"I was a worship leader who sang about God's love every Sunday—while hiding who I really was.

"In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Israel Isaac, a longtime megachurch worship leader who came out as gay four years ago and recently auditioned for America's Got Talent and appears on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules.

For years, Israel led thousands of people in worship—pouring his heart into every song, every service, every moment on stage. But he was living a double life. He was gay, and he knew if anyone found out, everything would change.

When Israel came out just four years ago, it cost him everything he knew—his church, his community, his sense of belonging. But it also gave him something he'd never had before: freedom.

In this honest and vulnerable conversation, Israel shares his journey of growing up gay in the church, the pain of hiding, the courage it took to come out, and what happened when he finally stepped into his truth.

From leading worship in front of 10,000 people to standing on the America's Got Talent stage and now appearing on Vanderpump Rules, Israel's story is proof that you don't have to choose between your faith and your identity.

If you've ever felt like you had to hide who you are to be loved, this episode is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ Growing up gay in a religious community

✅ What it's like to lead worship while closeted

✅ Coming out four years ago and how it changed everything

✅ How the church responded

✅ Israel's journey to America's Got Talent

✅ Being on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules

✅ Finding self-acceptance and freedom

✅ Why you don't have to choose between faith and identity

RESOURCES:

📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide:

👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth

🏳️‍🌈 Crisis Support:

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth)

GLAAD: Resources for LGBTQ+ Christians

💜 Support the Mission: If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals navigating faith and identity.

👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth

FOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH:

📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth]

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FOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA:

📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta]

🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta]

🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.com

SHARE THIS MESSAGE:

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👍 Leave a comment—your story matters.

You don't have to choose between your truth and your faith. You can be both.

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