Meet our Trustees - Peter Jones
Channel: Open Table Network
Date: 2023-05-21

Hi, my name is Peter Jones, and my pronouns are he/him. I am originally from Northampton. I studied my undergraduate degree in Geography in Wales, and lived there for five years, before moving to Liverpool to do a Master’s degree. I am now a PhD researcher at the University of Leicester, conducting research on LGBTQIA+ Christians and sacred space.
In 2018 I was a member of Open Table Liverpool, and since then have continued having a relationship with the Network, who have been the main case study for my research.

I am a queer trans man, and have been a Christian since 2012 after converting from atheism. I was out and openly queer before becoming a Christian., and have always had an interest in the relationships of faith and sexuality. After spending many years in un-affirming church spaces, Open Table Liverpool was my first experience of a faith space where I could be totally myself and find affirmation. It showed me that it wasn’t just possible to be LGBTQIA+ and Christian, but there was a life and a thriving community waiting for me as an LGBTQ+ person. I am now a member of St Nicholas’ Church in Leicester, and continue my work alongside Open Table.

It is a privilege to be able to research and write about the wonderful people and communities that form the Network, and it is a further massive privilege to be a trustee. My academic background is in human geography,  and so I have a keen interest, both personally and professionally, in space and place.  As someone who has experienced first-hand abuse, homophobia and transphobia from many churches and many people of faith, it interests and delights me to see the Open Table Network grow, and provide more and more people with a community they can thrive in, and not just survive in. I hope to be able to contribute my experience to keep these sacred spaces thriving, and am looking forward to working as part of the team.