You Can Be Both

What happens when two gay Christian men fall in love—but one of them is a pastor? In this deeply personal episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with Kade Rogers and Dr. Greg Neal, a married gay Christian couple whose journey brings together love, faith, coming out, church, and the struggle to live authentically.Greg is an ordained pastor and theologian who spent years wrestling with his sexuality, faith, and the fear of what coming out could mean for his ministry. Kade came from a very different background, but when the two met, a friendship unexpectedly grew into love.Their relationship challenged everything they thought they knew about faith, identity, and what it means to truly live openly. Together, they navigated the difficult realities of being a gay couple within the church while holding onto their love for God and each other.Their story is ultimately about love, courage, faith, and finding a way to belong without hiding who you are. In this conversation, we talk about: ❤️ Their love story and how they met✝️ Being gay and Christian💍 Same-sex marriage and faith🏳️‍🌈 Coming out later in life⛪ Church hurt and religious trauma📖 What the Bible actually says about homosexuality💔 Conversion therapy and its lasting impact🔥 Facing hatred from other Christians🙏 Finding an affirming church🌈 What it really means for a church to be LGBTQ affirming❤️ Choosing love instead of fear🫂 Creating a church where LGBTQ people truly belongIf you've ever wondered whether you can be gay, Christian, and fully yourself, I hope this conversation reminds you:You don't have to choose between who you are and your relationship with God. You can be both. Subscribe to You Can Be Both for more honest conversations about LGBTQ identity, Christianity, healing, faith, and belonging. ABOUT YOU CAN BE BOTH You Can Be Both is a podcast for LGBTQ people of faith who have been told they have to choose between being queer and believing in God.Hosted by singer-songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, the podcast explores LGBTQ identity, Christianity, religious trauma, the Bible, deconstruction, healing, and what it means to know that you can be both.🌈 JOIN THE YOU CAN BE BOTH COMMUNITY: youcanbeboth.com/community🎵 LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OUE5Cnw4wOsCyYeVHzAif?si=Uq3s_dhUTXmZmTsHxneDTA ✨ LEARN MORE: youcanbeboth.comIf this episode connected with you, follow, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear that they don't have to choose between who they are and their relationship with God.#GayChristian #LGBTQChristian #GayCouple #Christianity #LGBTQFaith #GayAndChristian #ReligiousTrauma #ConversionTherapy #AffirmingChurch #YouCanBeBoth

What happens when you're told you can't be gay AND have a relationship with God? In this episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with professional MMA and bare-knuckle fighter Miranda Barber for an honest conversation about being lesbian, Christian, family rejection, relationships, faith, and finding your purpose. Miranda shares her story of coming out as a teenager, leaving home at 17, finding her identity in Christ, and learning not to let other people's opinions determine her relationship with God.She also talks about her career as a fighter, toxic relationships, resilience, and why she believes her fight is about so much more than what's happening inside the ring. This episode is for you if: • You struggle with being gay and Christian • You've been told your sexuality separates you from God • You've experienced rejection from your family or church • You're questioning whether you can be LGBTQ and still have faith • You're a gay Christian healing from religious trauma • You've struggled with toxic relationships or finding your worth • You want to hear an LGBTQ Christian perspective that is honest, hopeful, and unapologetic 🥊 MIRANDA'S NEXT FIGHT Miranda's next bare-knuckle fight is October 23, 2026 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Follow her on Instagram for updates and fight camp coverage. ABOUT MIRANDA BARBER Miranda Barber is a professional MMA and bare-knuckle fighter, coach, mentor, lesbian, and Christian. She has spent 15 years in boxing and has competed in the Professional Fighters League. ABOUT YOU CAN BE BOTH You Can Be Both is a podcast for LGBTQ people of faith who have been told they have to choose between being queer and believing in God.Hosted by singer-songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, the podcast explores LGBTQ identity, Christianity, religious trauma, the Bible, deconstruction, healing, and what it means to know that you can be both.🌈 JOIN THE YOU CAN BE BOTH COMMUNITY: youcanbeboth.com/community 🎵 LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OUE5Cnw4wOsCyYeVHzAif?si=0nGICoZsTFWvhUZ9jrb_Ww ✨ LEARN MORE: youcanbeboth.com If this episode connected with you, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear that they don't have to choose between who they are and their relationship with God. #LGBTQ, #LGBTQFaith, #GayChristian, #LesbianChristian, #ChristianLesbian, #LGBTQChristians, #YouCanBeBoth, #ReligiousTrauma, #FaithAndSexuality, #ChristianPodcast, #LGBTQPodcast, #MMA, #MMAFighter, #LesbianAthlete, #BareKnuckleBoxing, #MirandaBarber, #LaurenLanzaretta

What happens when you grow up believing there is only one path to God… and then realize that path requires you to deny who you are? In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with Dr. Sara Glass , a psychotherapist, author, and lesbian who was raised in an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn. Sara shares what it was like growing up in a deeply religious community where girls were prepared for marriage from a young age, sexuality was heavily controlled, and questioning the rules could mean losing your family and community. She opens up about being married at 19, believing she was supposed to overcome her attraction to women, and eventually realizing that she was gay. Sara also answers one of Lauren’s biggest questions: Is Orthodox Judaism a cult? Her answer is nuanced and deeply personal. Sara explains why she believes the particular sect she was raised in met the criteria of a cult, while also emphasizing that Orthodox Jewish communities and families are not all the same. The conversation also explores religious trauma, LGBTQ identity, coming out, family rejection, deconstruction, purity culture, sexuality and religion, and whether it is possible to be both LGBTQ and Jewish. And perhaps most importantly, Sara talks about the places where LGBTQ Jews CAN find community, support, and a way to hold onto their faith without abandoning themselves. If you've ever been told you have to choose between your identity and your relationship with God, this conversation is for you. ABOUT DR. SARA GLASS Dr. Sara Glass is a psychotherapist in New York City, author of Kissing Girls on Shabbat , and a clinical expert who works with people navigating trauma, relationships, sexuality, and religious deconstruction. She also works with people leaving ultra-Orthodox communities. Sara's story offers a powerful look at what happens when religious belief, sexuality, family, and identity collide. ABOUT YOU CAN BE BOTH You Can Be Both is a podcast for LGBTQ people of faith who have been told they have to choose between being queer and believing in God. Lauren Lanzaretta created this space to remind LGBTQ people that your sexuality does not have to mean losing your faith, your spirituality, or your relationship with God. 🎵 LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC Lauren is a singer-songwriter who creates music specifically for LGBTQ people of faith. Find her music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and wherever you listen to music. 🌈 JOIN THE YOU CAN BE BOTH COMMUNITY Connect with other LGBTQ people of faith, join community conversations, attend Wellness Wednesdays, participate in book club, hear from guest speakers, and build real friendships with people who understand what you've been through. youcanbeboth.com/community ✨ LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUREN + YOU CAN BE BOTH youcanbeboth.com If this episode connected with you, subscribe to You Can Be Both, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that they don't have to choose between who they are and what they believe. #LGBTQ #ReligiousTrauma #OrthodoxJudaism #LGBTQFaith #JewishLGBTQ #GayChristian #Deconstruction #ReligiousDeconstruction #LGBTQPodcast

What happens when the voice you were taught to believe was God’s voice becomes the voice telling you that you’re going to hell?In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with licensed psychotherapist SC Nealy, an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist specializing in religious trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and relationship counseling, to unpack what happens when faith, identity, shame, fear, and trauma become intertwined.SC shares their personal experience growing up in an ultra-conservative evangelical environment, being taught from a young age to fear LGBTQ+ identity, and eventually finding freedom in embracing who they are. SC also opens up about being kicked out of a church after coming out, navigating religious trauma, and how those experiences ultimately shaped their work as a therapist.In this conversation, we talk about:• How to recognize religious trauma• The difference between guilt and shame• How high-control religious environments can impact LGBTQ+ identity• Why LGBTQ+ people can struggle with identity exploration after religious trauma• Why the fear of hell can remain even after leaving or deconstructing from the church• How religious trauma can affect your nervous system• Why you can intellectually know something isn't true while your body still feels unsafe• Practical grounding techniques for moments of fear, shame and anxiety• The impact of being rejected by your church or family• Whether you can be LGBTQ+ AND Christian• How to separate God’s voice from the messages we’ve been taught by people• Why healing often means moving away from black-and-white thinking• How finding safe LGBTQ+ community can help with healing• What it means to stay in religion while actively challenging oppressive systems• Why SC believes we should lean into curiosity instead of certaintyOne of the most powerful moments in this conversation is when SC explains that religious trauma isn't always one huge traumatic event. For many people, it's “a thousand cuts over time” — layer upon layer of shame, fear, rejection, control and messages that teach your body it isn't safe.And if you've ever left the church, accepted your LGBTQ+ identity, or begun deconstructing your faith but still occasionally find yourself thinking:“What if they're right?”“What if I'm going to hell?”“What if I'm doing something wrong?”SC explains why those thoughts and feelings can continue long after you've intellectually rejected the beliefs that caused them — and why healing isn't always about convincing your mind. Sometimes, it's about teaching your body that you're safe.We also talk about how community can play a powerful role in healing from religious trauma, especially for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced rejection from their families or churches. As SC explains, what is broken in groups can sometimes be healed in groups.SC's book, Healing Sacred Wounds, explores religious trauma and invites readers to ask questions rather than simply accepting someone else's answers. SC's goal isn't to tell people what to believe — it's to help people examine what they've experienced and decide what they believe for themselves.If you've experienced religious trauma, church hurt, spiritual abuse, Christian deconstruction, LGBTQ+ rejection, fear of hell, shame surrounding your identity, or confusion about how your faith and sexuality can coexist, this episode is for you.You don't have to choose between who you are and your relationship with God.🌈 JOIN THE YOU CAN BE BOTH COMMUNITYA safe community for LGBTQ+ people of faith:YouCanBeBoth.com/community📖 SC Nealy's book — Healing Sacred WoundsLearn more at lgbtcounselingdmv.com/healing-sacred-wounds🎙️ Subscribe to You Can Be Both for conversations about LGBTQ+ identity, Christianity, religious trauma, deconstruction, faith, healing, and learning that you really can be both.If this episode speaks to you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this.#YouCanBeBoth

Is street preaching actually biblical — or is it pushing people further away from Jesus? In this episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren Lanzaretta takes a deeper look at street preachers, aggressive evangelism, and the Christians who show up at Pride events with signs of condemnation. After several uncomfortable encounters with street evangelists herself, Lauren asks an important question: Is this really how Jesus taught Christians to reach people? We look at what the Bible actually says about evangelism, how Jesus treated people, religious hypocrisy, the psychology behind why forceful preaching can create resistance, and research suggesting people are far more receptive to conversations about faith through genuine relationships than strangers preaching at them on the street. Lauren also explores the culture surrounding aggressive street preaching, masculinity, authority, religious fundamentalism, and why confronting street preachers can sometimes reinforce their belief that they are being persecuted for telling “the truth.” For LGBTQ+ people who have already experienced rejection, discrimination, and religious trauma, being confronted with condemnation at Pride or in public spaces can be especially painful. So how should LGBTQ+ Christians respond? Maybe the most powerful form of evangelism isn’t yelling louder. Maybe it’s loving people. Serving people. Knowing people. Listening to people. And allowing our lives to demonstrate the love of Jesus before our words ever do. 🌈 **Join the You Can Be Both community for LGBTQ+ people of faith:** youcanbeboth.com/community 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly conversations about LGBTQ+ identity, Christianity, faith, religious trauma, deconstruction, healing, and what it means to know that **you can be both.**

What should Christian parents do when their child comes out as gay, transgender, or nonbinary? In this deeply personal episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with Shari Bruck—a mother of two LGBTQ+ children—to discuss faith deconstruction, religious fear, unconditional love, and what it truly means to support your child. Raised in a strict Catholic family, Shari grew up surrounded by religious shame, guilt, patriarchy, and the belief that there was only one acceptable path to God. As she began questioning those teachings, she developed a spirituality rooted not in fear or control, but in love, curiosity, acceptance, and our shared humanity. Years later, both of Shari’s children came out—Taylor as gay and Riley as LGBTQ+, gender-nonconforming, and using they/them pronouns. Shari shares honestly about what came naturally, what required learning, the mistakes she has made, and why parents do not need to understand everything about their child’s identity in order to love and respect them. This conversation explores: • How parents should respond when their child comes out • Why being LGBTQ+ is not a choice • Learning to use they/them pronouns • Supporting a nonbinary or gender-nonconforming child • Deconstructing harmful religious beliefs • The damage caused by shame, rejection, and religious fear • Why rejecting your LGBTQ child will not change who they are • Finding chosen family when your biological family does not accept you • Choosing love even when you do not fully understand As Shari powerfully explains, your child is still the same person you have always known and loved. Coming out does not change them—it allows you to know them more honestly and deeply. “You’re not going to pray the gay away. You’re not going to ostracize the gay away.” For every Christian parent struggling to understand their LGBTQ+ child, this episode offers a simple place to begin: pause, listen, ask questions, keep your heart open, and default to love. If your family has rejected you because of your sexuality or gender identity, please remember: you are worthy of love, you are not alone, and there are people who will accept you exactly as you are. Join the You Can Be Both Community: YouCanBeBoth.com Subscribe for honest conversations about LGBTQ+ identity, Christianity, faith deconstruction, religious trauma, healing, inclusion, and discovering that you truly can be both. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet Shari Bruck 00:43 Growing up in strict Catholicism 02:38 Deconstructing religion and redefining spirituality 07:31 Creating a home where children feel safe 10:24 When Taylor came out as gay 15:16 Loving LGBTQ children without shame 23:50 Learning about nonbinary identity and they/them pronouns 31:19 Why parents should “default to love” 36:05 How to respond when your child comes out 40:37 Religious fear versus your child’s truth 45:08 Accepting yourself and finding chosen family 48:29 Let love be your guiding principle #LGBTQChristian #ChristianParents #YouCanBeBoth

If you've ever wondered whether you can be both LGBTQ+ and Christian, this conversation is for you. In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both , Lauren sits down with Mattie Mae Motl —a progressive Bible scholar, Master of Divinity graduate, and PhD candidate studying gender, sexuality, and the New Testament—to unpack some of Christianity's biggest questions. Together they discuss: ✨ Is being gay really a sin? ✨ What the Bible actually says about LGBTQ people ✨ The "clobber verses" explained ✨ Why Jesus never mentioned homosexuality ✨ How deconstruction can strengthen—not destroy—your faith ✨ Women, patriarchy, and the Bible ✨ Why love—not fear—is the lens Jesus taught us to read Scripture through ✨ How LGBTQ Christians can find peace with God Whether you're deconstructing your faith, healing from religious trauma, or simply searching for honest conversations about Scripture, this episode offers hope, compassion, and a fresh perspective rooted in biblical scholarship. If this conversation encouraged you, please LIKE , SUBSCRIBE , and share it with someone who needs to hear that you really can be both LGBTQ and a person of faith. ❤️ Join the You Can Be Both Community: youcanbeboth.com 🎙️ Follow Mattie Mae Motl: @mattiemaemotl 🎙️ Follow Lauren: @Lanzaretta 📖 Follow You Can Be Both: @youcanbeboth

In this powerful conversation, Lauren Lanzaretta interviews Pastor Kristian Smith—a straight, fifth-generation Baptist preacher and fierce LGBTQ+ advocate—about his journey from embedded homophobia to becoming one of the most vocal allies in the Black church community. Kristian shares how a simple question asked in seminary—"Did you choose your sexuality?"—completely transformed his theology. He discusses why so much homophobia is rooted in sexual discomfort, the importance of visibility in Black and queer communities, and what real allyship looks like in 2026. This is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand intersectional faith, spirituality, and justice. About Kristian Smith: Public theologian, digital pastor, author of "Breaking All the Rules" and "Question Your Answers: A Deconstruction Survival Guide." Host of the Holy Smokes Cigar and Spirituality Podcast. Master's of Divinity from Mercer University's McAfee School of Theology. YOU CAN BE BOTH PODCAST: A faith-rooted, justice-centered conversation space for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Join Lauren Lanzaretta as she talks faith, identity, and what it means to be authentically yourself. CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 YouCanBeBoth.com 📱 Instagram: @youcanbeboth| @Lanzaretta ▶️ YouTube: SUBSCRIBE :) 🎵 TikTok: @youcanbeebothpodcast FOLLOW KRISTIAN SMITH: 📱 Instagram: @kristianasmith BOOK -- Breaking All The Rules: An Ancient Framework for Modern Faith: https://amzn.to/4f6XO6z

Together, they discuss: 🇺🇸 What America's founding ideals actually promised ✝️ The rise of Christian nationalism and how it differs from Christianity 🌈 Why LGBTQ rights remain under attack 📜 The meaning behind "all men are created equal" ❤️ How Christians can resist fear and choose love instead 🙏 Why fighting for equality is one of the most American things we can do Rather than giving up on America, Lauren and Tim explore why the country's 250th birthday can be an invitation to continue working toward the promise of liberty and justice for everyone . If you've ever wondered whether you can be proud of your country while also advocating for change, this conversation is for you.

Pride Month isn't about celebration. It's about survival. Lauren Lanzaretta breaks down the hard truth about why LGBTQ people need Pride Month in 2026. And why the criticism, the bills, the "Straight Pride Month" debate, and the political weaponization of trans people prove we need it now more than ever. THE FACTS: 10+ countries execute people for being gay 60+ countries criminalize same-sex relationships 27 U.S. states can still legally fire you for being LGBTQ (despite federal protections, there are loopholes) 36% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide last year 800+ anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in 2025 alone THE REALITY: LGBTQ+ people are kicked out of their homes by families. They're rejected by churches. They're targeted by politicians. They're assaulted in the streets. And yet, somehow, they're told to apologize for existing. This is why we need Pride. Not as a party. As a lifeline. Lauren discusses the systemic oppression, the cultural warfare, the spiritual battle, and what Jesus actually calls us to do: love radically. Not judge. Not exclude. Love. If you're LGBTQ+, you deserve to know you're not alone. If you're an ally, you need to understand what real solidarity looks like. If you're a person of faith, this will challenge everything you thought you knew about loving your neighbor. WATCH THIS IF: You're struggling with your identity You've been rejected by your church or family You want to understand why Pride Month matters You're an ally seeking to do better You believe in love over hate YOU ARE WORTHY. YOU ARE LOVED. YOU MATTER. YOU CAN BE BOTH PODCAST: A faith-rooted, justice-centered conversation space where LGBTQ+ people know they can exist authentically—at faith and at full pride. COMMUNITY APP: Join the You Can Be Both community app for real friendships, weekly Zoom calls, guest speakers, meditations, wellness resources, and book club discussions (currently reading Forging a Sacred Weapon by Kathy Baldock). JOIN HERE: http://youcanbeboth.com/ CONNECT WITH LAUREN LANZARETTA: 🌐 YouCanBeBoth.com 📱 Instagram: @Lanzaretta ▶️ YouTube: SUBSCRIBE! 🎵 TikTok: @youcanbebothpodcast 📱 Instagram (Podcast): @youcanbeeboth

Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs, shares the powerful story of how she went from rejecting her gay son to leading an international movement that has impacted hundreds of thousands. It wasn't easy. When Sara's youngest son came out to her at 21, she didn't take it well. She was frozen in fear — terrified he would be condemned to hell, convinced that accepting him would make her a sinner too. She shamed him with the very best of intentions. But everything changed in 2014 when her son invited her to her first Pride parade. There, she met a girl who hadn't hugged her mother in four years because she was a lesbian. That hug — that moment — became the spark that ignited Sara's journey toward understanding, acceptance, and ultimately, unconditional love. Today, Free Mom Hugs is an international nonprofit movement with over 40,000 volunteers and 250 groups across the country. Sara has been featured on the Today Show, RuPaul's show, in People Magazine, and the Washington Post. But more importantly, she's helping thousands of LGBTQ+ people and their families find healing, belonging, and acceptance. In this episode, Sara opens up about: -The moment she found out her son was gay and how she initially responded -How her theology deconstructed and reconstructed-Finding an online community of 250 moms going through the same journey -The pivotal moment at Pride that changed everything -How Free Mom Hugs grew from a simple gesture into a global movement -Why visibility, education, and conversation matter -Her message to parents still struggling with their child's sexual orientation This episode is for anyone struggling with faith and LGBTQ identity, parents coming to terms with having an LGBTQ child, or anyone interested in the power of radical love and acceptance. You Can Be Both Podcast reminds you that you can be both LGBTQ+ and a person of faith. RESOURCES: Free Mom Hugs: freemomhugs.com Sara's Book: "How We Sleep at Night": https://amzn.to/3SSehTn Lauren's LGBTQ Healing and Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Lauren's Music: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube — search Lauren Lanzaretta FOLLOW LAUREN: Instagram: @lanzaretta TikTok: @Lanzaretta YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta

For more than 20 years, Leah Rae Yawn (formerly Shafer) was a gospel worship leader at Saddleback Church. She sang for Women of Faith, worked with Michael W. Smith and Natalie Grant, recorded multiple albums, and sung the national anthem at NFL games. Her voice and faith were her livelihood, her heart, and her life. Then she came out as gay — and lost it all. In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, Leah Rae opens up about her journey from a strict Christian upbringing to realizing she was bisexual, her 21-year marriage to a man, and the moment she met Captain Sandy Yawn from Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean — the first woman she ever truly loved. When the churches that had been her home for decades discovered her relationship with Sandy, they rejected her completely. She was no longer allowed to lead worship. Her platform vanished. The community she'd served for two decades turned their backs. But in losing everything, Leah found something greater: authenticity, freedom, and a partner who loves her unconditionally. In this episode, Leah shares: How she suppressed her sexuality for decades while leading worship The moment she knew she was drawn to women What it felt like to lose her church community overnight Her relationship with Captain Sandy and what true love means now Why LGBTQ+ people belong in church and can lead worship Her message to LGBTQ+ people still struggling in the closet or in unsupportive churches Leah's Powerful Message: "If you can't find a church that you feel like you belong to, there's so many other beautiful things out there that can help you thrive. Church is not a building — it's the soul." This is a conversation about faith, rejection, love, and reclaiming your voice. If you've been rejected by a faith community, if you're struggling to come out, or if you're navigating faith and sexuality — this episode is for you. FEATURED: -Leah Rae Yawn, Gospel Singer & Worship Leader (Now Married to Captain Sandy Yawn) -Host: Lauren Lanzaretta, You Can Be Both Podcast RESOURCES: Lauren's LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth FOLLOW: Leah Rae Yawn on Instagram: @leahraeofficial Captain Sandy Yawn on Instagram: @captainsandrayawn Below Deck Mediterranean on Bravo LAUREN: Instagram: @Lanzaretta Spotify: Lauren Lanzaretta Apple Music: Lauren Lanzaretta YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta

For nearly 2,000 years, the word "homosexual" did not appear in the Bible. So what changed in 1946? Kathy Baldock is a leading voice on LGBTQ+ issues within Christianity and the author of "Forging a Sacred Weapon" and "Walking the Bridgeless Canyon." She's also featured in the award-winning documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture." In 1946, Bible translators made a controversial decision to add the word "homosexuality" to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible — a word that had never appeared in the original Greek and Hebrew texts. In this powerful conversation, Kathy reveals how that single mistranslation changed the course of Christian history and how that lie has been used to marginalize and oppress the LGBTQ+ community for decades. This isn't her opinion, it's FACTS . But Kathy's journey to this work wasn't always about LGBTQ+ issues. It started with her own experience of being stigmatized and marginalized in her Irish Catholic community. When she was two years old, her father left her family, and she was made to feel like something was wrong with her. That pain, that sense of injustice, eventually led her to meet Netto on a hiking trail — a woman who would change everything and introduce her to the LGBTQ+ community in a way that challenged everything she thought she knew. In this episode, Kathy shares: The real history behind the 1946 Bible mistranslation How religious institutions built oppression on a lie Why understanding history is the key to healing Her powerful message to LGBTQ+ people of faith How the heart of God is not reflected in discrimination and marginalization You definitely want to watch this one all the way through! Kathy's message at the end will leave you in tears! This is a conversation about faith, history, justice, and hope. If you've ever questioned what the Bible really says about LGBTQ+ people, this episode is for you. This isn't opinion, it's FACTS. FEATURED: Kathy Baldock, Author & Leading Voice on LGBTQ+ Issues in Christianity Host: Lauren Lanzaretta, You Can Be Both Podcast RESOURCES: -Lauren's LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: http://youcanbeboth.com/ -Documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture": https://www.1946themovie.com/ -Kathy Baldock's Books: "Forging a Sacred Weapon": https://amzn.to/4oaBrQy "Walking the Bridgeless Canyon": https://amzn.to/4g5mBc6 Canyon Walker Connections: https://canyonwalkerconnections.com/about/kathy-baldock/ FOLLOW LAUREN: Instagram: @lanzaretta Spotify: Lauren Lanzaretta Apple Music: Lauren Lanzaretta YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta

Michael Passons was a founding member of Avalon, one of the biggest Christian music groups of all time. He wrote and performed "Testify to Love," a song that became an icon of Christian music. But when he came out as gay, he was forced out of the band and lost everything. Now, Michael is rewriting his story — and breaking records doing it. He just rereleased "Testify to Love" as an LGBTQ+ affirming anthem with country artist Ty Herndon, and together they became the first openly gay artists to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. In this episode of You Can Be Both, Michael sits down with host Lauren Lanzaretta to share his full journey: Growing up in rural Mississippi. His dream of becoming a Christian music artist. What it felt like to be kicked out of Avalon for being gay. His spiritual deconstruction and finding faith again on his own terms. And what it means to finally sing authentically. This is a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and reclaiming your voice. IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT: Michael's journey as a founding member of Avalon and writing the iconic "Testify to Love" Growing up in rural Mississippi in a conservative Baptist church Realizing he was gay and the internal struggle that followed Being forced out of Avalon for coming out His spiritual deconstruction and stepping away from organized religion Finding his way back to faith and spirituality on his own terms Rereleasing "Testify to Love" as an LGBTQ+ affirming anthem with Ty Herndon Making history as the first openly gay artists to reach #1 on iTunes Christian charts What it means to sing and live authentically His message to LGBTQ+ people still in the closet Advice for worship leaders who've been kicked out of church The power of reclaiming your voice and your story FOLLOW MICHAEL: Instagram: @michaelpassonsSpotify: Michael PassonsApple Music: Michael PassonsYouTube: Michael Passons FOLLOW LAUREN: Instagram: @laurenlanzarettaYouTube: Lauren LanzarettaSpotify: Lauren LanzarettaApple Music: Lauren Lanzaretta FREE LGBTQ+ HEALING & RESOURCE GUIDE: Access Lauren's full story, healing resources, books, podcasts, and voices that have helped transform shame to freedom.Visit: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth

Mike Maeshiro spent 5 years as an instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry — teaching, preaching, and living what he thought was his calling. But there was one problem: he was gay. From age 10, Mike knew he was different. He tried conversion therapy. He dated a woman to "fix" himself. He climbed the evangelical ladder at one of the most influential charismatic churches in the world — all while suppressing who he really was. Then in 2020, everything changed. A Taylor Swift documentary, a passage from Acts, and a spiritual awakening in the woods led Mike to a truth he'd been running from for 22 years: God wanted him to be gay. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from being kicked out of ministry school for confiding in a friend about his attraction to men, to becoming a paid staff member and instructor at the same institution, to finally coming out publicly in 2022 and walking away from everything he'd built. What we cover: ​Growing up evangelical and realizing he was gay at age 10 ​Being kicked out of Bethel ministry school after being outed by a friend ​Getting hired back and climbing the ministry ladder while suppressing his identity ​The spiritual experiences (including Taylor Swift's Miss Americana) that led to his coming out ​How he reconciled his faith with his sexuality through rigorous biblical study ​The cost of staying closeted vs. the freedom of coming out ​His work now helping LGBTQ people heal from religious trauma through Numa Mike is the founder of Numa, an organization supporting people healing from religious toxicity, especially within the LGBTQ community. Through coaching, speaking, and social media, he helps people live authentically and reclaim spirituality in affirming ways. Connect with Mike: Instagram/TikTok: @mikemaeshiroOrganization: Numa 📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothIncludes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity. 🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube 📱 Follow: @lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcast If you've ever felt caught between your faith and your identity, this conversation will remind you: you don't have to choose. #LGBTQChristian #BethelChurch #Deconstruction #ComingOut #ExEvangelical #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ReligiousTrauma #FaithJourney #YouCanBeBoth

I met a woman in Clearwater who was shocked that I'm a Christian and didn't judge her. That moment made me realize something: the church has created a culture of inauthenticity — and it's pushing people away from God. In this solo episode, I'm talking about why so many people (straight and LGBTQ) feel like they can't be themselves in church, why LGBTQ Christians have a unique gift to offer the world, and why I'm done spending energy defending my faith instead of just living it. What we cover: Why the church creates "fake" Christians who can't be authentic The woman at the bar who was shocked I didn't judge her Why LGBTQ people have a special gift the church needs How to stop being defensive and start showing God's love Why being your authentic self IS true holiness The power of using your God-given gifts instead of suppressing who you are Why you can't fully serve God if you're not fully yourself This isn't about proving we're "Christian enough." It's about showing the world what real faith looks like — authentic, messy, loving, and unjudgmental. If you've ever felt like you have to wear a "church face" or hide parts of yourself to be accepted, this episode is for you. And if you're tired of the culture wars and just want to focus on the goodness of God — you're not alone. 📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothIncludes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity. 🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube 📱 Follow: @lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcast 💬 Share your story: YouCanBeBothPodcast@gmail.com Leave a comment and tell me: What has God done in your life as an LGBTQ person? Let's focus on the goodness of God, not defensiveness. #LGBTQChristian #AuthenticFaith #ChurchCulture #YouCanBeBoth #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ChristianLove #BeYourself #FaithJourney #LGBTQAffirming

Can you be LGBTQ and Christian? Pastor Brandon Robertson says absolutely — and he's spent years studying the theology to prove it. In this conversation, Brandon breaks down why the "clobber passages" Christians use against gay people are mistranslations, misinterpretations, and taken out of historical context. We talk about Leviticus, Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans 1, and what Jesus actually said (or didn't say) about homosexuality. Brandon also shares his journey from growing up in fundamentalist evangelicalism to coming out and becoming one of the most prominent LGBTQ-affirming pastors in America. He talks about purity culture, deconstruction, progressive Christianity, and why he believes the Bible supports gay marriage. Topics we cover: Why Leviticus 18:22 doesn't condemn homosexuality What Sodom and Gomorrah was ACTUALLY about (hint: not gay people) Romans 1 and Paul's condemnation of temple prostitution — not loving relationships The difference between biblical interpretation vs. fundamentalism How evangelicalism weaponizes scripture against LGBTQ people Brandon's coming out story and losing his church community What progressive Christianity really means Why affirming theology is growing in the church More about Brandon Robertson: Brandon is a pastor, author, activist, and one of the leading voices for LGBTQ inclusion in Christianity. He's written multiple books on queer theology and leads an affirming church community. 📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube 📱 Follow: @lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcast If you've ever been told you can't be gay and Christian, this conversation will change everything. #LGBTQChristian #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ChristianLove #BrandonRobertson #YouCanBeBoth #GayPastor #BiblicalInterpretation #DeconstructingFaith #AffirmingChurch

Can you be transgender AND Christian? I'm answering this question directly — and what I learned completely changed my heart. In this episode, I talk about Neeza Powers, a trans Christian woman who faced thousands of hateful comments for being her authentic self. I break down what the Bible actually says about gender, explore Deuteronomy 22:5 in context, and explain why Jesus' ministry was focused on outcasts — not the religiously "perfect." WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: ✅ Neeza Powers' story — Trans Christian attacked online for being her authentic self ✅ Deuteronomy 22:5 debunked — What this verse ACTUALLY meant in historical context ✅ Why Christians cherry-pick Bible verses about gender but ignore others ✅ Intersex people & brain science — Gender isn't as binary as we think ✅ Jesus' ministry focused on outcasts — Not the religiously "perfect" ✅ How my heart changed after talking to trans Christians ✅ A call to love, not judge If you've ever wondered whether being trans conflicts with faith, or if you're a Christian trying to understand the LGBTQ+ community better, this is for you. 📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Includes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity. 🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube 📱 Follow me :@lanzaretta @youcanbebothpodcast #TransChristian #LGBTQFaith #ChristianLove #YouCanBeBoth #TransRights #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #FaithAndIdentity

Here's why "ex-gay" stories are misleading — and why you don't need to change. I'm breaking down why it's impossible to be ex-gay and why these stories you see online are often rooted in trauma, bad behavior, or bisexuality/pansexuality— not actual sexual orientation change. What we're covering: Why trauma gets mistaken for sexual orientation How people confuse bad behavior with being gay The truth about bisexuality/pansexuality and "ex-gay" testimonies Why the algorithm is feeding you these stories The bottom line: You don't need to change. God loves you exactly as you are. Conversion therapy doesn't work, never has, and never will. Organizations like Exodus International have already admitted this and apologized for the harm they caused. If you're struggling with your identity, feeling pressured to change, or wondering why God hasn't "fixed" you — this episode is for you. 📩 NEED SUPPORT? Download my FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide — it includes my full testimony, books, podcasts, and resources that helped me become confident in who I am and rooted in my relationship with God: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🎵 MY MUSIC: I process my story through songwriting. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube: Search: Lauren Lanzaretta 📱 CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @Lanzaretta TikTok: @Lanzaretta Email: youcanbebothpodcast@gmail.com MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🎬 Pray Away (Netflix documentary about Exodus International) You are loved. You are seen. You are worthy. And you can be both gay and Christian. #GayChristian #ExGay #LGBTQChurch #ConversionTherapy #YouCanBeBoth #GayAndChristian #ChristianLGBTQ #PrayAwayTheGay #LGBTQFaith #QueerChristian #AffirmingTheology #ExodusInternational #LGBTQHealing

"For years, I stood in the pulpit and preached that homosexuality was a sin. I believed the Bible was clear. I thought I was right. I was wrong."In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Pastor Joe Smith, a straight, cisgender pastor who spent years preaching traditional, non-affirming theology—until his understanding completely transformed.This isn't a story about a pastor who came out. It's about a pastor who changed his mind .Joe shares his journey from confidently condemning LGBTQ+ people from the pulpit to becoming an advocate and ally. He talks about what scriptures he got wrong, what made him reconsider his theology, and why he now believes you absolutely CAN be gay and Christian. This conversation is for: ✅ Pastors and church leaders wrestling with LGBTQ+ theology✅ LGBTQ+ people hurt by the church✅ Parents trying to reconcile their faith and their LGBTQ+ child✅ Anyone who's been told they have to choose between faith and identity Joe shares: ✅ Why he used to preach against homosexuality✅ The moment he started questioning his theology✅ How he studied scripture with fresh eyes✅ What the "clobber passages" actually mean in context✅ The harm he caused and his journey toward repair✅ Why he now proudly affirms LGBTQ+ people✅ His message to pastors still preaching condemnation✅ His message to LGBTQ+ people hurt by the church IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction[02:30] Joe's background: Growing up in conservative Christianity[08:15] Why he preached against homosexuality[14:40] The moment doubt crept in[22:10] Re-studying the "clobber passages"[30:45] What the Bible actually says (and doesn't say)[38:20] The harm of non-affirming theology[45:00] His apology to the LGBTQ+ community[52:15] What he wants other pastors to know[58:30] What he wants LGBTQ+ people to know[01:04:00] How churches can become truly affirming RESOURCES: 📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide:👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🏳️‍🌈 Crisis Support:The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth)GLAAD: Resources for LGBTQ+ ChristiansQ Christian Fellowship: Community for LGBTQ+ Christians 💜 Support the Mission: If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals and allies navigating faith and identity.👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth FOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH: 📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth]🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth]🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listen FOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA: 📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta]🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta]🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.com SHARE THIS MESSAGE: 💬 Know a pastor questioning their theology? Share this episode.💬 Know an LGBTQ+ person hurt by the church? Send them this story of change.💬 Know parents struggling to reconcile faith and their child's identity? This is for them. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss stories of transformation and hope.👍 Leave a comment—your story matters. The church CAN change. Theology CAN evolve. Love CAN win. You can be both. A NOTE FROM LAUREN: If you're a pastor or church leader reading this, please know: It's okay to change your mind. Admitting you were wrong takes more courage than doubling down on harmful theology. The LGBTQ+ community needs more leaders like Joe—people willing to do the hard work of rethinking what they were taught.If you're LGBTQ+ and you've been hurt by churches like the one Joe used to lead, please know: Not all pastors stay stuck. Some are willing to learn, grow, and change. And those who hurt you were wrong—not you.#AffirmingPastor #GayChristian #PastorChanges #AffirmingTheology #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #ProgressiveChristianity #LGBTQAffirming #YouCanBeBoth #ChristianAlly