Research on sexuality and religion: Some reflections on accomplishments and future directions

Sexualities has always occupied a special place in my heart, for two reasons. First, I closely identify the journal with its founding editor, Professor Ken Plummer, who examined my PhD thesis - on gay male Christian partnerships - about three years prior to the birth of this journal. the viva experience was highly positive and affirmative, thanks to Ken's inspiring ability to lift my timorous spirit while rigorously examining all aspects of the research. I then vowed that, when my turn came to examine a PhD thesis, I would adopt his approach. Now, 20 odd years down the road, I still remind myself to 'do a Plummer' before I step into a viva. The other reason I am emotionally close to this journal is that its birth almost coincided with the commencement of my own post-PhD career. I remember feeling rather excited while reading the first issue of the journal, being confident that it would make a significant contribution to the study of sexualities. I wanted to very much to be a part of this exciting development. But I had to wait until 2003 before my article appeared in it for the first time. Since then, I have had the opportunity to guest-edit a special issue in 2010 on sexuality and religion, and publish another article in 2018. Having served as an occasional reviewer over the years, and an associate editorial board member since 2013, I accepted with no hesitation when the invitation to become a full editorial board member came in 2016.