Faith & Fornication


Presenter and producer: Siobhan Marin
Editor, Art Direction, Motion Design: Teresa Tan
Videographers: Teresa Tan, Jack Fisher
Photography: Teresa Tan
Supervising editor: Rosanna Ryan
Head of ABC Religion and Ethics: Joe Gelonesi

Faith & Fornication is a 3-part YouTube series and 30min iview special, hosted by journalist Siobhan Marin, exploring how young, devout Australians navigate dating and sex — and what happens when their religious beliefs are at odds with their desires or sexual identity.

Queerness, celibacy and sexual addiction in Christianity


Design and Motion Design: Teresa Tan

For conservative Christians, sex is only OK between a married husband and wife. But what happens if you don't fit inside that box? In the first episode of Faith & Fornication, a three-part series, we meet a queer Christian, a young Catholic who overcame sexual addictions, and a celibate deacon, who has written her PhD on singleness and the Church.

Watch episode 1 here.

Sex ed, courtship and intimacy in Islam



Design and Motion Design: Teresa Tan

Sex is a taboo topic in many Muslim families, but is that for cultural or religious reasons? And what does Islam say about intimacy? We meet a writer whose sex education was basically non-existent, and a young Islamic lecturer who offers insight into the spiritual dimension of sexuality. Plus, an academic who says sexual satisfaction is so important in a Muslim marriage that without it, a spouse has reason to file for divorce.

Watch episode 2 here.

Bisexuality, Kama Sutra & colonialism in Hinduism


Design and Motion Design: Teresa Tan

Hinduism isn't a single faith — it includes lots of philosophies and practices. And when it comes to sex, the rules can vary widely. We meet a bisexual Hindu fashion designer who's deconstructing sexuality and religion in his work, and radio producer who wants to lift the veil of secrecy around sex. Plus, does the iconic erotic text, the Kama Sutra, have a spiritual component?

Watch episode 3 here.