Reconciling faith and LGBTQ+ identity can be a complex and personal journey, as it involves navigating both religious beliefs and personal understanding of one’s identity, which is what we spoke about with Hijab Butch Blues author Lamya H. Here are some steps and considerations that might help in this process:

• Self-acceptance
• Education
• Spiritual exploration
• Seek supportive communities
• Talk to religious leaders
• Interpretation of scriptures
• Personal beliefs
• Open dialogue
• Mental health and well-being
• Time and patience

Remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Your reconciliation of faith and LGBTQIA+ identity will be influenced by your personal beliefs, experiences, and the specific religious tradition you’re part of. It’s important to prioritise your well-being and seek understanding and acceptance on your terms.

So how do we reconcile faith with LGBTQ+ identity?

Thanks to the following author for participating:

Lamya H is a queer Muslim writer and organiser living in New York City. Her memoir Hijab Butch Blues was published by Dial Press in February 2023. Lamya’s work has appeared in Los Angeles Review of Books, Salon, Vice, Autostraddle, Vox, and others. She has received fellowships from Lambda Literary, Aspen Words and Queer|Arts. Lamya’s organising work centres around creating spaces for LGBTQ+ Muslims, fighting Islamophobia, and abolishing prisons.

Other wonderful guests who took part:

Angel Gravely, (M.Ed.) an LGBTQ+ educator and advocate and founder of Angel Gravely Education.

Reverend Jide Macaulay, founder & CEO House of Rainbow.

Empowerment expert and author Ashley T Brundage.

Reverend Kipp Nelson, who is the Pastor of St. John’s on the Lake United Methodist Church in Miami Beach, Florida and the first openly gay pastor to a local church in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Queer researcher and teacher Jebin Samuel.

Here are some of the resources from the show:

Amber Cantorna is a national speaker and author dedicated to supporting LGBTQ people of the Christian faith throughout their coming-out process. In her book Unashamed: A Coming Out Guide for LGBTQ Christians, Amber tackles topics like finding an affirming faith community, deciding when and how to come out, and how to re-establish a relationship with God. She uses her platform to inspire others and works to dissolve shame, foster self-acceptance, and generate a message of love and inclusion for all.

Books looked at this week:

Lamya H: Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir

Amber Cantorna-Wylde: Unashamed: A Coming-Out Guide for LGBTQ Christians and Refocusing My Family: Coming Out, Being Cast Out, and Discovering the True Love of God

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