Our Tribe Chanting

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Toby Johnson

“The first book in his pioneering trilogy, Two Flutes Playing, helped us reclaim a sense of where we are as a queer people with a deep heritage and purpose. His second volume, Two Hearts Dancing, helped us fall in love with ourselves and each other. In Our Tribe Chanting, the rapturous conclusion of the trilogy, he passionately and tenderly takes each of us by the hand and guides us into who we are becoming. With warmth and humor, he reflects on his queer journey and invites us to reflect upon our own, even as he calls us to the most generous embodiment of our truths and the greatest embrace of our destiny: we are here, quite literally, to save the world.”

Hunter Flournoy

“Be quick to take the hand of our cherished elder. We queer men have work to do, and Eli Andrew Ramer’s teachings in this vibrant book will enthrone you in the chair of wisdom.”

Will Roscoe

“Shamanic Tradition of Same-Sex Love “Every ethnic group has a mythology passed down from parent to child, but for many of us who are queer, rooting ourselves in the past has been, at best, a challenge. Until, that is, Eli Andrew Ramer. Ramer weaves together the dreams, visions, and magic of our people in a way that, finally, makes us whole. ‘For us,’ says Ramer, ‘prayer is about the things we say.’ Our Tribe Chanting gives voice to the countless generations of us who were, are, and will be.”

Andrew Lawler

“The image that keeps popping into my head as I read Our Tribe Chanting is Virgil. Eli Andrew Ramer is our guide, our visionary, a seer. He invites us to see in new ways and walks us through the liminal moments all around us. He pulls back the curtain to reveal the magic and elevates us all.”

Bo Young

“I recommend Eli’s book Our Tribe Chanting: A Spiritual Journeybook for Gay Men with utter delight! Delight at the skillful and beautiful ways in which he weaves together myth, autobiography, spiritual wisdom, bodily sensuality, and queer being. At a time when many of us older queer folk are looking back on our lives, Eli’s writing reminds us of—and recalls us to—a deeper way of living that brings us into ever closer connection with the larger tribe of queer souls who span time, place, and identity. Come join the chant!”

Bernie Schlager

“Before I discovered Eli Andrew Ramer my world was unendurably small. Now I take jaunts through countless universes and dimensions at a moment’s notice. Now my world is as big as I am. A perfect fit. A mirror. A friend. And the most powerful reality-expander I know.”

Randy Higgins

“Eli Ramer’s message for gay men is radical, as in the Latin word for root: We have always been here, and are here for a purpose, each and all of us. These essays range from mytho-history to autobiography to valuable guidance on how to be—and how to be together. Generations have been moved and empowered by Ramer’s previous books. Our Tribe Chanting will refresh and recenter that knowledge. Your first encounter? Prepare for change.”

Jonathan Lerner

“Eli Andrew Ramer, a visionary historian, poet, prophet, storyteller, and teacher of sacred embodiment has guided and inspired the queer spirit community for over thirty years. This mischievous volume will delight, wherever we—youth or elder or anyone in between—are on our journey. The richness and depth of the essays are augmented with stimulating prompts expanding the fresh fun and spiritual sexiness. With its wit, warmth, and wisdom this uniquely eclectic offering by one of our veritable visionaries is truly a transformational agent.”

Jim Van Buskirk

“Eli Andrew Ramer’s work speaks to the soul of what it means to be gay: we’re part of a magical tribe of divine beings who have the privilege of operating in special functions that contribute to the healing and evolution of the world. Whether it’s learning about the power of getting blessed by your gay elders, communing with the sanctuary of the forest, or reimagining the term ‘fundamental,’ Our Tribe Chanting will expand your consciousness toward greater pride and healing.”

David Monticalvo

“Lifetime of Shame “Eli Andrew Ramer is a visionary. He weaves intuition and wisdom into works that inspire us to reclaim our role as gay elders. Our Tribe Chanting combines powerful storytelling with practical exercises. Its guidance will allow you to embody his vision of what’s possible for men who love men.”

Oluwo Brian Olánipèkun Madigan

“What is a tribe? A gaggle of beings (possibly non-beings), a flock of similar intent, a pride of dissimilar intent which binds itself by its distinctions. There are as many tribes as there are stars in the firmament; there are as many beings within the tribes as we have taxonomies for their lapels. Does this not apply to every two-spirit auntie and uncle, wandering sadhu, salamander, owl, mountain, and ginkgo? And does not this lead us one step closer to life’s ultimate query: Who am I? Professor Ramer gently directs us one lunge closer to the only possible solution: Who am I not?”

Gavin Geoffrey Dillard