The most influential gay activist you’ve never heard of. Father Thomas Oddo (1944–1989)—known simply as “Father Tom”—pioneered LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church. In the wake of Stonewall and the Second Vatican Council, he paved the way for those seeking a space where faith and identity could coexist. He co-founded DignityUSA at just 29 years old, positioning himself as a key figure in the fight for civil rights. By 38, he became President of the University of Portland, a rising academic star poised to transform higher education. A tragic car accident cut his life short at 45, but his story and his legacy continue to impact the course of the Church today. In Against the Current , Tyler Bieber presents a compelling biography based on intimate interviews, personal archives, and never-before-seen documents. The book explores encounters with celebrities, politicians, and Pope John Paul II while diving into themes of hope, resilience, and loss. It reveals a forgotten chapter of American history, a story of courage within the confines of tradition, and a meditation on redemption, identity, and the future of Catholicism. For readers of LGBTQ+ history, modern Catholicism, and untold stories of activism, this legacy is waiting to be uncovered.