Drew
My name is Drew. Growing up I was terrified. I was so worried being gay meant my life was over. To me I thought I would have no family and being a part of my faith was out the window.
I guess that’s why I hid from my sexual orientation for so long. I couldn’t imagine a world where being gay didn’t mean losing everything. I wish I would have found out way sooner than I did that being gay didn’t mean the end of my life, but the start of it. I just didn’t see that then. All I saw was the potential loss. But what I have found instead is so much gain.
Pronouns: he/him
Photo credit: Drew Archives
was about 25 when I was finally ready to start wrestling with my faith and my sexuality. I finally knew that the cycle I was living in of ignoring sexuality, to declaring I would be celibate, to trying to be straight was causing me so much emotional damage. So I went on a two year journey of prayer and study of scripture. Particularly helpful during this time was reading “God and the Gay Christian.” Also I began to allow myself to befriend queer people and seek their advice. I started to see there were people who loved Jesus and were 100% themselves. It took a while to be sure I could be gay and Christian, but once I got there I never doubted it again.
To be honest coming out and accepting my sexuality was the best thing I could have ever done for my faith. I finally love myself, I finally believe Jesus loves me, and I finally truly love people. It is hard to love your neighbor as yourself when you don’t love yourself. Beyond my sexuality coming out had other implications for my faith. I found I have been able to drop all pretense which has led to a fuller, more authentic faith. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
To those of you out there, especially young people, I want to tell you that there is no rush in this journey. Savor it. The period of my life where I reconciled my faith and sexuality was one of the best periods of my life. It was an incredibly sacred journey where I grew closer to Jesus than ever before. So no, don’t feel the need to rush. But also, don’t try to do the journey on your own. We live in a marvelous time where connecting with other Queer Christians has never been easier. Message people with questions, follow digital accounts of people who inspire you, and when you have opportunities to connect face to face with people don’t shy away, just do it! Accepting yourself can be scary, but for me I have found the reward has outweighed the risk.
Photo of Drew
