant Christianity and looked to his faith for comfort. While attending a Christian University in Los Angeles for his undergraduate and graduate studies, Alcántar worked to oversee hundreds of ministries, churches, and missionaries, and eventually became a director of ministries to young people for the California-Hawaii region of the United Methodist Church.

Alcántar’s experience questioning his sexuality in the Christian faith was not a positive one. Spending years of his life true to his faith, he struggled to find himself. When he began to explore his sexual orientation, he also questioned his allegiance to his religion.

“They would tell me to ‘hide those feelings’ and called it ‘struggling with thoughts of homosexuality’ or ‘being tempted,’” he said. “They called it a ‘sin,’ ‘an illness,’ ‘an abomination.’”

Urged by young people he had ministered in the past to share his stories inspired Alcántar to publish his first book: “To the Cross and Back: An Immigrant’s Journey from Faith to Reason.”

“Writing this book allowed me to process four things imperative to my identity: immigration, religion, sexuality, and surviving tragedy,” he said.

Shortly after leaving Christianity behind, Alcántar returned to his passion in higher education. He landed a job as director of student life at Utah State University Eastern. Though he enjoyed working with students, he was uncomfortable with the prevalence of religious ideologies in the state. Because of his sexuality, he endured emotional and physical confrontation on multiple occasions. For Alcántar, it was a traumatizing experience.

Alcántar left Utah behind and returned to California for and began teaching for San Diego State University. This summer he accepted a position with the Student Activity Association (SAA) at East Stroudsburg University.

“I have never been truly accepted for who I am as I have at ESU—this community embraces diversity, instead of fearing it,” said Alcántar.

At ESU, Alcántar found a place where he can train a new generation of leaders who are accepting of one another. He plans on working to create new solutions on dealing with diversity, service, and leadership in an inclusive community.

“I want people who are hiding in the shadows to have a voice,” Alcántar said. “You should not be afraid to question your cultural, religious, or sexual identity for fear of isolation and retaliation.”

On November 30 faculty, students and members of the community are invited to hear more about his journey at a book signing in the university bookstore. This event will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the book signing, please contact the university store at 570-422-2665.

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