Wagner From a Queer Perspective
Wagner Society Manchester Meeting, Monday 15 December 2025 1.55pm for 2pm US time and 7pm UK time – Rev Dr Patrick Cheng
On Monday December 15th at 7:00 pm, Dr. Patrick S. Cheng will give a talk about the life and works of Richard Wagner from a queer perspective. Topics will include LGBTQ+ Wagnerites from the 19th century to today, the homosexuality of key people in Wagner’s life (including his patron King Ludwig II as well as his son Siegfried), Wagner’s fetishes with respect to satin and perfume, and the transgressive sexual relationships in Wagner’s operas.
Dr. Patrick S. Cheng is a theologian, an Episcopal priest, and a Wagnerite. A visiting professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, Dr. Cheng has published three books on queer theology, including Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology. Dr. Cheng holds a B.A. from Yale College, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary.
As usual, members of the Society will be sent the zoom link nearer the time. Non-members wishing to attend should contact susi.manchesterwagnersociety@gmail.com for details of how to attend the meeting
All are warmly invited to come along to what should be a fascinating talk