August 21, 2024

The Conversion Practice Survivor

1 hour 21 minutes

Growing up in a conservative evangelical bubble, Aaron's early realisation of being gay sparked a profound internal conflict within the rigid doctrines of his faith. From his childhood filled with love and support despite restrictive beliefs, to his tumultuous journey as a pastor grappling with his sexuality, Aaron's story is a testament to resilience and the quest for authenticity. Join us on this emotional and thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Surface as Aaron reflects on his upbringing and the painful yet formative experiences that shaped his path.

Who Is Aaron?

Aaron Kelly, a gay man living in Naarm, grew up in conservative evangelical circles and spent his adult life deeply involved in church leadership. He realised he was gay at 12 but was taught to view his sexuality as sinful. He endured harmful conversion practices during his teens and twenties, leaving lasting emotional scars. As a Pentecostal Pastor with the Australian Christian Churches, Aaron and his then-wife founded Fresh Church in 2015, a vibrant and diverse community. However, when LGBTQIA+ members joined, Aaron faced a conflict with the ACC’s constitution, which prohibited LGBTQIA+ individuals from leadership roles. After two years of studying biblical interpretations of sexuality, Aaron rejected the notion that homosexuality was a sin.

In 2020, Aaron came out as gay, resulting in the loss of his pastoral credentials and his termination as pastor of Fresh Church. He and his wife, though still close friends, separated shortly after. Since then, Aaron has focused on healing and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in religious settings. His story was featured in a 2024 interview on Channel 10’s “The Project,” helping pass a NSW bill banning conversion practices. Aaron is now working on a book about his journey from pastor to proud gay man, continuing his efforts to promote understanding and diversity in religious contexts.

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