Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Outline:

1. Growing up Catholic

2. Coming out and Navigating Identity

a. Navigating Family Dynamics

3. The emotional toll of Educating Others

a. Suicide

b. Workplace Challenges and acceptance

c. Advocacy and community connection through social media

4. Personal Journey and shared traumas

5. Navigating Spirituality and community

a. Finding peace in music and core beliefs

b. Deconstructing faith and understanding God

6. Advice for the journey ahead

Content warning:

explicit language, discussing suicide

Summary:

Joe is a work friend. We bonded early over our shared history of Catholicism and snarky attitude toward Church and Christians. Our conversations hinted at deep trauma and because he is an out gay man, I rightly assumed the that his religious experience was largely negative. But the more I got to know him the more I could see his resilience. He didn’t let the Church or various people determine his fate for him. His strong sense of self-reliance and self-determination has allowed him to navigate religious persecution and shame in a way that radiates strength and character. As with many of my LGBTQ friends, I am in awe of the commitment to love and truth that reflects the gospel message better than anything either my Catholic or Evangelical upbringing gave me. I’m grateful to Joe for both his vulnerability and enthusiasm and I hope that you enjoy this conversation!

Resources and Mentions:

https://www.instagram.com/jphromania1991

https://music.apple.com/us/album/kpop-demon-hunters-soundtrack-from-the-netflix-film/1820264137

https://www.theologybeercamp2025.com/

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https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

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