How To Be Human: A Podcast about Belief and Healing

Dear Humans, This little trailer will let you in on the nitty gritty of what to expect from How To Be Human. It's an honest not so how-to-guide of living into our beliefs, healing when things harm us & others - and just being us. See you in July 16Learn more about How To Be Human and the creator behind this new series:https://queerinfaith.com/how-to-be-human-podcast/

On this episode, we'll discuss body positivity, Kevin's journey to becoming a digital pastor and other hot takes. Kevin Garcia is a digital pastor, content creator and hot mess based in Atlanta, GA. They graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2013 with a BM in Music Education and they have been everything from a barista to a corporate office worker to a non-profit professional since then. After coming out in the fall of 2015 as a queer Christian, Kevin has reached thousands of individuals across the globe through his writing; his podcast, A Tiny Revolution; and through his YouTube channel. Kevin believes that by telling our stories, we set others free to tell theirs.Kevin is presently a candidate for a Masters of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA. In addition to LGBTQ advocacy, Kevin’s passions include vocal jazz, tacos, and really horrible dad jokes.Follow @thekevingarcia or visit www.thekevingarcia.comTo learn more about How To Be Human: https://queerinfaith.com/how-to-be-human-podcast/

On this episode, we'll discuss evangelical moms discovering what it means to be affirming of their kids through a closed Facebook group called "Mama Bears" from the producer of a new documentary film about these Mama Bears. Daresha Kyi is an award-winning visionary who writes, produces, and directs for film & television in Spanish and English. Her current project, Mama Bears, explores the many ways in which the lives of conservative, Christian mothers are impacted & utterly transformed when they decide to affirm and advocate on behalf of their LGBTQ+ children. As members of a private Facebook group – ‘Mama Bears’ support and help untangle the mess of overcoming teachings of the evangelical Church.Learn more at: http://mamabearsdoc.com or https://www.dareshakyi.com & follow on social media @MamaBearsDocTo learn more about How To Be Human: https://queerinfaith.com/how-to-be-human-podcast/

On this episode, we'll discuss the shift in our country's ever present history with voter suppression, the 2018 Georgia Governor's Election, why our voice matters and how to get engaged for the upcoming elections in 2020.leea, left on podcast image, is a Blaque singer-preacher-poet from Nashville, Tennessee living in Atlanta, Georgia whose mission is to bring Black and Brown LGBTQ+ folk in the Deep South into genuine community to do justice together. This work leverages interfaith spiritual practices that have the power to heal and transform lives and communities, particularly those of poor, immigrant, elderly, and/or differently-abled trans and queer folk. leea is motivated by a personal sense of urgency to reclaim the history of the Black Church as a champion of civil rights by restoring and sustaining that work today as a justice agent for all oppressed peoples. They serve as a minister and worship leader at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia while studying at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Upon graduation, leea will complete an unit of Clinical Pastoral Education and use that time to further discern God's call on their life.Follow @leeavallenElection Protection:https://866ourvote.org13th Film Information: http://www.docnyc.net/film/13th/To learn more about How To Be Human: https://queerinfaith.com/how-to-be-human-podcast/

On this episode, we'll discuss the meaning of home especially as it pertains to the queer experience with Hesed House Family co-founder Kelly Ravenscraft.Kelly Ravenscraft (she/her) is a current resident pastor at Urban Village Church and a recent graduate from Loyola University Chicago with a BA in International Studies and Sociology. She is pursuing her M.Div. with an emphasis in LGBTQ Studies at Chicago Theological Seminary. She felt called to ministry because of the need for LGBTQ liberation in the church and a desire to respond to the need for unconventional faith spaces. She is excited to see how God moves and uses unconventional spaces like Hesed House to create true, vulnerable community that moves us to growth.Follow @kellyravenscraftHesed House:https://kravenscraft.wixsite.com/hesedhouseTo learn more about How To Be Human: https://queerinfaith.com/how-to-be-human-podcast/

On this episode, the host of How To Be Human will discuss the parallels of grief and joy and the non-linear journey of healing from trauma. Rachael (they/them) writes often about the intersections of grief, trauma and belief. They presently are a candidate for a Masters of Divinity & Masters of Art in Practical Theology from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta. Rachael is involved in a body of work in the greater Atlanta area that is devoted to LGBTQ Inclusion with an intersectional lens. In addition to LGBTQ advocacy, Rachael's passions include loving folx well, dismantling the patriarchy, really really good gin, and intimate friendships. You can learn more about Rachael here at queerinfaith.com or follow @queerinfaithVisit How To Be HumanVisit Queer Love LettersBecome a Guest

On this episode of How To Be Human we'll discuss sobriety, sexuality, dismantling the idea of inherent wrongness and how life can indeed be better post coming out. Mississippi native Kakky Brown is an English teacher and the co-founder and sponsor of a peer wellness education program at her school in Oxford, Mississippi. She spends her time teaching, working as a youth director for her church, and working with a teen mom program in her community. Serving others and leading teens through their toughest years is a true passion of hers. Tiny in stature, she carries herself with the bigness of her heart, spirit, and passion for sharing her truth to help others.Give Kakky a follow: @yeslikethepantsLearn more about How To Be Human: https://queerinfaith.com/how-to-be-human-podcast/

On this episode, we'll discuss the expansiveness of gender, Frankie's journey becoming a well-known trans activist and how to be an ally to the trans community. Frankie (they/them, he/him) co-owns Tiger Eye Barbershop in Atlanta, GA and is devoted to trans activism. As a love influencer, Frankie spends their time advocating for Trans youth to know that there's no one right way to be trans. At their shop, Queer community can not only feel safe, but explore their gender expression in comfort. Frankie frequently speaks to youth about their experience coming out as trans & hopes to spread the message of love for all. Recently, Frankie was featured on Netlifx' Tales of the City billboard advertisement for the new mini-series, which featured LGBT activists, role models and people in the Atlanta queer community.Follow @everyheadismycanvas

On this first episode of How To Be Human Season 2 Matthias Roberts walks listeners through the possibilities of liberating the body from shame toward a healthier sex life.Matthias Roberts is author of Beyond Shame: Creating a Healthy Sex Life on Your Own Terms (Fortress, 2020) and host of Queerology: A Podcast on Belief and Being which was named as one of the best LGBTQ+ podcasts of 2019 by The Oprah Magazine. He holds two master's degrees, one in theology and culture and one in counseling psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. In his psychotherapy practice, he specializes in helping LGBTQ+ teens and adults live confident and fulfilling lives. Matthias writes and speaks nationwide about the intersections between gender, sexuality, mental health, and theology.@matthiasrobertshttps://matthiasroberts.comHosted by Rachael Wardwww.queerinfaith.comEpisode Air Date: Jan. 14

Crystal Cheatham, founder and CEO of Our Bible App, and Theresa Ta, Editor of Our Bible App, share how the app is aiming to subvert capitalistic return for social change & wellness by building equitable community through inclusive resources and diverse voices.Our Bible App is a digital faith and lifestyle resource providing access to daily devotionals, podcasts, and chat rooms that connect you to the conversations, prayers, and activism of folks for whom inclusive love and justice inform their progressive faith.Our website: ourbibleapp.comFor info about writing for OBA or hosting your podcast on the app: ourbibleapp.com/submissions OBA's The Playbook: mailchi.mp/ourbibleapp.com/playbookTwitter, Instagram, Facebook: @ourbibleappSend positive vibes or ask Q's: Crystal@ourbibleapp.com & Theresa@ourbibleapp.com

Rev Bailey Brawner and Angel & Nicole share their story of shared passion for space creation through authentic community. Currently, these three have started a digital and in-person space called The Voyage. The Voyage is a hybrid project aimed at creating spaces and experiences for those who are in the process of finding where their faith, sexuality, and gender intersect.Bailey Brawner (She/Her) identifies as queer and asexual, and explores the intersection of church and innovation. She is the Senior Pastor of Mission Hills United Methodist Church in San Diego, CA. Bailey is passionate about creating spiritual spaces for those who've experienced religious trauma. Outside of work, Bailey enjoys sunny San Diego with her puppy Oakley, a mini-aussiedoodle who steals her heart more every day. She also loves social media, reality tv, and wellness. Links for Bailey Brawner:baileynbrawner.compatreon.com/baileynbrawner twitter.com/baileynbrawnerinstagram.com/baileynbrawnerAngel and Nicole are a queer couple based in San Diego, California. After meeting and falling in love while attending a Christian university, Angel and Nicole felt the call to provide spaces of acceptance and love to those who are seeking to reconcile their faith and sexuality. Over the years they created The One Frontier, a hybrid of both digital and in-person ministry initiatives that seek to empower and equip queer people with resources to aid them on their journey to find the space where faith, sexuality, and gender collide.”Links for Angel & Nicole:Website: http://theonefrontier.comYouTube http://youtube.com/angelandnicoleInstagram: http://instagram.com/theonefrontier Personal instagrams: http://instagram.com/canklemorrishttp://instagram.com/nicolemorrisphoto The Voyage meets at Misson Hills UMC in San Diego and digitally on Tuesdays via Angel & Nicole's Youtube Channel linked above. Links for The Voyage:twitter.com/thevoyagemeetupinstagram.com/thevoyagemeetuptheonefrontier.com/the-voyageEpisode aired Feb. 11

What does it look like to unravel toxic narratives of the Bible for queer folks? What if you don't identify as a Christian? How do the voices of queer people get heard in academic institutions? Hear all this and more in this episode of How To Be Human with Erin Green!Erin Green (She/Her) is an affirming biblical scholar and LGBTQ+ activist. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University and is a current, second year MDiv student at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Her specialties are in the entire Christian biblical corpus with an emphasis on the Hebrew Bible, the ancient Near East, exegesis, and how to employ various hermeneutical methods. Her passion is helping those excluded by the church to heal from spiritual abuse and trauma by navigating the biblical text in restorative ways.Erin is best known for her work in supporting LGBTQ+ students on conservative, Christian university campuses. She is also the Co-Executive Director of Brave Commons, a Queer Latinx led group seeking to dismantle oppressive systems at Christian Universities and address the denial of basic human rights of LGBTQ+ students. Erin works alongside Lauren Sotolongo in the Brave Commons’ movement. For more information on Brave Commons, visit bravecommons.org.Twitter: @ErinGreenBeanInstagram: @_runningerins_ALSO: Want to support the work of @KaitlinCurtice, some amazing organizations dismantling colonialism, and have a rad new shirt? All proceeds of #MotherMystery go to @CRSHColonialism and @HonorTheEarthUse QUEERFAITH for a 10% discount:https://teespring.com/stores/mother-mysteryEpisode aired March 3, 2020

What does it mean to be a kind human? For Kai Stevens it looks like spreading a message of God's desire for authenticity in our lives and creating spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals of faith to share their stories. On this episode you'll hear about the continued processing of coming out, grief that runs alongside joy, and a call to be human in our present moments.Kai Stevens is a non-binary human who is all about authenticity, mental health, and Jesus. They are the creator of the Kind Humans Instagram account, a social media platform that allows LGBTQIA+ individuals of faith to exist and share their stories of coming to a place of self-acceptance. And they love you. A lot.Follow Kai, Kai's music & Kind Humans here:@_hi_its_kai@_kind_humans_@kaitwrotethisKai's song "Inner Peace" closes out this episode Episode Aired March 18, 2020ALSO: Want to support the work of @KaitlinCurtice, some amazing organizations dismantling colonialism, and have a rad new shirt? All proceeds of #MotherMystery go to @CRSHColonialism and @HonorTheEarthUse QUEERFAITH for a 10% discount:https://teespring.com/stores/mother-mystery

From Rev. Benjamin Perry's New York home he can hear the daily sirens of ambulances arriving at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. He, like many, are coping with the significant loss being experienced within this pandemic. Perry shares the importance of emotional honesty, not just for clergy members, but all humans during this pivotal moment of being human. Rev. Benjamin Perry is Minister of Outreach and Media Strategy at Middle Collegiate Church in New York City. Previously he worked as Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing at Union Theological Seminary, and as an editor at Time Inc.An award-winning writer, his work focuses on the intersection of religion and politics. His byline has appeared in outlets like Slate, The Huffington Post, Sojourners, Bustle and Motherboard and he has appeared on MSNBC, Al Jazeera, and NY1. He holds a degree in psychology from SUNY Geneseo and a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. You can follow him on Twitter @FaithfullyBP.https://www.middlechurch.org@FaithfullyBP Episode Aired March 30

In the midst of Holy Week, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis reflects on our universal call to heal the world through revolutionary love. On this episode we'll discuss the truth of racial disparity in the United States becoming more visible by COVID19, as well as what we can do in this moment to speak truth to power. You'll also hear from Dr. Lewis on the interconnectedness we're all experiencing in isolation and the hope it brings forth to love one another deeper in this moment. There's so much goodness and care in this episode for you.The Rev. Jacqueline J. Lewis, Ph.D., is Senior Minister at Middle Collegiate Church, a 1,300-member multiethnic, welcoming, and inclusive congregation in New York City. She is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and earned her Ph.D. in Religion and Society/Psychology and Religion at Drew University. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Dr. Lewis hosted “Just Faith,” an on-demand television program on MSNBC.com and is a frequent media commentator. Her books include The Power of Stories: A Guide for Leaders in Multi-racial, Multi-cultural Congregations, Ten Strategies for Becoming a Multiracial Congregation, and the children’s book, You Are So Wonderful! She is currently at work on a book on how to heal souls and our world. https://www.middlechurch.org@revjacuilewisMentioned in our episode today:New Alternatives: New Alternatives increases the self-sufficiency of LGBTQ+ homeless youth and young adults by enabling them to transition out of the shelter system to stable adult lives.Episode originally aired April 10, 2020