Happy Pride!

I advocate for the LGBTQ+ community because I feel the need to speak out for the younger version of myself—the me who was told I was different before I even knew who I truly was. I remember the struggle of trying to fit in and be "like the other boys" for far too long. I believed that if I could just find the "right" girl, then God would fully love me. But now, I understand so much more about the man that God created me to be. Now, I celebrate diversity and the uniqueness that comes with being a queer person.

So now, I feel a responsibility to ask the hard questions and delve deeper into the thinking behind what I see people sharing on social media and expressing in my everyday life. I do this on behalf of the shamed and scared little boy who just wanted to understand why he was different.

Know that I see your posts with verses taken out of context and your advocacy for the eradication of people like me, and it breaks my heart. The same passion you put into advocating for a broken system could be used to spread love and encouragement, and I would love to provide you with a new perspective to do so. Never forget, "Be careful who you hate because it could be someone you love."

When I hear concerns about the LGBTQ+ community from those around me, my first question is, "Tell me more about what you're concerned about?" Through these conversations, I've realized that many fears are rooted in fear-mongering, misinformation, and biased assumptions. The reality is that these fears are valid until we address them together.

I can assure you that the LGBTQ+ community is not after your children or seeking to corrupt your religion. I am here to sit with you in your discomfort, to listen as you grieve and wrestle with the notion that "this is not the way it's always been". My goal is to prevent the next generation from thinking, "If I didn't wake up tomorrow, things would be easier" or "If God really DID make me this way, I would rather be dead."

Some say I have too much grace for the Christian community. But the reality is, I understand how difficult it is to break free from the mentality that sees LGBTQ+ individuals as a perversion and a sin. For many of us, this belief was ingrained in our understanding of the gospel. However, there is so much more to the story.

So, bring me your verses and share your pain and discomfort. Let's discuss how we can grow together in unity and love, just as Christ taught us. I'm not here to attack or belittle; I'm here to ask questions and try to understand the perspectives outside of my own. I have stayed silent for far too long, allowing "scripture" and bias to tell me and others like me that we are broken because of how we were made. I will not be complicit in letting that happen to another generation.

For years I remained silent while friends and leaders were attacked and shaken for being their most authentic selves. I was afraid of being wrong or judged, afraid of being associated with their experiences. But I've come to realize that staying silent was a privilege I had, and it's for those friends, students, leaders, and the younger me that I speak up now and create space for conversation.

Do you need a safe space to ask hard questions? Do you need somewhere to voice your concerns? This is a place where you can do so without judgment. If you're open to a conversation or have difficult questions about the LGBTQ+, queer, transgender, or drag community, my DMs/inbox are open. We may end up disagreeing, but at least you will have answers to your questions (to the best of my ability), and I will have a new perspective to consider when sharing my experience and research.