Jackson had been assigned female at birth, but always knew he was not female, he was male. He endured shame from his mom who wanted him to wear dresses and date boys if he wanted to play sports or go to prom. He experienced a form of conversion therapy in elementary school. As an adult, Jackson was judged, dismissed, and told he couldn’t serve in the church because he, ”looked gay.” In another church, JP was told, It is not ok to be Gay on the worship team because you’re telling the congregation it is ok to be Gay.” So, how did Jackson go through all the emotional abuse without giving up on church? His story is poignant and relevant for any youth being mistreated in church and for our Transgender brothers and sisters who want to be seen for who they really are and serve the God of their understanding.