I’ve known about my sexuality from a very young age. Raised in a conservative background, I went from thinking I’d burn in hell to “it’s ok to be gay—it’s just my temptation to bear and not give into” to “that doesn’t make sense—why would God create me to constantly struggle?” to “God created me to love and be loved” to “being fully who God make me is the best way to live my calling to impact the world.”

I was raised to believe (and my parents still believe) that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is not compatible with Christian teaching.

Slowly, over time, my beliefs evolved and changed. As I became an adult and had control over movies, books, research, and communities I participated in, I began to realize that God uniquely creates all individuals, and that to fully trust in God means that I can’t try to limit God’s powers, intentions, and creativity.

There have been several resources instrumental in my journey towards affirmation: biblical study and socio-rhetorical analysis to understand the context of Scripture, self-study and research of new (to me) and more expansive paradigms of understanding than I was raised to understand, the powerful connection I have with my dogs, and the affirming support of a faith community through The Walk (now known as Be Church in Gibsonville, NC) and Joy MCC (in Orlando, FL).

My life is still a challenge in some ways. Though I have the love and support of my fiancé and local LGBTQ+ community, I still struggle with superficial acceptance from my conservative immediate and extended family. I work in an environment that includes both affirming and non-affirming Christians. But my belief that representation matters and that it is important for the younger generations of Christians to see a LGBTQ+ representation keeps me focused.