Interviewer: Emma Cieslik
Interviewee: Antonio Pagliarulo
Date: May 23, 2026
Overview: Antonio Pagliarulo (he/him) is a gay witch, folk Catholic practitioner and author. Born to Italian immigrants and raised in New York City, Pagliarulo attended a small private Catholic school followed by attending LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. He lived above his grandparents—themselves Italian immigrants who were avid folk magic practitioners, although they would not have identified as anything other than strict devout Catholics. He grew up immersed in the Catholic Church, and some of his closest friends were people religious, including one nun who he came out to at the age of 16 after she affirmed that all people were loved and accepted by God. As he came out (and was accepted by his family), he learned about the rich history of queer and trans saints recognized within the Catholic Church, and in this interview, discusses the uniquely queer Catholic experience of finding a home in folk magic and intercession through and of the saints. Many queer Catholics, he explains, know elements or experiences of darkness from growing up in a Church that does not accept them, and because of this are more likely to connect with saints and ancestors across the veil. As he came out as gay, he also came out the metaphorical “broom closet,” affirming his folk magic practices. After high school, he attended SUNY Purchase and went on to pursue a career in writing and folk magic, teaching classes and offering services. In this interview, he discusses the power of connecting and working with officially canonized queer saints and saints that although not canonized, are widely (or perhaps not widely) celebrated as champions within the LGBTQ+ community in his new book Queer Saints: A Radical Guide to Magic, Miracles and Modern Intercession set for publication in June 1, 2026.
Keywords: Gay Catholic, New York City, Catholic education, LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, SUNY Purchase, Folk Catholic, Folk Catholic practice, Catholic witchcraft, Queer Catholic Saints, Trans Catholic Saints, Madonna of Montevergine, Queer Saints: A Radical Guide to Magic, Miracles and Modern Intercession
Learn more about his practice on his website.
