#AskingForAFriend

Our friend Aaron Munson answers a question about whether young people should explore their sexuality and gender identity.

Eve Tushnet responds to a question about whether Christians can participate in same-sex marriages.

In this weeks episode, James Blackhall shares his coming out journey with us!

In this episode, Aaron Munson responds to the question "How should I respond to homophobia at home and at school?"

In this episode, James Blackwell reflects on why he, as a Christian, supports LGBTQIA+ Pride.

In this episode, Eve Tushnet reflects on how she reconciles her queer identity with her Christian faith.

In this episode, Aaron Munson reflects on how Biblical masculintiy and femininity affects him as an LGBTQ+ person.

In today's episode, Tyler Chernesky, a gay Christian, shares about their story of being rejected by, leaving, and coming back to the church. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, Lyndon Parker (they/them), a transgender Christian, shares about their experience of gender dysphoria throughout their life and how their experience of gender has impacted how they identify and how they live & present in their daily life. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from our panelist Marissa Adams (she/her), an Intersex Christian and advocate. Intersex people and issues are often overlooked and misunderstood in church spaces, which can lead to Intersex people feeling isolated and forgotten. Marissa encourages pastors and leaders in churches to learn more about these topics and the unique challenges and joys that Intersex people, especially Christians, experience.For more Intersex resources, visit:interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth | www.interactadvocates.orgInterConnect Support Group | www.interconnect.supportIntersex and Faith | www.intersexandfaith.orgTo submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from John Backman (she/her). John, who also goes by Janelle, shares about why she believes names are important & why it's important to use the names that people prefer. For trans and gender non-conforming people, names are more than just a way to differentiate one person from another: they often reflect a deeper sense of who they are and the way they self-identify. Referring to someone by the name they prefer is a way to show that you care and respect that person's sense of identity.To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from Dr. Ben Huelskamp (he/they). As a gay Christian who is a part of progressive church spaces, Ben shares his thoughts about how those spaces can be welcoming & edifying for LGBTQIA+ Christians who hold a traditional sexual ethic.To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, Aaron Munson (he/him) shares about his experiences as a gay man who is married to a woman. Because of his uniques story & experiences, Aaron shares about why he does or does not use certain labels. While labels can be helpful for some LGBTQIA+ folks, sometimes the complexity of people's individual experiences means that typical labels don't always fit.To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from our panelist Liz Munson (she/her). Liz, a parent herself, shares about how she would approach talking to your child about topics like sexuality & gender identity. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our panelist Kelly Crouch (they/them) encourages those who care for & interact with children and young people to allow experimentation with different expressions of gender identity & sexuality. Kelly shares about their own personal experiences growing up in an environment that didn't allow for much diversity of expression and the difficulties that produced in their life as a young person and now as an adult.To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode features Carson Sotelo (he/his), a gay celibate Christian. Carson shares his thoughts about how the church can live more like a family & support those who are pursuing celibacy. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, LOVEboldly's Executive Director, Ben Huelskamp (he/his), a gay man, shares about how he navigates disagreements with those who believe differently about faith, sexuality and/or gender identity. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from our panelist, Liz Munson (she/her), a non-binary lesbian. As an LGBTQIA+ person who grew up in Christian spaces, Liz received many confusing & harmful messages related to expectations around sex, marriage and gender roles that she has had to process now in her adult life.To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our panelist Melinda Garza-Moran (she/her), the parent of LGBTQIA+ children, shares her advice on responding to someone whose beliefs about LGBTQIA+ issues are contrary to your own. She gives practical tips for studying the Bible and engaging in productive conversation with people of differing beliefs. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from our panelist Kelly Crouch (they/them), a bisexual and genderqueer Christian. Kelly shares about how they would recommend responding when a child or someone else is curious about a person's gender, in a way that helps that person consider their own ideas about what it means to be a certain gender.To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our panelist Aaron Munson (he/him), a gay man in a queer-orientation marriage, shares about why he chose to enter into marriage with someone of the opposite sex and how his personal convictions have shaped his decisions around sexuality, marriage and faith. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from our panelist Marissa Adams (she/her), an Intersex Christian. Marissa shares about Intersex experiences in the church and some of the difficulties that Intersex people face in faith communities. Many Christians are uncomfortable discussing Intersex identities, which can be very isolating and stigmatizing for Intersex people. She encourages Christians to educate themselves about Intersex identity and view Intersex people as equal bearers of God's image. For more Intersex resources, visit:interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth | www.interactadvocates.orgInterConnect Support Group | www.interconnect.supportIntersex and Faith | www.intersexandfaith.orgTo submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our panelist Liz Munson (she/her), a nonbinary lesbian in a mixed-orientation marriage, shares about how notions about biblical manhood and womanhood affected have affected her as someone who didn't fit into the stereotypical ideas about gender. Liz shares about her journey of deconstructing some of those ideas, as well as a few resources for others on a similar journey. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from Lyndon Parker (they/them), a transgender Christian. Lyndon shares their thoughts about having grace and space for differing beliefs within communities, while also being aware that sometimes those differences will mean relationships won't be safe. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our panelist Carson Sotelo, a celibate gay Christian, shares about how he has found community as a single person. Carson shares about the difficulties of finding community, but also about the beautiful ways that he's found supportive & meaningful relationships with other Christians. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our panelist Marissa Adams (she/her), an Intersex Christian, shares about what she believes churches can do to be a safer place for LGBTQIA+ people to be in community or grow in faith. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from our Executive Director, Ben Huelskamp (he/his), who is a gay man with affirming theology. He shares about why he believes God creates people's sexuality and gender identity with intentionality & calls people to live authentically in light of that. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our panelist John Backman (she/her), a bigender Christian, helps us to understand what pronouns are and why LGBTQIA+ people, especially gender-nonbinary folks, use them. In addition, he shares about why he encourages all people, queer or otherwise, to consider sharing their pronouns as well!To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from our panelist Aaron Munson (he/him), a gay man in a queer-orientation marriage. Aaron shares about some resources that have been helpful as he and his wife Liz, who is also a queer woman, have navigated their relationship. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our new panelist, Lyndon Parker (they/them), shares about why some typical Christian approaches to LGBTQIA+ people can be insensitive and unhelpful. In fact, these approaches can often make people feel less welcomed and cared for as they navigate their faith and sexuality or gender identity.To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's episode comes from one of our newest panelists, Melinda Garza Moran (she/her), the parent of an LGBTQIA+ child. Melinda shares the advice she wishes she would have had when her son came out to her as a teenager. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's #AskingForAFriend episode our panelist Kelly Crouch (they/them) shares about their personal experiences as an LGBTQIA+ person who was hurt by the church and then encountered straight & queer Christians who helped them return. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

#AskingForAFriend Ep. 34: I think that my child might be gay, but they haven't told me yet. Should I say something to them?Today's episode comes from our panelist Carson Sotelo! Carson (he/him) shares his thoughts about how to approach conversations about sexuality with your child and draws from his experiences as a gay man. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

We have a special #AskingForAFriend this week from our newest panelist, Ben Huelskamp (he/him/his)! Ben also happens to be LOVEboldly's new executive director! Watch this short video to get to know Ben a little better as he shares about his background, education & vision for our organization!To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In this week's #AskingForAFriend episode our panelist Rachel shares about entering into difficult conversations with those we care about with humility & compassion. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's #AskingForAFriend episode comes from our panelist Aaron Munson, a gay man in a queer-orientation marriage. A queer-orientation marriage is a relationship where both of the individuals are attracted to people of their same sex. Aaron shares about how he & his wife Liz have navigated conversations about their sexual orientations with their children, especially in light of their unique relationship. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In honor of Intersex Awareness Day on October 26th, we have a special intersex edition of #AskingForAFriend! Our panelist Marissa Adams, an intersex Christian, shares about some of the terminology related to intersex identities and how the understanding of those terms has changed over the years.For more Intersex resources, visit: interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth | www.interactadvocates.orgInterConnect Support Group | www.interconnect.support Intersex and Faith | www.intersexandfaith.orgTo submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's episode, our panelist Liz Munson shares about the process of communicating with her children about being in a mixed-orientation marriage with her husband Aaron. Communicating with children about complex issues like sexuality can be tricky, and Liz shares about how they've communicated and gives a few tips for other couples in similar relationships!To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In honor of Celebrate Bisexuality Day on September 23rd, this week's episode comes from Stephen Crouch (they/them), a bisexual & genderqueer Christian. In the conservative church, there can oftentimes be assumptions that are made about Christians, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+, who hold a progressive sexual ethic. Stephen shares about a few of those assumptions and why they hope those narratives will change. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In this week's episode, our panelist Greg Coles, a gay celibate Christian, shares about the parts of celibacy he finds most rewarding. Greg's experiences & wisdom help us to see the beauty that can be found in a way of life that is often misunderstood, both inside and outside of the church. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Aaron Munson, a gay Christian in a mixed-orientation marriage, shares his perspective a licensed mental health counselor and someone who is passionate about helping people care for their mental health. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Marissa Adams, an Intersex Christian and advocate for other intersex people, shares her response to a question about delaying irreversible medical treatments until an intersex child has a sense of their own gender. For more Intersex resources, visit: interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth | www.interactadvocates.org InterConnect Support Group | www.interconnect.support Intersex and Faith | www.intersexandfaith.orgTo submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Our question this week comes from a young woman who is wrestling with her sexual orientation and wondering how to discern her attraction based on her relational history. In this week's episode our new panelist, Sarah Abbey, shares her thoughts on this multi-faceted question!To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

This week is Non-Binary Awareness Week! In honor of this week, our panelist John Backman, a bi-gender Christian, shares her thoughts on why she wears nail polish and what that means to her!Today's Panelist: John BackmanWhat do you mean, there are more than two genders? What do you do if you don't see yourself as male or female, but something else, something unique? What is there to gender beyond what your body looks like? I've been asking questions like these for most of the 45 years I've followed Jesus. As a result, I identify as both Christian and gender nonbinary—a gender within the Q of LGBTQ+—and I'd be delighted to discuss either, or both, and how they work together. As a writer and spiritual director, I've spent more than a decade focusing on contemplative spirituality and the unexpected ways it collides with postmodern life. This includes a book (Why Can't We Talk? Christian Wisdom on Dialogue as a Habit of the Heart) about talking—and more important, listening—to all people with a spirit of curiosity and an open heart.To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In this special Pride edition #AskingForAFriend episode, our panelist, Marissa Adams, shares her perspective on Pride as Intersex Christian.If you're looking for other Intersex resources, visit:interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth | www.interactadvocates.org InterConnect Support Group | www.interconnect.support Intersex and Faith | www.intersexandfaith.orgTo submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

June is National LGBTQ+ Pride Month! Today, our panelist, Aaron Munson, shares about the history of Pride and why LGBTQ+ Christians celebrate it. Just like there is diversity within the queer community, there is diversity in how LGBTQ+ people celebrate Pride. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In today's #AskingForAFriend, our panelist Stephen Crouch shares honestly & vulnerably about his journey of reconciling his faith and sexuality. We hope that in listening, we can all grow in compassion and understanding for the faith journeys of all LGBTQ+ Christians. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today's #AskingForAFriend question comes from a self-identified “boomer” about the term “queer.” Throughout their life, they heard this word used in a derogatory way. Now it's a word that is commonly used as a self-identifier for LGBTQ+ people. Today's panelist, Greg Coles, shares about how that came to be! To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Today our panelist shares their thoughts on actions that churches can take to make their communities places where trans kids are safe & included. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

Our new panelist, Liz Munson, joins her husband Aaron for this week's #AskingForAFriend! Liz & Aaron are in a mixed-orientation marriage & share their thoughts on how to approach that type of relationship. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend

In this week's #AskingForAFriend, our panelist Alex Shanks (he/his) shares how he understands his gender identity versus gender stereotypes as a transgender person. To submit your own questions for our panel & see what other questions we've answered, visit www.loveboldly.net/askingforafriend