tw: homophobia, impacts on mental health, and leaving religious spaces.

this is part of my story, growing up in a homophobic church as a closeted queer person. i discuss why 'almost affirming' theology is so dangerous, why being a secret ally behind closed doors isn't possible, & explain why it is not your obligation to be the change in these situations when it is causing you harm. if you want to help protect queer youth, sometimes the best act of resistance is leaving and holding the door open for others to follow- we don't have to time to slowly wait for inclusivity. queer kids don't deserve to be tolerated, they deserved to be celebrated! by staying, we are both the oppressed and the oppressors- our liberation is tied up in self compassion.

i also read a lengthy and beautiful poem i wrote entitled "the garden grown from my tears" which is about the complex grief and joy found throughout leaving religion, and the haunting memories of listening to harmful remarks from the lips of people you love, back when they didn't know they were talking about you. it's an divine and earthly spin on the concept of growing pains and in my (clearly very objective) opinion, it's quite clever!

if this episode begins to act as a trigger rather than a space to be held in community, sit this one out. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/