Rev. Glen Morton Ganaway
Ordained Interfaith Minister
"Your Favorite Anarchist Preacher"
Certified Integral Mentor
In Loving Memory of Rev. Glen Morton Ganaway
"Teach Peace"- Rev. Glen
It is with heavy hearts that we at Awakening Together announce the passing of a beloved member of our spiritual family, Rev. Glen Morton Ganaway, who left us unexpectedly on March 14. Glen’s life was a testament to the power of transformation, love, and community. He is survived by his spouse, Rev. Yolanda Mapes, whom he adored as the love of his life.
Glen’s journey was remarkable, from his early days in Anchorage, Alaska, to his transformative years in New York City. Born into a deeply religious family and raised in the structured environment of Navy bases, Glen always stood out for his unique spirit and quest for knowledge. Despite the challenges of his youth, including a period of struggle in the 80s, Glen’s resilience and spirit of inquiry led him to clean up and join the Radical Faeries, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
In New York, Glen met Yolanda, an East Village singer-songwriter and performance artist. Their partnership was not just a personal union but a spiritual collaboration that enriched the lives of many. Together, they were ordained as Interfaith ministers and co-founded “Church w/2 Drink Minimum, a Trans-tastic Interfaith, Interspiritual, God-optional Celebration of Life” that welcomed all with open arms.
Glen was a beacon of light in the Awakening Together Sanctuary, where he co-facilitated “The Mighty Companions” with Rev. Yolanda and “Herein Lies the Peace of God” with Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert. His voice, energy, and unwavering commitment to community and spiritual growth touched the hearts of many. Glen’s teachings, rooted in Integral, Anarchism, Permaculture, and Community Development, were a source of inspiration and wisdom.
Beyond his roles as a teacher and spiritual leader, Glen also served on our Board of Directors, contributing his vision and passion to guide our community towards greater love and understanding. His leadership and counsel were invaluable, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
As we mourn the loss of Glen, we also celebrate his life and the countless ways he enriched our community. His legacy will continue to live on through the teachings he shared, the lives he touched, and the love he spread. Glen’s vision for a world grounded in peace, love, and understanding remains a guiding light for us all.
In tribute to Glen’s life and work, we invite you to watch “In All Your Doings, Be Ye Blessed,” a direct address from Glen that captures the essence of his message and spirit.
Bio: Glen Morton Ganaway
Glen considers himself a product of the Military Industrial Complex, The Deep South and the Southern Baptist Church. Today he identifies as an Anarchist.
Born in Anchorage, Alaska to a deeply religious family and raised in the gated communities of Navy bases, Glen was always the odd one out. Glen had few friends growing up, but learned quickly how to teach himself what he wanted to know. He double lettered in Track and Gymnastics and was very involved in the school theater and coral groups. He was the Youth Minister until coming out as homosexual.
The 80's found Glen doing sex work and waiting tables to support an injection habit. Glen cleaned up in the 90's and joined the Radical Faeries, a Pagan Anarchistic group of Gender Queers. He moved to NYC to be with them and met the love of his life Yolanda, an East Village singer songwriter and performance artist. Together they went to seminary and were ordained Interfaith ministers In 2011 & 2012 respectively. Glen went on the acquire a Integral Mentor Certification and a BS in Healthcare Management. He lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn with Yolanda, a very fat cat, Gracey and tons of houseplants.
Glen facilitates one of the longest running ACIM group in New York, meeting once a week for over twelve years. He also teaches in the Awakening Together Radio Sanctuary every Sunday. With his partner Yolanda, Glen co-founded "Church w/2 Drink Minimum- A Trans-tastic Interfaith, Interspiritual, God-Optional Celebration of Life" founded "pre-covid" in the NYC Cabaret Clubs "Don't Tell Mama", and "SideWalk Cafe", currently at large by request. For bookings email: yolanda@yolanda.net
Glen's passions include Integral, Anarchism, Permaculture, and Community Development. His next project is a 4.4 Acre Homestead in Vermont. You can listen to his talks and musing on www.GlenGanaway.com or tweet him @GlenGanaway.