A fourth-year student from Walter Sisulu University, currently doing an Advanced Diploma in Public Management, Sipho Ellen Tshaka (29), has published his third book titled, I Think God Is Gay. He is originally from Bizana.
He confirmed that he has published three books so far. The first one, titled Confused in Love, was published in 2020. It’s a novel that narrates the foolish decisions he made from high school up to college.
The second book is The Mystery of Heart – 69 Drowning Women.
“An autobiographical book, it shares the stories of each individual in my life that I have stepped on, broken, used, lied to, and cheated on. It reflects the life of a man lost in his own psychotic life, using others to fulfil his empty life,” he said. He said his roots and upbringing shaped much of who he is and how he views the world.
He said growing up in a small town where struggles are a common denominator, he learned early about faith, pain, resilience and the contradictions of life.
He confirmed that he has also been nominated for The Book Behind the Awards ceremony for one of his books: I Think God Is Gay, and he would like the support of the people, as well as the sharing of his work.
“My book titled, I Think God Is Gay, is a deeply personal and spiritually provocative narrative. It challenges traditional religious stigma whilst exploring the reconciliation of faith and sexuality. Through my own experiences, it addresses issues that affect real people. But it is not just about pain; it is about discovery. It reimagines God as a figure of love, inclusivity and compassion beyond the boxes religion has built.”
He added that this book is about challenging a god that is so small that he cannot accommodate everyone, just a select few. It is about a god that is praised in church and claimed to be ever-loving and great, but who will still do everything in his power to throw his people into hell if they live differently.
He confirmed that this is his third book. His first book was titled Confused in Love, which explores the reckless decisions of his youth and how he played with ladies’ hearts all in the name of love.
According to him, the book was born from wounds that refused to stay silent. He saw how many people were suffering under the weight of religious judgement, told that who they are is wrong, unworthy or sinful.
“I grew up hating those people because I was told that who they are is evil and wrong. But as I grew up and experienced life in different places, churches and cultures, I have come to my own conclusion. God is not that small; He is not so cruel that he would create His children and, at the end of it all, just throw them to the flames of hell. The God I came to understand and believe in loves all those who seek a place next to him, regardless of who they choose to be or how they live their lives. I decided to write this book to tell my truth, to start a conversation that others were too afraid to have, and to give voice to those who feel exiled from faith communities.”
Tshaka confirmed that this book is suitable for both young and older people.
He said readers will learn that God is bigger than religion and love is greater than dogma. They will confront uncomfortable truths about hypocrisy in the church, but also encounter the hope of a new inclusive theology. According to him, it also teaches courage to question, to embrace identity and to believe in a God who does not condemn but affirms.
Tshaka said he is busy with his fourth book, which is already in progress, and readers can expect it between January and March 2026. His books are available online at Burble.co.za and Amazon. They can also contact him directly at 078 183 9167, and he will send copies to them via courier service. Confused in Love costs R85; the other two are R100 each.
