Welcome to the I Tried to Be Straight Podcast. Susie and Nate both grew up in the church and recently came out. They're here to share their stories and hear the stories of others. Join them as they dig into conversations about coming out, faith, and how they tried to be straight.
Lucas Hall shares his story of coming out, his journey of faith, resilience, and self-discovery. His story is a testament to perseverance and the power of staying true to oneself.You can connect with Lucas on Instagram - @thelucassamuel----------------------------------------------------Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraightChat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/5jVTkdUm
In this episode of I Tried to Be Straight, Dr. Julia Sadusky—a Catholic psychologist—shares how her work in sexuality, gender, and trauma led her to question beliefs about being gay. She reveals the insights that reshaped her faith perspective and offers ways for faith communities to foster empathy and acceptance.
We can't believe it's been a whole year, whether you've been with us from the very beginning or just recently found us, thank you for listening, supporting, and tuning in each week. It truly means the world to us! In this special episode, we reflect on what the past year has taught us, dive into the highs and lows of dating, and debate the big question: Can you really be friends after dating? ---------------------------------------------------- Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/5jVTkdUm
Susie and Nate touch base on where there faith journeys are at through the coming out process.
Justin from Empty Chairs joins us to share about his efforts to create community for LGBTQ within the Catholic church. After coming out and realizing he didn't believe being gay was wrong, he started speaking out about the issue and realized there were a lot more like him than he imagined! https://empty-chairs.org/
We're excited to share this episode with fashion influencer Jonathan Kirby. We had the privilege of sitting down with him in New York to hear his powerful coming-out story. Jonathan is a true example of believing in yourself and betting on your authentic self. Through embracing his unique eye for fashion and spreading positivity, he's built a personal brand that inspires thousands. To follow Jonathan's journey, connect with him on Instagram @_jonathankirby and TikTok @jonathan.kirby for a dose of style and motivation. Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.com/invite/7jwmTemc5y
Nate & Susie tackle your questions in this episode, including some of the toughest questions after coming out: Should you keep your Christian friends who don't affirm your sexuality, and how do you know when to come out? In this heartfelt Q&A, they share personal experiences and strategies for navigating relationships with love and authenticity. Plus, they explore how to foster understanding in faith communities while staying true to yourself. Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/5jVTkdUm --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
In this heartfelt conversation, Nate and Susie sit down with Al, a former Jehovah's Witness who lost everything the moment his family and faith community learned he was gay. Disfellowshipped and cut off, Al shares what it felt like to watch the people he loved most simply vanish from his life. But this isn't just a story about what he lost—it's also about what he's created in the aftermath. Al found healing in the kitchen, channeling his roots and international influences into his own micro bakery. Learn more about Al's food at https://www.instagram.com/painpanbakery/ Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/5jVTkdUm --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Jane Clementi's world shattered when she lost her son Tyler to bullying for being gay. She decided she was going on a mission to make sure no other family goes through the same pain, and she started a non-profit to help end bullying. In this episode, Jane shares her journey from grief to activism, why she believes LGBTQ+ kids need to be fully embraced, and how she found her faith again after leaving a church that condemned her son. Tyler Clementi Foundation: TylerClementi.org Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/5jVTkdUm --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Colby Martin, author of Unclobber, shares his story of deconstruction and reconstruction on this episode. He then teaches on how to rebuild your faith and pick up the pieces after the very common deconstruction process we go through when coming out. Find Colby at: https://www.colbymartinonline.com/ Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
The results of this election took many of us in the LGBTQ community by surprise and have hit a lot of us pretty hard. Brit Barron joins us to talk about how we're feeling in the aftermath and to share a word of hope. Finally, we discuss how to approach the holidays with family members who have different viewpoints and how to navigate those conversations. Check Out Brit's books at: https://www.britbarron.com/ Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Growing up Conor knew he was different but tried to convince himself he wasn't. After battling with mental health for years, he finally had to come to terms with the fact that he was gay. Coming out, he believed celibacy was the right choice for his life and his faith. He shares what that journey is like, and discusses why it was still important for him to come out of the closet, even if he still intends to stay single. Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZDHCNEQc --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
When Simon heard Alana's story, a devout catholic girl who took her life, he knew it needed to be told. After hearing her journey with conversion therapy, and having a similar journey himself, he decided to see what he could do to get it out there. He pulled together stories from her friend's, family, and journals and made the podcast Dear Alana. Winning several awards and touching thousands of hearts, this story made a huge impact when it released. We interview Simon on his journey making the podcast and how making it changed his life. https://discord.gg/DcaTx45V https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight https://dearalana.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Kristyn Komarnicki was working for a Christian magazineabout to publish an article about why being gay is not of God. Rather than running the article, she felt it was her duty to do the research. For her that meant gathering a group of gays and Christians with different opinions to actually hear what their experiences were. Realizing the depth of connection and the need for these conversations, she continues gathering groups to build empathy and awareness for queer members of the church 15 years later. Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZDHCNEQc Reach out to Kristyn: https://christiansforsocialaction.org/programs/oriented-to-love/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Retired NFL Offensive Tackle Ryan O'Callaghan, lived in a community where coming out of the closet wasn't an option. After realizing he was gay, he joined sports at a young age to hide his sexuality. Getting to retirement he finally reached a breaking point and made the decision to come out. Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/vWXPcAgq --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Author, Pastor, and Speaker Brandan Robertson shares why being gay and Christian makes perfect sense. We also chat about how queer people have helped change the church for the better, and the progress we've seen in the church over the last several years. Support us and join our monthly Zoom at www.patreon.com/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and other for free at www.discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y Brandan's Website: brandanrobertson.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Sexologist Meg Cowan shares how purity culture affected her growing up in the church, how she found healing and how she started helping others find healing as well. She shares how purity culture can affect closeted gays and how to live a healthy sex life after coming out of the closet after shutting it down for so long. Support us and join our monthly Zoom at www.patreon.com/ITriedtoBeStraight Chat with us and other for free at www.discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y Meg's Website: www.megcowan.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Shortly after getting saved as a gay youth, John Smid buried his sexuality and joined the leadership team in a conversion therapy program at Love in Action. After years leading the program, he finally comes to terms with the fact that no one was finding any success changing their sexuality, and starts asking big questions about what they're doing in the program.Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/ITriedtoBeStraightChat with us and other for free on Discord: discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
We're back! Season 2 is here and we're so happy to be back with you all. Take a look at what we've got in store for Season 2 in the teaser, and episode 1 will be here next week! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
It's just Susie and Nate for the Season 1 finale! We dig into how our faith has evolved through the podcast and dig into what we believe healthy dating looks like. Also is it ok for your identity to be rooted in your sexuality?Chat with us and others on Discord!https://discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Melody Rachel shares how she grew in her relationship with Jesus when she accepted her sexuality. Gay Christian podcasters interviewing another gay Christian podcaster. This is a fun one! Chat with us and others: https://discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Pastor's daughter, Brittany was set to live the perfect Christian life, hoping to follow in her father's footsteps as a preacher. Life took a different turn when she realized she was a lesbian. She started a journey of prayer and fasting, doing whatever she could to try and stop being gay. Chat with us and others for free on Discord - https://discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Rénald Kent was leading worship at several churches before he realized he could no longer suppress being gay. After coming out on his podcast, he loses every upcoming worship gig in one night. He shares why even after losing everything his relationship with God is stronger than ever. Find him on the Not Safe For Church Podcast or at IG @renoldkent --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Jennifer Knapp dominated the Christian music charts winning several Dove awards and more. In the midst of it all, she finally came to terms with her sexuality and realized she was going to have to risk it all to be honest with herself. She shares how she kept her faith, and has a stronger walk with God than ever. Learn more about Jennifer at jenniferknapp.com And join our community on our free chat room at: https://discord.gg/XDVg2a2J --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Susie's friend Mason joins us to share his coming out story. Growing up in the church, he tried to be straight for several years, until finally he realized he wasn't being honest with himself. Determined to discover his sexuality, Mason set out into the dating scene to see if he was really gay and what do to with his faith. Chat with us and others in the I Tried to Be Straight Community - (Free) https://discord.gg/CBBuMvXW --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
JJ Gerber grew up in the church and built a career in the as a Christian musician and actor. Eventually realizing he couldn't stay in the closet anymore he came out and realized his opportunities in the church would slowly disappear. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Dr. Laura, PhD. religious trauma expert and author of When Religion Hurts You shares her experience with religious trauma growing up in the evangelical church, and how it effects the LGBTQ community. She then offers some practical advice on how to start healing from church trauma. Check out her book at drlauraeanderson.com/book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Brit Barron was pastoring at a mega church when she fell in love with a girl. After wrestling with what to do, she overcame her fears of coming out and decided to give it all up for what she believed in. Check out her first book, Worth It at the link below, and keep an eye out for her 2nd book coming soon! https://a.co/d/4NmOtLB --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Speaker and author, Jonathan Merritt, joins us on the podcast to share his story of getting outed in the church as a pastor's kid. He shares how he found himself, pushed through and became the successful writer he is today. He shares his brand new children's book. My Guncle and Me, a beautifully illustrated story of acceptance and love. You can find the book at: https://amzn.to/3V1yvbX --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Cade grew up in the Catholic church and decided to commit to the priesthood when he realized he was gay. After getting rejected from the Priesthood, he started to realize there was no place for him within the Catholic church. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Susie's sister Brenda joins us for a special dialogue about growing up with Susie and how she knew Susie was bi all along. Then we dig into a particularly rough comment battle Nate dealt with on Instagram last week and discuss what to do in those situations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Timm suppressed his sexuality for years, got married and started a family. He finally came to terms with being gay at 45 years old and shares his story of navigating that with his family. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Speaker and ex evangelical pastor Brian Recker shares why he couldn't keep rejecting gay people in his church, and how he lost everything when he started accepting them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Michelle comes on to the podcast to share her coming out story for the first time online! She grew up in Texas in a conservative home, and then moved to Redding to go to Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry alongside Nate. Eventually working at Bethel Worship department, and finally realizing she was gay at 30 years old! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Reverend Dave from Scotland shares how he changed his position on the gay community after years of Biblical study and getting to know gay believers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
When Christian singer and speaker Staci Frenes learned her child was gay, she found her faith and dreams for the future collapsing around her. We discuss how she came to terms with her child's sexuality and learned to accept them for who they were. Learn more about her book and her story at stacifrenes.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Matt another pastor's kid, and a friend of Nate's from men's purity group, shares his coming out story, and some words of wisdom on the pod. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Pastor Erin and worship leader Chelsea, from Live On Purpose church share their journey of falling in love while in the evangelical church, losing everything, and then leaving and starting a family and a progressive church of their own. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Susie and Nate dig into more of their coming out stories and then switch into a discussion on what it means to be Christian and gay and the attacks and doubts they've had to wrestle through. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
While trying to form an attraction to women, Nate and Makenna were set up by leaders in their church, with not-so-great results. They reconnect 6 years later and we dig into both sides of the story for the first time. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Morgan, a good friend of Susie's, shares her coming out journey with Nate and Susie. Morgan was working for the church and leading in ministry when she realized she wasn't as straight as she thought she was. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Nate and Susie lighten the mood this week with some of their worst early dating stories. Plus their top dating tips for anyone who is newly out. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/i-tried-to-be-straight/support
Susie's story of coming out as bi in her evangelical Christian community, where the church is her family. She shares the ups and downs of living in the tension of accepting herself and holding onto her faith.
Nate shares the story of his life as a gay, pastor's kid and shares his struggles with self-worth growing up, going to Bethel School of Ministry, working for Jesus Culture, and finally coming out as a gay Christian.
Welcome to the I Tried to Be Straight Podcast. Susie and Nate both grew up in the church and recently came out. They're here to share their stories and hear the stories of others. Join them as they dig into conversations about coming out, faith, and how they tried to be straight.
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