Kent
My name is Kent, and I’m very gay.
I wasn’t able to say “I’m gay” in my head or outloud until I was 24, because the environment I grew up in made it impossible for someone to be gay and beloved. I loved my Christian community, and it gave me the friends and social connection that I needed as a kid. For that reason, I chose the only community I knew over living authentically. It was the only option I felt I’d ever have.
Pronouns: he/him
Photo of Kent
An affirming church gave me my life back by providing the theological, social, and emotional space I needed to come out as gay. I needed that faith community to remind me of my belovedness, and that saved me from a life of hiding from myself and others. I mourn that it took me until my mid-20s to find a community that truly loved me for who I am. Once it happened, it was completely liberating.
What used to be my greatest fear is now my life’s greatest gift. Being queer is the best, and it’s brought depth and joy to my life that I wouldn’t otherwise have. I’m excited for a time when queer youth know from day one that they’re beloved. We are all beloved, and queer people are magical beings who embody the boundary-breaking nature of Jesus in transformative ways.
Photo of Kent
