The ‘Gay Christ’
Salustiano García Cruz’s poster of Jesus Christ. Consejo de Hermandades de Sevilla via AP.
“A gay Christ because he looks sweet and is handsome, come on! We are in the 21st century.” - Salustiano García Cruz
The unveiling of an artwork of Jesus Christ in Spain has sparked controversy and public outcry. Recently revealed as the official poster for Holy Week in Seville, the painting by Spanish artist Salustiano García Cruz depicts a youthful Christ dressed in a loincloth, without a crown of thorns, set against a red background—a motif typical in Christian imagery. However, different opinions have emerged among viewers and in online discussions regarding the depiction. The image does not fall into the common depictions of the figure, usually seen suffering and covered in blood, but this is not the issue. The young and muscular Christ, modeled after his own son Horacio, has stirred controversies for being “offensive,” “evil,” “too effeminate,” “sexualized,” and “modernist.” Barcelona gallerist Artur Ramon highlighted that the backlash stems from lingering homophobia in Spain: “It’s a Christ that I would say is effeminate or androgynous in a way. Spain is a country that is still quite homophobic, and people don’t like that he is represented in this way for a festival that marks the passion of Christ in his final moments of life.” Conservative Catholic groups have gone as far as to create a petition demanding the removal of the poster, which has gathered nearly 24,000 signatures nationwide. Additionally, the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers is contemplating legal action against the artist, citing the poster’s alleged “debauchery” and its perceived promotion of LGBTQ+ ideals. Of course, the controversy surrounding the poster doesn't reflect the views of the entire country, but rather a specific group. Spain has a progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, being among the first nations to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption in 2005 and ranking among the top five most LGBTQ+-friendly countries globally. However, Seville’s strong Catholic tradition likely contributes to the debate’s intensity in that region. Andalusian curator and teacher Pedro Alarcón of Casa Sostoa pointed out: “I think that actually, many people don’t care. And then there is a very religious sector…that does see it as something different and perhaps intolerable. And they don’t know how to express it, and they certainly have no references. In the end, they easily fall into saying that something is sacrilegious or blasphemous.”
Salustiano García Cruz with his poster. Getty Images.
The artist received significant support from the LGBTQ+ community, as well as from the mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, who praised the work as “brave and risky.” García, in an interview with El Mundo, defended his creation and brushed off criticism as outdated. He argued, “They say he looks gay. In 2024, using homosexuality as a weapon, I am convinced Jesus Christ wouldn’t like that.” As of now, no further actions have been taken, and there is limited information available regarding the situation. It appears that the poster will proceed to be used as intended, but it is worth noting that circumstances could potentially change in the future.
