As a gay Christian, Matt Nightingale is passionate about the intersection of sexuality and spirituality. He works to create safe, sacred spaces for people exploring these identities. His TEDx talk, “Choosing Gratitude and Hope,” with his former wife, Luanne Nightingale, tells their story of their 23-year mixed-orientation marriage, an evolving understanding of faith and sexuality, and the choice to end their marriage with gratitude and hope. When he first acknowledged his authentic sexuality, Matt believed he needed to be cured, and tried to do this in the confines of the church where he then worked. Eventually, he grew to accept his sexuality though it cost him his marriage and the job he held in his church.

Matt is now a spiritual director and support group facilitator with The Christian Closet, which offers web-based counseling, coaching, and spiritual direction for LGBTQ Christians.