Embattled Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has openly credited a controversial activist theologian with helping shape his political and religious worldview.
During a March 2021 podcast appearance, Talarico enthusiastically praised theologian Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, describing himself as a “fan boy” and crediting Henderson-Espinoza’s work with influencing his thinking.
“When you started following me on Twitter, I couldn’t contain my inner fan boy, because I read your book last year and it continues to inspire me and y’all’s work continues to inspire me,” Talarico said. He went on to argue that aspects of his own identity limited his imagination, saying, “my whiteness, my masculinity, all those things limit my imagination about what’s possible. And that’s where your book helps me do that.”
Talarico has spent much of the last several months attempting to explain away a series of past remarks that Republicans have characterized as excessively leftist, including statements that “God is non-binary,” suggestions that there are six biological sexes, and arguments that the Bible does not prohibit abortion.
While Talarico has recently described some of his older remarks as “cringey,” his praise for Henderson-Espinoza provides insight into some of the intellectual influences behind those statements.
Talarico specifically referenced Henderson-Espinoza’s 2019 book “Activist Theology,” which argues for a form of Christianity centered on political activism and opposition to what the author describes as “interlocking supremacies.” Henderson-Espinoza later expanded those themes in the 2022 book “Body Becoming: A Path to Our Liberation,” which advances a vision of faith rooted in social justice and liberation politics.
Henderson-Espinoza, who goes by “Roberto Che Espinoza,” is an activist theologian, author, professor, and ordained minister who identifies as transgender, “non-binary,” and “TransQueer Latinx.” A longtime figure in Left-wing academic and activist circles, Henderson-Espinoza has served as a visiting professor at Duke Divinity School and founded the Activist Theology Project, an organization that describes itself as bringing together theologians, activists, social-change advocates, and political organizers.
The project’s stated mission extends far beyond traditional ministry, positioning itself at the intersection of religion, activism, and political organizing.
Her work pushes well beyond even what many would consider “progressive Christianity.” In a 2018 academic paper, Henderson-Espinoza called for “transing religion” as a way to dismantle traditional understandings of sex, gender, and theology. The paper argued for breaking down what Henderson-Espinoza described as religious “binarisms” and challenged longstanding Christian teachings on complementarity and human nature.
Henderson-Espinoza has also described the Bible as “trans-positive,” referred to transgender individuals as “Easter icons,” and argued that traditional theological categories should be reimagined through the lens of queer theory and liberationist activism.
In interviews, Henderson-Espinoza has argued that even “progressive Christianity” does not go far enough. Speaking with The Nation, Henderson-Espinoza rejected the label of “progressive Christian,” arguing that the movement remains too influenced by liberalism and individualism and fails to sufficiently challenge what she calls systems of oppression and “whiteness.”
Instead, Henderson-Espinoza identifies as a “liberationist,” both politically and theologically, viewing Christianity primarily through the lens of social activism and liberation movements rather than doctrine or institutional tradition. That worldview has led Henderson-Espinoza to openly dismiss many traditional priorities of organized religion. In the same interview, Henderson-Espinoza argued that relationships should take priority over doctrine and dogma and stated, “I’m not an institutionalist … and I’m not here to preserve the institutional church.”
Rather than preserving churches or defending theological orthodoxy, Henderson-Espinoza has argued that Christians should focus on activism, social change, and challenging existing institutions. Her political activism has mirrored those views. Henderson-Espinoza has opposed legislation preventing trans-identifying boys from competing in girls’ sports, criticized parental notification policies involving students who identify as transgender, and frequently incorporates progressive political causes into sermons, public appearances, and academic work.
Those positions have made Henderson-Espinoza a celebrated figure among activists and Left-wing religious circles while drawing criticism from more traditional Christians.
For Talarico, however, Henderson-Espinoza was not merely a public figure he admired from afar. By his own admission, the theologian’s writings, activism, and worldview helped expand his political imagination and served as a source of inspiration during his rise within Texas Democratic politics.
As Republicans continue highlighting Talarico’s past comments on faith, gender, and sexuality, that relationship is likely to face increased scrutiny as voters evaluate the influences that helped shape the Democratic nominee’s worldview.
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