April
I support and affirm the LGBTQ+ community because people deserve to live authentically, just as God made them.
I grew up in an evangelical environment that was not supportive of the LGBTQ community. I was taught that Queer people had a “demon.” We were shielded from interacting with anyone from that community, so it was easy to villainize them.
Pronouns: she/her
Photo of April & family
When I started meeting LGBTQ people, I was surprised to find that no demons were found. If anything, these humans were incredibly kind. Nothing like what I was told in the church.
My heart was permanently changed when my brother told me he was gay. I didn’t know what my theology was yet, but I knew I loved my brother. I knew he was made in the image of God, sexuality, and all.
I spent a couple of years figuring out my theology – reading scripture, various works from theologians, and lots of praying. I realized I could have an affirming position based on scripture.
But it was hard for me to say I was affirming. I knew the evangelicals wouldn’t accept my acceptance of the LGBTQ community and I wasn’t quite ready to let those relationships go.
Until one day, I decided to err on the side of love. Once I said it out loud, I knew instantly it was right.
My spouse came out to me as non-binary a few years ago. They had always struggled with their identity, but we were conservatives who had never even heard the term “gender dysphoria.”
Seeing my spouse be their authentic self helped me accept and embrace my bisexuality. Our marriage has never been better as we both love and celebrate each other’s God-given identity.
The Queer people in my life deeply enrich my life. My only regret is not getting here sooner.
Photo of April
