While advocating for a Non-Discrimination Ordinance in Kansas, Kate Guimbellot, her wife, and 12-year-old son were targeted by the hate group, Westboro Baptist Church. In response, she and her community created the “Stand Up in Love” event where over 300 people showed up with signs of love and acceptance. She continues to stand for equal rights and civility.

“We can agree to disagree, learn to accept, and even celebrate each other, but not through name calling.” ~Kate Guimbellot

fb.com/kate.guimbellot

After joining the military and struggling with addiction, Chelsea Anderson found an inclusive recovery group that helped her to work through her faith and sexuality issues. Now she’s part of a Christian movement for LGBT Christians to find affirming communities and via social media #FaithfullyLGBT.

“Through prayer, bible study and interaction with other LGBT Christians, I discovered this is possible; [That God] actually loves me and wants me to just live as I am.” ~Chelsea Anderson

Twitter, IG @justbchelsea

Rev. Mike Irwin grew up Methodist in rural Illinois deeply closeted, following all the rules to get approval from God and others. After years of silence, he came out to his wife and church, and immediately lost both. He’s rebuilt an authentic life, now serving as senior minister at CSL Kansas City, teaching spirituality and creating a welcoming community for all.

“It wasn’t God; it was people… the way people chose to interpret their beliefs. It wasn’t God doing that to me.” ~Rev. Mike Irwin

cslkc.org

Cheri Jamison interviews Jen Dickey, who grew up in a happy Presbyterian home until tragedy struck. Angry with God, she studied LaVeyan Satanism briefly before attending Bible college. When Jen came out as gay, her community thought she was possessed. Sadly, she felt like “God’s biggest mistake.” Jen later found a new spiritual home, transformed her relationship with God, and is now a ministry student.

“I couldn’t appreciate [my life] to the degree I do without that soil, that fertilizer; and that’s MY story.” ~Jen Dickey

jdmusings.com

Cheri Jamison interviews Richard Carlini, an end-of-life expert who has served over 43 years as a hospice nurse, chaplain, and minister. We talk about religion’s role in dying, death, and grief, how no two people’s experience is the same regardless of religious upbringing, and how we can start crucial conversations with our loved ones now. 

“Often we go back to our roots, to the core beliefs that were given to us as we grew up, as we become the person we are dying as.” ~Richard Carlini

Transformmyself.org

Cheri Jamison interviews Victor Dougherty, a “recovering Catholic” and now Director of the Temple Buddhist Center in Kansas City. During a life crisis, Victor sought spiritual counseling with a Buddhist teacher, which led to a new spiritual home. He shares his daily practice, mindset, meditation, community, and a practical way to know what’s right for you.

“I don’t hold a grudge against [Catholicism]; those things were just rungs on the ladder to waking up.” ~Victor Dougherty

templebuddhistcenter.com

Cheri Jamison interviews Craig Marshall, who grew up as a “Methodist without a method.” At age 23, he became a monk with Self-Realization Fellowship, living in a monastery for 35 years. A mid-life change spurred him to pursue a new chapter of life. Today, Craig is married, living in California, and is a sought after speaker, business consultant, and co-author of the book, The Next You. 

“We have a set of beliefs which we, sort of arrogantly, call reality.” ~Craig Marshall

craigmarshallconsulting.com

Cheri Jamison interviews Joshua Inacio, a spiritual teacher, channel and vibrational sound healer. Joshua was born Jewish and left the tradition when he was 13, but feels it’s still part of his family’s expression. His studies in New Age and New Thought metaphysical concepts and spiritual practices help keep him clear and centered in his non-traditional career path.

 “It’s not your shadow I’m interested in, it’s your light. To get that out, we need to look at the shadow and love it.” ~Joshua Inacio

www.joshuainacio.com

Cheri Jamison interviews Vagar Ingvald Elmersson, who comes from a long line of German Mennonites. As a teen, he followed his brother to two Evangelical churches where music was his spiritual life, until he stumbled upon a Wiccan bookstore and his world turned upside down. While his relationship with his brother dissolved when he left Christianity, he gained a new home and spiritual family when he found Heathenry.

“My heart just said Oh my God, finally… I’ve finally come home.” ~Vagar Ingvald Elmersson

Cheri Jamison interviews Rev. Martha Creek, who grew up in a non-religious household, but knew from a young age she wanted to be a minister. At the time, women clergy were not allowed. She took herself to a local Methodist church and loved it, but always knew other people’s truth may not be her own. She is now a New Thought Minister, speaker, facilitator, ministry consultant, and fulfills her mission to “serve those who serve.”

“As a little kid, I was shown a vision of two giant keys for life: one is forgiveness and the other is gratitude.” ~Rev. Martha Creek

MarthaCreek.com