You Can Be Both

Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs, shares the powerful story of how she went from rejecting her gay son to leading an international movement that has impacted hundreds of thousands.It wasn't easy. When Sara's youngest son came out to her at 21, she didn't take it well. She was frozen in fear — terrified he would be condemned to hell, convinced that accepting him would make her a sinner too. She shamed him with the very best of intentions.But everything changed in 2014 when her son invited her to her first Pride parade. There, she met a girl who hadn't hugged her mother in four years because she was a lesbian. That hug — that moment — became the spark that ignited Sara's journey toward understanding, acceptance, and ultimately, unconditional love.Today, Free Mom Hugs is an international nonprofit movement with over 40,000 volunteers and 250 groups across the country. Sara has been featured on the Today Show, RuPaul's show, in People Magazine, and the Washington Post. But more importantly, she's helping thousands of LGBTQ+ people and their families find healing, belonging, and acceptance.In this episode, Sara opens up about:-The moment she found out her son was gay and how she initially responded-How her theology deconstructed and reconstructed-Finding an online community of 250 moms going through the same journey-The pivotal moment at Pride that changed everything-How Free Mom Hugs grew from a simple gesture into a global movement-Why visibility, education, and conversation matter-Her message to parents still struggling with their child's sexual orientationThis episode is for anyone struggling with faith and LGBTQ identity, parents coming to terms with having an LGBTQ child, or anyone interested in the power of radical love and acceptance.You Can Be Both Podcast reminds you that you can be both LGBTQ+ and a person of faith.RESOURCES:Free Mom Hugs: freemomhugs.comSara's Book: "How We Sleep at Night": https://amzn.to/3SSehTnLauren's LGBTQ Healing and Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothLauren's Music: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube — search Lauren LanzarettaFOLLOW LAUREN:Instagram: @lanzarettaTikTok: @Lanzaretta YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta

For nearly 2,000 years, the word "homosexual" did not appear in the Bible. So what changed in 1946?Kathy Baldock is a leading voice on LGBTQ+ issues within Christianity and the author of "Forging a Sacred Weapon" and "Walking the Bridgeless Canyon." She's also featured in the award-winning documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture." In 1946, Bible translators made a controversial decision to add the word "homosexuality" to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible — a word that had never appeared in the original Greek and Hebrew texts.In this powerful conversation, Kathy reveals how that single mistranslation changed the course of Christian history and how that lie has been used to marginalize and oppress the LGBTQ+ community for decades. This isn't her opinion, it's FACTS.But Kathy's journey to this work wasn't always about LGBTQ+ issues. It started with her own experience of being stigmatized and marginalized in her Irish Catholic community. When she was two years old, her father left her family, and she was made to feel like something was wrong with her. That pain, that sense of injustice, eventually led her to meet Netto on a hiking trail — a woman who would change everything and introduce her to the LGBTQ+ community in a way that challenged everything she thought she knew.In this episode, Kathy shares:The real history behind the 1946 Bible mistranslationHow religious institutions built oppression on a lieWhy understanding history is the key to healingHer powerful message to LGBTQ+ people of faithHow the heart of God is not reflected in discrimination and marginalizationYou definitely want to watch this one all the way through! Kathy's message at the end will leave you in tears!This is a conversation about faith, history, justice, and hope. If you've ever questioned what the Bible really says about LGBTQ+ people, this episode is for you. This isn't opinion, it's FACTS. FEATURED:Kathy Baldock, Author & Leading Voice on LGBTQ+ Issues in ChristianityHost: Lauren Lanzaretta, You Can Be Both PodcastRESOURCES:-Lauren's LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: http://youcanbeboth.com/-Documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture": https://www.1946themovie.com/-Kathy Baldock's Books: "Forging a Sacred Weapon": https://amzn.to/4oaBrQy"Walking the Bridgeless Canyon": https://amzn.to/4g5mBc6Canyon Walker Connections: https://canyonwalkerconnections.com/about/kathy-baldock/FOLLOW LAUREN:Instagram: @lanzarettaSpotify: Lauren LanzarettaApple Music: Lauren LanzarettaYouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta

Mike Maeshiro spent 5 years as an instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry — teaching, preaching, and living what he thought was his calling. But there was one problem: he was gay.From age 10, Mike knew he was different. He tried conversion therapy. He dated a woman to "fix" himself. He climbed the evangelical ladder at one of the most influential charismatic churches in the world — all while suppressing who he really was.Then in 2020, everything changed. A Taylor Swift documentary, a passage from Acts, and a spiritual awakening in the woods led Mike to a truth he'd been running from for 22 years: God wanted him to be gay.In this episode, Mike shares his journey from being kicked out of ministry school for confiding in a friend about his attraction to men, to becoming a paid staff member and instructor at the same institution, to finally coming out publicly in 2022 and walking away from everything he'd built.What we cover:​Growing up evangelical and realizing he was gay at age 10​Being kicked out of Bethel ministry school after being outed by a friend​Getting hired back and climbing the ministry ladder while suppressing his identity​The spiritual experiences (including Taylor Swift's Miss Americana) that led to his coming out​How he reconciled his faith with his sexuality through rigorous biblical study​The cost of staying closeted vs. the freedom of coming out​His work now helping LGBTQ people heal from religious trauma through NumaMike is the founder of Numa, an organization supporting people healing from religious toxicity, especially within the LGBTQ community. Through coaching, speaking, and social media, he helps people live authentically and reclaim spirituality in affirming ways.Connect with Mike:Instagram/TikTok: @mikemaeshiroOrganization: Numa📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothIncludes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity.🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube📱 Follow:@lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcastIf you've ever felt caught between your faith and your identity, this conversation will remind you: you don't have to choose.#LGBTQChristian #BethelChurch #Deconstruction #ComingOut #ExEvangelical #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ReligiousTrauma #FaithJourney #YouCanBeBoth

Can you be LGBTQ and Christian? Pastor Brandon Robertson says absolutely — and he's spent years studying the theology to prove it.In this conversation, Brandon breaks down why the "clobber passages" Christians use against gay people are mistranslations, misinterpretations, and taken out of historical context. We talk about Leviticus, Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans 1, and what Jesus actually said (or didn't say) about homosexuality.Brandon also shares his journey from growing up in fundamentalist evangelicalism to coming out and becoming one of the most prominent LGBTQ-affirming pastors in America. He talks about purity culture, deconstruction, progressive Christianity, and why he believes the Bible supports gay marriage.Topics we cover:Why Leviticus 18:22 doesn't condemn homosexualityWhat Sodom and Gomorrah was ACTUALLY about (hint: not gay people)Romans 1 and Paul's condemnation of temple prostitution — not loving relationshipsThe difference between biblical interpretation vs. fundamentalismHow evangelicalism weaponizes scripture against LGBTQ peopleBrandon's coming out story and losing his church communityWhat progressive Christianity really meansWhy affirming theology is growing in the churchMore about Brandon Robertson:Brandon is a pastor, author, activist, and one of the leading voices for LGBTQ inclusion in Christianity. He's written multiple books on queer theology and leads an affirming church community.📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube📱 Follow:@lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcastIf you've ever been told you can't be gay and Christian, this conversation will change everything.#LGBTQChristian #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ChristianLove #BrandonRobertson #YouCanBeBoth #GayPastor #BiblicalInterpretation #DeconstructingFaith #AffirmingChurch

Here's why "ex-gay" stories are misleading — and why you don't need to change.I'm breaking down why it's impossible to be ex-gay and why these stories you see online are often rooted in trauma, bad behavior, or bisexuality/pansexuality— not actual sexual orientation change.What we're covering:Why trauma gets mistaken for sexual orientationHow people confuse bad behavior with being gayThe truth about bisexuality/pansexuality and "ex-gay" testimoniesWhy the algorithm is feeding you these storiesThe bottom line: You don't need to change. God loves you exactly as you are. Conversion therapy doesn't work, never has, and never will. Organizations like Exodus International have already admitted this and apologized for the harm they caused.If you're struggling with your identity, feeling pressured to change, or wondering why God hasn't "fixed" you — this episode is for you.📩 NEED SUPPORT?Download my FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide — it includes my full testimony, books, podcasts, and resources that helped me become confident in who I am and rooted in my relationship with God:https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🎵 MY MUSIC:I process my story through songwriting. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube:Search: Lauren Lanzaretta📱 CONNECT WITH ME:Instagram: @LanzarettaTikTok: @LanzarettaEmail: youcanbebothpodcast@gmail.comMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎬 Pray Away (Netflix documentary about Exodus International)You are loved. You are seen. You are worthy. And you can be both gay and Christian.#GayChristian #ExGay #LGBTQChurch #ConversionTherapy #YouCanBeBoth #GayAndChristian #ChristianLGBTQ #PrayAwayTheGay #LGBTQFaith #QueerChristian #AffirmingTheology #ExodusInternational #LGBTQHealing

NBA player Jaden Ivey was recently suspended for making homophobic comments about Pride Night, calling it "unrighteous" and against his Christian beliefs. But when did being Christian become about being the moral police instead of loving people?In this episode, I break down why Jaden Ivey's comments are the opposite of what Jesus taught, why Pride Night matters for LGBTQ+ people who have been marginalized and discriminated against for decades, and why Christians need to stop using their beliefs to justify hate.Here's the truth: LGBTQ+ people are human beings. We wake up, go to work, have families, and try to survive just like everyone else. We've been kicked out of churches, rejected by our families, physically assaulted, and even murdered simply for being who we are. And now, when the NBA says, "Hey, we're going to have ONE NIGHT where LGBTQ+ people can feel welcomed and safe," some Christians have a problem with it?That's not Christianity. That's bigotry.IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Why Jaden Ivey's "beliefs" are actually harmful✅ The difference between beliefs and bigotry✅ How the Bible was used to justify slavery and segregation✅ What Jesus actually said about loving marginalized people✅ Why Christians who obsess over LGBTQ+ people might be struggling themselves✅ A challenge to Christians: Go to Pride Night and meet real people✅ Why "loving the sinner, hating the sin" is still hateQUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:"When your beliefs start to take away the human rights of other people, they are no longer beliefs. You are just a homophobic and hateful bigot.""You are not earning any brownie points with God for hating on people.""Stop being narcissistic and thinking that you have all the answers. You are a sinner yourself, and God had mercy on you—so have mercy on others."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)PFLAG: Support for parents, families, friends, and allies of LGBTQ+ peopleQ Christian Fellowship: Community 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/youcanbebothFOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH:📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth]🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth]🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listenFOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA:📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta]🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta]🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.comSHARE THIS MESSAGE:💬 Know a Christian who needs to hear this? Share this video.💬 Know an LGBTQ+ person hurt by comments like Jaden's? Send them this.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.👍 Leave a comment—I read every single one.You don't have to choose between your faith and loving LGBTQ+ people. You can be both.UPCOMING:🎥 Testimony Tuesdays — Live testimonies every Tuesday on YouTube📱 Community App — The largest community of LGBTQ+ people of faith in the world (coming soon!)📞 One-on-One Calls — Personal support for your faith journey (launching soon!)A NOTE TO VIEWERS:If you're a Christian struggling with LGBTQ+ acceptance, I get it. I used to be homophobic too when I was in the closet. But I challenge you: stop othering people. Look at LGBTQ+ individuals as human beings loved by God who deserve respect and dignity.If you're LGBTQ+ and you've been hurt by Christians like Jaden Ivey, please know: You are not unrighteous. You are not an enemy of God. You are loved, valued, and worthy exactly as you are.#JadenIvey #PrideNight #NBA #ChicagoBulls #GayChristian #LGBTQChurch #ChristianLGBTQ #Homophobia #ChristianAthlete #PrideControversy #LGBTQRights #ChristianResponse #YouCanBeBoth #LaurenLanzaretta #QueerFaith #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #LGBTQTestimony #ChristianAlly #ProgressiveChristianity #AffirmingChristianity

What happens when a Harvard Divinity School graduate, public theologian and gardening philosopher sits down with an LGBTQ Christian podcast host for over an hour of raw, unfiltered conversation about faith, sexuality, race, the church and what it means to truly know God?This. This episode happens.Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Ciarra Jones — known as the Gardening Theologian — for one of the most thought-provoking, theologically rich and deeply personal conversations the You Can Be Both podcast has ever had. Ciarra is a writer, speaker and public theologian who helps people untangle inherited beliefs and cultivate a faith that is rooted, liberated and alive. In this episode, Lauren and Ciarra explore:🌱 Growing up Black in all-white California towns — and what that teaches you about systems of power📖 How Ciarra's parents' divorce led her into fundamentalist Christianity — and what it took to find her way out🏳️‍🌈 What the church gets wrong about LGBTQ identity — and what a more expansive faith looks like✝️ The difference between a punishing God and a gentle God — and who benefits from each🌿 How gardening became a spiritual practice and a theological framework💬 Ex-gay theology, deconstruction, inherited belief systems and what it means to truly be freeCiarra's closing message will stay with you: What does a gentle God look like — and what does that God offer us?This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like their faith and their identity couldn't coexist. You can be both.🌱 FOLLOW CIARRA JONES:Instagram & TikTok: @TheGardeningTheologianPodcast: The Community Garden Podcast/Substack: The Gardening Theologian📥 FREE LGBTQ Healing & Resource Guide — Lauren's full testimony plus every book, podcast and voice that helped her move from shame to freedom:👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🎵 LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC:🍎 Apple Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta"🎧 Spotify: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta"▶️ YouTube: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta"📲 FOLLOW LAUREN:Instagram: @LaurenLanzarettaTikTok: @LaurenLanzarettaYouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta💛 LOVE THIS PODCAST? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:This podcast exists to remind every LGBTQ person of faith that they are not alone — and it reaches people because of YOU.✅ Like this video — it tells the algorithm this conversation matters✅ Leave a comment — share what resonated, ask a question, say hi✅ Share this episode with one person who needs to hear it — a friend, a family member, someone still struggling in silence✅ Subscribe so you never miss a Sunday episode💛 Consider donating to help us expand this mission and reach more people who feel alone — every contribution helps us keep going and grow: https://account.venmo.com/u/youcanbebothYou are not confused. You are not broken. You are not too much. You can be both.#YouCanBeBoth #LGBTQChristian #GardeningTheologian #CiarraJones #LaurenLanzaretta #FaithAndSexuality #QueerChristian #Deconstruction #ChristianPodcast #LGBTQFaith #HarvardDivinity #BlackChristian #GentleGod #FaithAndPride #LGBTQHealing

Have you ever wondered if God actually loves you — or if the hate you've heard from others is the truth? In this solo episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta takes a break from guests to speak directly to her community about one of the most important questions LGBTQ people of faith wrestle with: does God love me, exactly as I am?Lauren reads a powerful listener testimony from a woman who grew up Amish, survived years of sexual abuse, came out as a lesbian, and found her way back to God — and uses it to explore how we separate a loving God from the painful messages we've received from religion and family.This episode is for anyone who has been told they're going to hell, who has walked away from their faith because of shame, or who is quietly wondering if there's still a place for them at God's table. There is.Lauren also shares exciting updates on what's coming for the You Can Be Both community — including a private community app, one-on-one mentoring calls, live retreats, and monthly group Zoom calls.In this episode:-A moving listener testimony about surviving abuse, coming out, and returning to faith-How to separate God's love from hateful religious messaging-Why your relationship with God as an LGBTQ person is powerful — not disqualified-A prayer over every person listening this week-Exciting community updates including a private app, mentoring calls, and live eventsFree LGBTQ Healing and Resource Guide — including Lauren's full testimony and every book, podcast, and voice that helped her move from shame to freedom — https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth📧 Sign up for community updates and be the first to know when the app launches: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJWqrj3WinN-Li_TqY3RtMc8L3WTUw9jCikDQ6NPtyjOlAJg/viewform💛 If this podcast has helped you, consider sharing it with someone who needs it — or donating to help this message reach people still struggling in silence.Find Lauren's music on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music — search Lauren Lanzaretta📲 Follow You Can Be Both:Instagram | TikTok | YouTubeNew episodes every Sunday at 11 a.m.

What happens when you grow up evangelical, marry a man, build a life… and then realize you’re actually a lesbian?In this powerful episode of the You Can Be Both Podcast, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Sophia Spallino — luxury lesbian matchmaker and founder of The Queer Country Club — to talk about coming out at 29, leaving a heterosexual marriage, losing everything, and rebuilding a life rooted in truth, faith, and aligned partnership.Sophia shares:• Growing up in evangelical Christianity• Suppressing same-sex attraction for years• Marrying a man while knowing something wasn’t right• The moment she finally admitted, “I’m a lesbian”• Losing her home, finances, and stability after coming out• Why so many married Christian women are secretly struggling• What lesbians are REALLY looking for in a partner• The truth about monogamy, dating apps, and modern queer dating• Why faith and sexuality don’t have to be oppositesIf you’ve ever felt torn between your faith and your identity… this conversation is for you. Share this with someone who needs to hear it! ✨ You can be both LGBTQ and a person of faith.✨ Follow us on @Youcanbeboth, @Lanzaretta⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned:• LGBTQ Healing & Resource Guide: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth• Queer Country Club Dating Platform: https://queercountryclub.com/• Follow Sophia: https://www.instagram.com/sophiaspallino/?hl=en#ChristianLesbian #LateBloomingLesbian #ComingOutStory #FaithAndSexuality #ExEvangelical #LesbianDating #QueerChristian #LGBTQFaith #ReligiousTrauma #WomenLovingWomen #LesbianMatchmaker

To inquire about Candace's services please visit: https://www.thechristiancloset.com/Follow her on Instagram at: @lesbiantherapistCan you be gay and Christian? What does growing up LGBTQ in the church actually do to your mental health? And how do you heal from years of being told you’re going to hell?In this episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with licensed therapist Candice Czubernat, founder of The Christian Closet and an LGBTQ+ affirming counseling practice, to unpack religious trauma, conversion therapy, shame, and the psychological impact of growing up gay in conservative Christianity.Candice shares her journey from attending Moody Bible Institute to falling in love with a woman, navigating spiritual abuse, and eventually building a thriving practice helping LGBTQ Christians heal.In this episode, we discuss:• What religious trauma does to your nervous system• The psychological damage of being told you’re going to hell• How conversion therapy harms LGBTQ people• How to tell the difference between fear and Holy Spirit conviction• Why “sin feels good” theology is deeply damaging• Learning to trust yourself again• Healing shame as a gay Christian• Rebuilding your relationship with God• What affirming therapy should actually look likeIf you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, shame, fear of hell, or distrust of yourself because of your sexuality and faith — this episode is for you.You are not broken. You are not beyond God’s love. And healing is possible.📖 Download the LGBTQ Christian Healing Guide: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🎙 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, sexuality, and mental health💬 Share this with someone who needs to hear it📲 Follow us on TikTok and Instagram ⁨@YouCanBeBoth⁩

What does it mean when a straight, white male pastor says LGBTQ+ people fully belong in the church?In this powerful episode of the You Can Be Both Podcast, host Lauren Lanzaretta welcomes her first-ever guest, Danny Lybarger — a straight, white male pastor, theologian, and founder of The Well: An Inclusive & Justice-Centered Church in the St. Louis area.Danny is known for using his platform, privilege, and voice within the church to advocate loudly for LGBTQ+ inclusion, even when it put his ordination, funding, and career at risk. His viral TikToks challenge harmful theology and center a message many queer Christians have never heard from someone who “fits” traditional church leadership: you are not excluded from God’s table.Together, Lauren and Danny unpack some of the most searched, debated, and emotionally charged questions in Christianity today, including:• Can LGBTQ+ people be Christians?• Are gay people going to hell?• What does the Bible actually say about homosexuality?• Why “welcoming” churches often aren’t affirming• How to tell if a church is truly LGBTQ+ affirming• Why church trauma drives so many queer people away from faith• The responsibility of straight allies and pastors to speak up• United Methodist theology vs evangelical Christianity• The Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, tradition, reason, experience)• Responding to clobber verses, proof-texting, and online hate• Why representation in church leadership matters• How radical inclusion is not political—it’s deeply biblicalDanny also shares the real consequences of choosing affirmation: performing same-sex marriages before his denomination allowed it, risking being defrocked, receiving hate mail, and building a church in one of the most conservative counties in Missouri—while refusing to back down.This episode is for you if:✔️ You’re LGBTQ+ and have experienced church hurt✔️ You were raised evangelical and are deconstructing✔️ You still love Jesus but feel unsafe in church spaces✔️ You’re searching for an affirming church✔️ You’re a pastor, leader, or ally who wants to show up better👉 Subscribe to the You Can Be Both Podcast for conversations at the intersection of faith, sexuality, healing, and justice👉 Download the LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth👉 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear they still belongYou can love Jesus. You can be queer. You can be both.⸻Connect with Danny Lybarger:🌐 The Well Church: https://www.thewell636.org/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danny_lybarger📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danny_lybarger/?hl=enConnect with Lauren Lanzaretta:🌐 Website: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com📱 TikTok: @lanzaretta, ⁨@YouCanBeBoth⁩ 📷 Instagram: @lanzaretta, ⁨@YouCanBeBoth⁩ 📧 LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth⸻#ChristianTikTok #FaithTok #QueerTikTok #ChurchTok #ProgressiveFaith #DeconstructingFaith #LGBTQAlly #StraightAlly #AffirmingFaith #ReligiousTrauma #YouCanBeBoth #LaurenLanzaretta #DannyLybarger #TheWell #AffirmingChurch #QueerChristian #ChurchHurt #BiblicalInclusion

If you're LGBTQ+ and Christian, you've probably experienced religious trauma—rejection from church, kicked out of ministry, told you're going to hell, or living a double life hiding who you are. You're not alone, and you're NOT broken.I read dozens of stories from LGBTQ Christians daily, and the pain from Church abuse is heartbreaking but the healing is REAL. This episode is for every gay, lesbian, bi, trans, or queer person who still loves God but has been wounded by His people.💔 REAL LGBTQ STORIES SHARED:• Trans woman forced into military by parents, sexually assaulted, then fired from school job for being trans• Sunday school teacher excommunicated after 10+ years of faithful service—just for coming out• Gay Catholic altar boy standing next to a priest who says LGBTQ people belong in mental institutions• Christian educator living a double life, hiding her identity to keep her job• I was personally excluded from part of my mission trip to Thailand for being gay (even though I was closeted at the time)📊 THE 3 THINGS WE ALL STRUGGLE WITH:1. Rejection, judgment, and harm from the church2. Reconciling faith and LGBTQ identity ("Can I be fully myself AND fully Christian?")3. Long-term emotional/mental health trauma (anxiety, depression, shame)✝️ THE TRUTH:You are NOT worse than anyone else. You're covered by God's grace. Being LGBTQ is NOT a sin. You deserve love, dignity, and a place in the church. God is NOT ashamed of you.🌈 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:✓ Why religious abuse happens to LGBTQ people in churches✓ How to heal from spiritual trauma and shame✓ The connection between LGBTQ rights and the Civil Rights Movement✓ Why allies matter and how they can help✓ Bible verses for the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18, Matthew 11:28)✓ Homework: Do something just for you and God this week💡 KEY MESSAGES:• The church has weaponized 6 Bible verses against LGBTQ people • Kicking someone out of ministry for being gay is religious abuse—period• LGBTQ people are NOT more dangerous, perverted, or spiritually corrupt• You can't "pray away" being gay—it ends in exhaustion and crisis• Manifesting yourself out of shame doesn't work—community and healing do🏳️‍🌈 YOU ARE NOT ALONE: This community is resilient. You didn't walk away from God even after how His people treated you. That's powerful. And God sees you, loves you, and is walking with you every single day.📚 RESOURCES:• LGBTQ Healing & Resource Guide: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth• Submit your story: https://bit.ly/49G1tpz⏰ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - You Are Not Alone2:30 - Take a Breath: You're Covered by Grace7:00 - Trans Woman's Heartbreaking Story10:30 - Sunday School Teacher Excommunicated12:25 - Why Being Gay Doesn't Disqualify You15:10 - Living a Double Life at Work17:20 - MLK & the LGBTQ Movement23:30 - Gay Catholic Altar Boy's Pain25:30 - The 3 Things We ALL Struggle With31:00 - Hope is Still Present33:00 - Bible Verses for Healing35:00 - Prayer for the LGBTQ Community💬 COMMENT BELOW:Which story resonated with you most? What's YOUR experience with church and being LGBTQ? Let's heal together.👍 If this helped you feel less alone, please like and subscribe. New episodes every Sunday at 11 AM.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don't miss future episodes.You can be LGBTQ. You can be Christian. You can be BOTH. 🏳️‍🌈✝️---#LGBTQ #GayChristian #Religioustrauma #ChurchHurt #LGBTQFaith #GayAndChristian #TransChristian #QueerFaith #ChristianLGBTQ #ReligiousAbuse #LGBTQHealing #AffirmingChurch #ProgressiveChristianity #LGBTQCommunity #FaithJourney #YouCanBeBoth #GayPride #LGBTQSupport #ChurchTrauma #SpiritualAbuse #LGBTQRights #QueerChristian #BiChristian #TransRights #LGBTQAcceptance #ChristianHealing #LGBTQTherapy #AffirmingTheology #GodLovesYou #LGBTQPodcast

GET THE RESOURCE GUIDE HERE: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothWelcome to You Can Be Both — the podcast for LGBTQ+ Christians, gay Christians, and anyone navigating faith and sexuality while healing from religious trauma, church hurt, and rejection.In this New Year episode, Lauren shares how we’re moving from confusion to clarity in 2026. If you’ve ever wondered “Can I be Christian and LGBTQ?” or felt stuck between your identity and your faith, this conversation is for you. We talk about what it really takes to heal, rebuild confidence, and deepen your relationship with God—without shrinking who you are.In this episode, you’ll learn: • What “confusion to clarity” means for LGBTQ people of faith in 2026 • How community and testimony help us heal from evangelical trauma, Catholic guilt, and spiritual abuse • Why understanding Bible context and translation matters (and why Lauren plans to bring on guests who can unpack “clobber verses,” theology, and Scripture interpretation) • The 3-step healing framework: get educated, get connected, and start healing • How to release what’s holding you back in 2026: addiction and coping behaviors, approval-seeking, and toxic relationships • Why you don’t need permission from pastors, parents, or church culture to be okay with God • Practical next steps: finding affirming churches, following helpful creators, getting therapy support, and using journaling prompts for healing and future visionLauren also shares big plans for 2026, including guest interviews, TikTok Lives, Zoom community calls, and future live events built around worship, healing, testimonies, and connection.To close, Lauren leads a guided Christian meditation for healing—an imaginative prayerful exercise centered on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit—followed by Psalm 23, and a heartfelt community prayer for freedom from depression, addiction, shame, and abusive relationships.📌 RESOURCE GUIDE (Confusion to Clarity Healing Guide): Lauren created a downloadable healing guide for LGBTQ+ people of faith packed with books, podcasts, affirming church resources, therapist support ideas, and journaling prompts to help you start your healing journey. GET THE RESOURCE GUIDE HERE: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothThe book she mentioned called "Letting Go" (which is also in the resource guide) can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/49kYwcu📩 Share your testimony / join the community: Submit your email + location in the form below so you can get updates about lives, Zoom calls, and upcoming events/tour dates: https://bit.ly/49G1tpzIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share—it helps this message reach other LGBTQ+ Christians who feel alone. You are loved. God loves you. And you are not alone.🔔 New episodes every Sunday at 11am🎧 Also available on all podcast platformsFor sponsorship opportunities email: youcanbebothpodcast@gmail.com. Follow my other socials on TikTok and Instagram!‪@YouCanBeBoth‬ ‪@LaurenLanzaretta‬ #LGBTQChristian #GayChristian #YouCanBeBoth #Deconstruction #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #AffirmingChurch #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndSexuality #HealingJourney #christianmeditation