Writings of a gay Evangelical

Loving the Homosexual

2012-01-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

Some call him a false prophet while others credit him for their transformation into a more open and loving person. This week we are joined by, Andrew Marin, author of Love Is An Orientation and founder of The Marin Foundation. Known for their "I'm Sorry" campaign The Marin Foundation exist as an organization which work to, "build a bridge between the religious and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in a non-threathening, research and biblically oriented fashion."

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Gay In Uganda

2011-10-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Gay In Uganda from Azariah Southworth on Vimeo.

Gay In Uganda

2011-10-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

This week on Faith Matters....

Imagine this, you wake up one morning with a picture of yourself on the front page of a national newspaper. Beside your picture, are the highlighted words, "Hang them!" Why? Simply because you're gay. This is a reality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Uganda.

One month after this happened to David Kato, he was found brutally murdered in his home. Who is leading this vehemently anti-gay crusade in Uganda? None other than superstar "pastor" Martin Ssempa.

Don't miss the exclusive interview with Uganda's leading gay activist, Frank Mugisha.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Hurt By Church?

2011-10-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Kathy Baldock has been a straight Evangelical Christian for over 25 years. Much of that time was spent believing the common misconception that you can not be gay and a person of faith.

In this inspiring interview with Kathy, we learn of how she transformed from someone who once condemned LGBT people to hell and into an advocate for LGBT people.

Click HERE to listen.

Give A Shit

2011-10-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

Derek Webb made headlines in 2009 when he released his album, “Stockholm Syndrome.” In this week’s podcast, we talk with Derek about his controversial album, “Stockholm Syndrome” and why he “gives a shit” about gay and lesbian people.

Click HERE to listen.

Faith Matters

2011-09-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I have started a new project called, "Faith Matters."

This is a weekly 30-minute podcast you can subscribe to by clicking HERE. The first episode is with my friend Kathy Baldock who once condemned LGBT people to hell. However, after coming into genuine fellowship with a lesbian she frequently hiked with, God changed Kathy's heart. Today, Kathy runs a non-profit ministry which seeks to build a bridge between the Evangelical church and the LGBT community. Want to hear her inspiring story? Click HERE.

Next week's podcast will feature an interview with Derek Webb of Caedmon's Call.

Be love,
Azariah Southworth

Blood On Your Hands

2011-09-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Jon Foreman is the lead singer of the popular Christian band Switchfoot. In 2007 Jon began releasing solo projects. This song titled, "Instead of a Show" is on his 2008 album titled, "Summer."

If there was a song that could sum up much of what I want to say and live out, this would be it...

Daily Mantra: "I Am Worthy"

2011-09-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

You are worthy of love.

You are worthy of success.

You are worthy of forgiveness.

You are worthy.

Believe in yourself and take action.

Rep. Phil Hinkle Caught in Gay Sex Scandal

2011-08-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Noted anti-gay Indiana State Representative, Phil Hinkle, who voted in favor to put a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage is being accused of paying an 18-year-old male for sexual favors.
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The emails, sent from Hinkle's publicly listed personal address, ask the young man for "a couple hours of your time tonight" and offer him cash up front, with a tip of up to $50 or $60 "for a really good time." The email exchange is in response to the Craigslist posting in which the young man -- who lists his age as 20 in the ad but says he is 18 years old -- says, "I need a sugga daddy." The young man told The Star that they met, but that he tried to leave after the man told him he was a state lawmaker. He said the lawmaker at first told him he could not leave, grabbed him in the rear, exposed himself to the young man and then later gave him an iPad, BlackBerry cellphone and $100 cash to keep quiet. When contacted by The Star about the emails, Hinkle, a Republican who represents portions of Pike and Wayne townships, did not contest the emails but said, "I am aware of a shakedown taking place." Asked what he meant by shakedown, Hinkle would not elaborate. He directed further questions to his attorney.
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Like Perez Hilton said to me once, "Better free and happy than closed and oppressed."

If you're struggling with coming out, Empty Closets is a great resource for you to check out.

You Might Be An Evangelical If...

2011-08-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

If you feel guilty for not keeping up with your quiet time, then you might be an evangelical.

If you have strong opinions about when, precisely, Amy Grant “sold out,” then you might be an evangelical.

If the first time you saw your uncle’s shot-glass collection, you wondered where he got all those fancy communion cups, then …

If you’ve never been skiing without rededicating your life to Christ at a bonfire afterwards, then …

If you’ve lost track of the number of “re-s” you need to add before “re-re-rededicate your life to Christ,” then …

If your favorite painters are Thomas Kinkade and Warner Sallman, then …

If you’ve ever forgotten to set your clock back at the end of Daylight Savings Time and your first thought at seeing the empty church parking lot was, “Oh no, I’ve missed the Rapture,” then …

If you never watched “Highway to Heaven,” not because it was too preachy, but because it aired on Wednesday nights, then …

If you knew that “Wednesday nights” in the previous joke was a reference to prayer meeting, then …

If you’ve ever tried to calculate the size of a tip in a restaurant based on how it would influence the waitress’s receptivity to the gospel tract you left with it, then …

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” If you just shouted, “Where?” then …

If you’ve ever seriously discussed whether using tabs constitutes cheating at Sword Drills, then …

If your answer to the question “What Would Jesus Do?” is “He would wear a T-shirt that says, ‘WWJD?’” then …

If you’ve ever been to a pot-luck dinner featuring more than three varieties of Jell-o salad with shaved carrots and mini-marshmallows, then …

If you’ve ever played the tambourine while wearing a tie, then …

If your gaydar is so bad that you think your choir director just needs to meet the right godly woman, then …

If you can’t look at Kente cloth without thinking what those colors stand for in The Wordless Book, then …

If you’ve ever informed someone you’ve just met that they deserve to suffer in Hell for eternity, and you said this without a trace of anger, then …

If the last rock concert you went to included an altar call, then …

If you own any clothing or accessories that you regard as “a witnessing tool,” then …

If you think the phrase “a witnessing tool” refers to something that’s good to have rather than someone it’s bad to be, then …

If praying in public makes you talk like a 17th-century Quaker, then …

If two acoustic guitars and a Yamaha DX7 keyboard are your idea of a “rock band,” then …

If the only High Church figure you don’t regard with suspicion is Bishop Ussher, then …

If you think that there’s nothing supernatural about the bread and wine during communion, but that there is something supernatural about a Ouija board made by Parker Brothers, then …

If your idea of communion wine is made by Welch’s, then …

If you know what burning vinyl smells like, then …

If your boss tells you you’re going to have to go on furlough and your first thought is that you’ll need to prepare a slideshow for the Sunday evening service, then …

If a sentence beginning “Lord, we just, Lord, want to thank you Lord, for just, Lord, just …” doesn’t strike you as either atrocious grammar or a speech impediment, then …

If you’ve ever thought of TMZ as kind of like a prayer list for Hollywood starlets, then …

If the words “submissive” and “head” make you think of gender, but not of sex, then …

If you think saying grace loudly is a good way to witness at The Olive Garden, then …

If you’ve ever discussed whether The Flintstones was set before or after Noah’s flood, then …

If your fantasy football team was selected based on the personal testimony of the players, then...

(via Slacktivist)

Damon Thompson's Anti-Gay Message -- An Open Letter

2011-07-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Damon & Karen,

After watching your video I contemplated if I should even write to you. After all... I'm just a queer. So, why would you even listen to me? Like my family, which supports your ministry, you'll probably invalidate everything I have to share with you. However, I can't remain silent after watching this video...

Yes, Damon, I am a happy queer, I have made the dean's list at my university, and I have quite a few amazing people and friends in my life. There are actually a lot of us happy queers. I was most unhappy when I tried to be "ex-gay" and attended services at The Ramp. During the time I was "in the closet" was the time I was most depressed and suffered from suicidal thoughts. My whole life I sat in churches, like The Ramp, being taught that a small, unchangeable, and inherent part of who I am was a sin and will send me to hell. That scared the shit out of me, so, for five years I went through ex-gay therapy and exorcisms to rid myself of my "homosexual spirit." I even went to The Ramp a few times, hoping and praying God would free me.

Nothing happened.

I'm sure you have your excuses of why it might not have happened. Like, "You didn't have enough faith" or "You have to stick with it. God is in it for the long-haul, are you?" Well, at least these are all things I've been told before.

I walked away from trying to be "ex-gay" because I realized that God is not concerned with who I love. Instead, God is concerned with how I love.

Damon and Karen, how you have chosen to love gay people is not love at all. I know you mean well, but from a kid who has suffered a lot from messages like yours, please stop. You can not even begin to approach this subject and preach it in love until you truly get to know us. Howard Thurman said, "Contact without genuine fellowship breeds hatred."

If you wish to contact me and begin some genuine fellowship, here is my personal email address... theremixtv@yahoo.com

Be love,
Azariah Southworth

The Healing Has Begun

2011-06-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

"The Healing Has Begun" by Matthew West

Good song. Enjoy.

Oh Ye of Little Faith

2011-06-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

I have lost my way and I'm not so sure that is such a bad thing. I've been contemplating if I should or should not write about this for quite some time now. About what? My faith. Actually, I should say, my lack of faith. Let me begin by sharing a story with you...

When I was very young, about 5-years-old, I remember my mom, sisters and I would make Angel and Indian costumes out of our left over grocery paper bags. At that age, Peter Pan was my favorite movie and I always dreamt of flying, so, naturally I chose to make and wear the Angel paper bag costume. With great excitement I cut out the holes for my arms and head. Out of another bag, I cut out the wings which I drew the feathers on and stapled onto the back of my costume.

If there is anything I've never lacked, it would be zeal. I always have had plenty of zeal but little wisdom.

So, like the zealous child I was, I put on my Angel costume and told my mom, "I'm going to go to heaven but I will be back for dinner. I'm going to go see God." As a child, I was taught it only took faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains. I had the faith. I believed God would move whatever mountains were in my way so I could fly up to heaven.

It was windy that Saturday afternoon as I made my way outside. I planted my feet in front of the kitchen window where my mom watched me from inside, with a smile on her face. In my brown paper bag Angel costume I waited in the wind. I waved to my mom in great anticipation that anytime now God was going to take me up, so, I continued to wait in the wind. Nothing was happening. Yet, I continued to wait. With what seemed like waiting forever and my patience running low, I thought God needed some help, so, I started jumping. Nothing. After a few more jumps, I gave up. Upset, I made my way back inside. It was in that moment, for the first time I doubted God. I doubted God's existence and God's ability to come through.

Since my coming out three years ago, I have learned many life changing lessons. You may call them "Aha moments." The first lesson being, learning how to live my life authentically and honestly in every way. For a while, I tried to do that within the Christian faith. Was it attainable? Yes. But the more I studied theology, different religions and the history of Christianity; I found it harder to believe in a monotheistic faith let alone the Christian faith.

I began to see how much God looked like me and I didn't like that. In other words, God was becoming nothing more than a reflection of myself.

I understand this blog site is titled, "Writings of a gay Evangelical." When I first started it, that was the case. However, in the near future I will probably be changing that.

So, what is the point of me posting this? Well, I feel the need to continue my journey of living authentically and honestly. Many of you have been on this journey with me since my coming out and I want to keep you posted with where I'm at. So, this is where I'm at... an unbeliever.

At this time in my life, I refuse to try to define and understand God anymore. Is that easy? Hell no. However, by doing that, it allows God to be in control. It also takes God out of the pretty little box I put Her/Him in.

There are very few things I am sure of in life. Of those few things, I am sure there is a Creator and I am sure this Creator wants me to live authentically and honestly.

With the little faith I have, I will do that.

Be love,
Azariah Southworth

All Hoosier Families Matter

2011-04-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is the first video of an online series I'm starting. The series will profile different LGBT couples in Indiana who will be affected by the bill HJR-6 if passed by voters in 2013 or 2014. Please share this on your Facebook, Twitter, email list, etc.

Our stories must be heard.

Thank you.

Be love,
Azariah Southworth

This Is How We Do at Gay Church

2011-03-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

MCC of Greater Saint Louis tore it up with "Hallelujah Anyhow"

Dramatic Shift in Hoosier Thinking Toward Gays and Lesbians

2011-03-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Polling data released today confirms that a majority of Hoosiers are opposed to an amendment that would constitutionally ban same-sex marriage.

Commissioned by Indiana Equality Action, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research surveyed 400 registered Indiana voters from across the state between March 10th and March 13th, 2011. A stunning 47% of respondents said they were opposed to the constitutional amendment banning same-gender marriage while 43% were in favor of such a measure.

Even more surprising was the mixture of Hoosiers that oppose the marriage amendment; this diversity includes an unexpected number of Republicans (35% oppose), conservatives (30% oppose) and seniors (41% oppose). Most younger voters (67%) also oppose the amendment.

Current state law already prohibits same-gender marriage (Indiana Code section 31-11-1-1: “only a female may marry a male. Only a male may marry a female”).

The poll also indicates that voters clearly have other priorities for action by the Governor and state legislature. In asking about one or two of the most pressing legislative concerns the respondents listed “the economy and jobs” (51%), “education” (35%), “the state budget and deficit” (20%), “health care” (20%), “crime and drugs” (10%), and finally “taxes” (9%) before “gay marriage” (7%). “Gay marriage” was followed only by “transportation” (6%), “roads” (3%), and “all the issues” (3%).

The amendment has already passed the Indiana House of Representatives and is waiting for a vote in the Indiana Senate Judiciary Committee. If passed the amendment would come back before the General Assembly in two years. If then passed, unaltered, in it would go before the voters in 2014.

The poll also revealed changing views in Hoosiers’ thinking about other issues affecting lesbian, gay, and transgender persons. When asked about laws supporting protecting lesbian, gay, and transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations an overwhelming 66% supported such laws while only 28% were in opposition.

In regard to bullying and harassment in Indiana schools, when asked if they would support a change in the state school code to prohibit harassment and bullying against gay, lesbian, and transgender students, 73% of the respondents favored changing the state code to protect such children. Only 21% would allow the continued harassment and bullying of such students.

Click here to download a copy of the report
"Current Attitudes About LGBT Rights in Indiana."

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner is one of the world's premiere research and strategic consulting firms. Based in Washington DC, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research provides polling data for a wide range of organizations, academic institutions, foundations, and professional associations including General Motors, United Airlines, Verizon Wireless, and the National Basketball Association.

Indiana Equality Action (IE Action), a 501(c) (4) organization, is coalition of LGBT, Allied and Progressive organizations from around the Hoosier state focused on amending Indiana’s Civil Rights law to protect against discrimination based on either sexual orientation or gender identity and keeping Indiana's Marriage Discrimination Amendment at bay. For more information regarding Indiana Equality Action please visit the organization’s website at www.indianaequalityaction.org.

We Can Move On

2011-03-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

On a more encouraging note... I received this email today from a gay high school student in Pennsylvania who stood up to his bully. With his permission, he is allowing me to share it with you. I found it to be very inspiring, I hope you do too.

You're one of my heroes.

I constantly get called a faggot at school; this is nothing new. When I was in elementary school, everyone called me a girl, so faggot is essentially the grown up way to make me feel even more worthless. However, the other day at school something inside me changed.

As I walked into the cafeteria, the first table dropped the fag bomb on me. I waked by gracefully and gave them the finger. They laughed and continued to tell me they liked my purse. (I carry a messenger bag.)

I went to my table on the other end of the cafeteria and set my stuff down. I had left something in the auditorium from when I had given a speech, and I wanted to make sure I got it, so I made my way back to where I came from.

I had to pass the table again, but I wasn't going to let names slide this time. When I walked past them and they gave me nasty looks and shot their words that felt like darts at me, I pointed at the ring leader and firmly said, "Enough."

The boy I pointed at proceeded to say, "I didn't say anything to you you fucking faggot."

That's when I said to myself, enough is enough. I stood in the front of the cafeteria and shouted for everyones attention. The room became quiet. "I have an announcement," I stated firmly, "I'm gay, so now that that's been established, we can move on. Thank you."

As I turned, to walk out of the cafeteria my pupils erupted in cheers and applause. When I came back in, I was greeted like a celebrity. People shook my hand and gave me hugs. People I didn't even know.

I just wanted to tell you because you're one of the people who inspires me to keep going.

Have a great day.

Adam

Oppression is Funny!

2011-03-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

An anonymous group at Harding University (HU) is making national headlines after launching this website yesterday... http://huqueerpress.com/. The website contains a self-published e-magazine where gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students are speaking up about their experiences and stories. After reading some of the moving stories you would think Christians would be concerned about the difficulties facing their neighbors, right? Wrong.

Instead they have chosen to take the "higher road." How so? Humor.

Straight students at HU thought it would be great to "downplay" systems of oppression and the hatred and bigotry which ooze out of fundamental Christianity. They have begun to write their own "stories" here... http://hustraightpress.tumblr.com/

If you think it's funny, send them email and let them know.

In my opinion, sick things like this, it's just another reason why I left my fundamental upbringing.

Be love,
Azariah Southworth

Life of a Religious Faggot

2011-03-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

A group of LGBT students attending Harding University in Arkansas have launched "The State of the Gay" as an online magazine HERE to share their stories and experience while attending this conservative Christian university. Here is an article which moved me...

I Do Believe

2011-02-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

This is a simple yet beautiful song which sums up much of my own experience. I hope you enjoy...

Losing Faith

2011-02-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

Remember when we were lovers? We use to be together every Sunday and Wednesday. With you I experienced beauty and pain. You taught me what it meant to be a man. You taught me right from wrong. Through the songs and sermons I learned I was a part of a great army which could not be conquered. The world was ours if we wanted it and, soon enough, it was going to be ours because it was our rightful inheritance. Do you remember?

Nothing could take me away from you. You had my heart and dedication, but you cheated.

While you romanced me with your promises of freedom you were sleeping with injustice. While you enraptured me with your theatrics of spirituality, you were giving yourself away to hatred. While you became my all in all, you walked by without any care for the dying and oppressed. I can not see you anymore because of the whore I know you to be now. I can not be with you anymore because I can not trust you. I can not be with you anymore because you are the oppressor. I can not be with you anymore because when you said you were love, you were fucking fear.

You’re just another religion. You’re just another church. You’re nothing to me.

Meet My Boyfriend...

2011-01-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Psyche.

(via Jesus Needs New PR)

The Family Acceptance Project

2010-12-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

The Family Acceptance Project works to help "diverse families understand how to support their LGBT children." Here's one of their touching training videos. (There's a donation button at the link if you'd like to support their work.)

(via Joe My God)

Living True Tour - 2010

2010-11-10T17:21:00.001-08:00

Ray Boltz music video, "Don't Tell Me Who To Love"

2010-10-16T22:02:00.000-07:00

Here is Ray's newest music video! Enjoy!

I like boys and Jesus because...

2010-10-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

I like boys (the ones my age) because... well... hell if I know why, I just do. Always have. Always will. If you're a big 'ol homosexual like me, don't allow anyone to make you feel ashamed! You're not sick, broken, or going to hell.

I also like Jesus (the 2,000 year old one) because his message of love and sacrificial death gives me hope that I can be forgiven and loved. Not only that, but by applying the teachings of Christ in my life, it enables me to forgive and love.

If you find yourself in the closet on this National Coming Out Day, know that you're not alone and God loves you for the beautiful homosexual you are!

Happy National Coming Out Day!!!!

A Call to Honesty & Rest

2010-10-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Please watch Michael's beautiful video sharing his very inspiring story...

Mara Phelps - You're Loved

2010-06-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago, Ray Boltz and I were in Long Beach as a part of our national tour, "Living True." So was the Phelps family of Westboro Baptist Church.

The Westboro Baptist Church is primarily made up of the Phelps family. They're famous for protesting American soldiers funerals and gay events, such as the one Ray and I were attending. Their signs such as, "God hates fags" and "Thank God for dead soldiers" has infuriated people all over the world. So much so, there is a pending Supreme Court case, which if it doesn't go in their favor, would limit or even silence their hate speech.

I heard the Phelps family would be in Long Beach the same weekend as Ray and I. When I woke up that Saturday morning, I heard shouting outside my hotel room. I went over to the window and pulled back the curtain. There they were, ten stories below me, with their infamous signs in tow.

I immediately became excited. I've wanted to meet the Phelps family for years now. There were so many things I've thought about saying and doing to them. However, since my transition from a faith based in fear to a faith based in love, I no longer had the desire to do any of those things anymore.

Instead of responding to them out of fear, I could only think of how I could respond out of love. But what would that look like?

I found a corner store nearby and bought five bottles of water. I figured it was warm that day and they might be thirsty.

Estranged son of Fred Phelps, Nate Phelps, has recently started speaking out about his experience of growing up in the Phelps family. In a exclusive interview with The Standard, Nate revealed his father, Fred, would physically beat his mother for hours and also abuse the children the same.

When I saw them outside my hotel window that Saturday morning, I no longer saw people who hate me because I'm gay. I saw victims of Fred Phelps. I saw people who have never experienced unconditional love and are controlled by the fear of going to hell.

As I approached them, I grew nervous, but went up to each one and asked, "Are you thirsty?" All of them said no, as I thought they would, "Well, if you get thirsty, here is some water. It's warm out, you need to stay hydrated." Before I walked away, I attempted to look at each of them in the eyes and tell them, "I want you to know, you're loved." Only one of them responded to that... Mara Phelps.

With her soft spoken voice she told me that we must obey all the laws of God or face his judgment. I asked Mara, "When was the moment you experienced the love of God?" Mara looked down then up again at me and said, "I don't even know if God loves me."

It was then I reassured her that God does love her. I then shared with her the moment I experienced the love of God which has changed my life. Mara listened, I thanked her for listening and one last time looked at her in the eyes and said, "Mara, you're loved."

If it wasn't for God's love transforming me, there would have been no way I could have done anything more than join in with the 50+ counter protesters and yell back at these victims of Fred Phelps. It is only because of the unconditional love of God continuously transforming me that I could respond in love to their extremely hateful message.

That Saturday morning, I made a new friend... her name is Mara Phelps and God loves her.

Be love,
Azariah Southworth

Austin, Texas!!!!

2010-05-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Austin!!!

Ray Boltz and I will be bringing our "Living True: the tour" to Austin this Friday at The Gathering Place Worship Center at 7pm!

It's going to be an amazing time! I encourage you to bring your friends, parents and family.

Check out this recent article on Ray by the New York Times!

Her Name Was Stephanie

2010-05-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday night was testimony night at our small Pentecostal church in Coldwater, Michigan. Every Sunday, the same people gave the same testimonies/prayer request. However, this Sunday night would prove to be different because Stephanie, a first time visitor, chose to share her testimony and prayer request.

I remember she had short brown hair and she wore a long floral print dress with tennis shoes. Even at 7-years-old I knew... those shoes... didn't go with that dress. I also noticed that Stephanie looked a little different than most women.

I don't remember what she shared, however, I remember several members of the church, including the pastor, surrounded her in the back after service. When this church did that, it was their attempt to convert the new person. This church was extremely unbalanced and unhealthy. For instance, the pastor was successful in splitting my Mom and her sister apart for 13 years because they said she was a "witch." Because of that, I didn't meet my Aunt until I was in the 4th grade. I can not stress enough how unbalanced and unhealthy this church was.

I can only imagine what they said to Stephanie because Stephanie was a transgender woman.

A few days later, I remember hearing my Mom talk about Stephanie. Mom said when Stephanie arrived at her home that night after church, there was an intruder waiting for her. This intruder then tied Stephanie to her bed and killed her.

The last night of Stephanie's life she went to the church... looking for love, hope and acceptance. She received everything but those things we all long for. Today, I know Stephanie experienced that and more when she met Jesus that night.

I share this story because it is my hope that the Evangelical church will acknowledge it's past of homophobia and transphobia and learn from it. It is my hope that the Evangelical church will learn to love again. It is my belief that it will be the LGBT community which teaches the Evangelical church to do just that... love it's neighbor.

Please consider sharing Stephanie's story with someone you know. Most of all, love the "Stephanie's" around you.

Be love,

Azariah Southworth

FORT WAYNE: Memorial Service for Paul J. Michalik

2010-05-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

Paul was a 36-year-old man who attended a party, at a friend's home, over mother's day weekend. After an argument got out of hand, it ended with Paul losing his life. Friends of the victim, including his partner, are saying he was killed because he was gay.

Below is the letter I received with information for his memorial service. I encourage all who are able to attend. Please click HERE for more on this story.
_____________________________________________

Dear Friends of PFLAG,

I was contacted by a spokesperson for the family of Paul Michalik who asked that I pass along the information about his memorial service. In light all of the press coverage, I think it is important to remember that regardless of whether this was a hate crime or not, it is a tragedy when one person looses their life unnecessarily at the hands of another person. The family is requesting the community's support as they remember Paul.

Here are the details of the service:

Date: Tomorrow, May 13, 2010
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Midwest Cremation Society, 4602 Newaygo Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. Map Quest shows that Newaygo Drive runs north off of Coliseum Boulevard between Lima Road and Executive Boulevard.

If you know of others who might be interested in supporting the family, feel free to forward this email to them. If you are available and feel like you would like to support the family, they would appreciate your presence in this difficult time.

Thanks,
Stan Pflueger, Chapter President
PFLAG, Fort Wayne

Pics from Long Beach

2010-05-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the show this weekend in Long Beach...

The set list for the show

Ray and I spent all day filming. More info on that coming soon!

View from hotel room

30 minutes before show time.

Random Thoughts...

2010-04-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today I am leaving for Mobile, AL. This Sunday is the first show of the "Living True" tour featuring Ray Boltz and I. I'm super excited to be doing this and believe this tour has huge potential and will minister to all who attend.

Jennifer Knapp is going to be on Larry King tonight. I think that is very exciting. She is someone who has her head on straight and is firm in her faith. I hope that her appearance on Larry King will offer hope and healing to people who still hate themselves (or loved ones) for being gay.

I've been in Nashville for two days now and have been loving every moment. It's been so great to catch up with friends and visit some of my favorite hang out spots. I'll be back in Nashville next week for a few more days and look forward to seeing more friends during that time. I miss it here often but am very happy with where I am now and the direction of my life.

I hope to see some of you while Ray and I are on tour!

Much love,
Azariah

"Blessing" by R.J. Helton

2010-04-13T11:46:00.001-07:00

American Idol's season one finalist and Christian recording artist, RJ Helton, sings Scott Alan's 'Blessing' at Birdland, April 12th, 2010

Beautiful song! Enjoy!

SENEGAL: Gay Man's Body Ripped From Grave, Abused And Videotaped

2010-04-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

In a story about the widening oppression of LGBT people across Africa, ABC News reports that in 2009, a gay man's body was exhumed from its grave and desecrated by a mob who videotaped the scene and sold the clip at public markets.

Madieye Diallo's body had only been in the ground for a few hours when the mob descended on the weedy cemetery with shovels. They yanked out the corpse, spit on its torso, dragged it away and dumped it in front of the home of his elderly parents. The scene of May 2, 2009 was filmed on a cell phone and the video sold at the market. It passed from phone to phone, sowing panic among gay men who say they now feel like hunted animals. "I locked myself inside my room and didn't come out for days," says a 31-year-old gay friend of Diallo's who is ill with HIV. "I'm afraid of what will happen to me after I die. Will my parents be able to bury me?" A wave of intense homophobia is washing across Africa, where homosexuality is already illegal in at least 37 countries.

As regular readers of this blog are well aware, the current wave of anti-gay hatred in Africa has been fueled by American evangelicals and GOP politicians.

(via Joe.my.god)

I'm a Christian... I'm sorry.

2010-04-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Vows: Brian & Ryan

2010-03-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

Tour Dates Announced!!!

2010-03-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is only the beginning!

There are more dates to come but here are the confirmed dates thus far...

April 25th - Mobile, AL
Cornerstone MCC

May 9th - Long Beach, CA
Christ Chapel of Long Beach @ 10am
www.christchapellongbeach.org

May 14th - Long Beach, CA
Interfaith Pride

May 16th - Long Beach, CA
Holy Spirit Fellowship Christian Church

June 17th - Nashville, TN
Covenant of the Cross

If you would like to bring the "Living True" tour to your area... please contact Scott Bryant at scottbryant@bryantadvertising.com

Your Love Is Everything

2010-03-02T09:15:00.001-08:00

My Story

2010-02-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

So... I've entered this video into Donald Miller's, "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years" film contest. It's my story in 90 seconds. In April you'll have the chance to vote for my story. I wanted to share it with you now though. :)

If you have a story you'd like to share on video and can do it in 90 seconds, I encourage you to enter the contest as well! When we tell our stories, it helps us to heal (if needed) and understand ourselves better.

Exciting News! Tour Announcement!!!

2010-02-18T22:18:00.001-08:00

It's official!

This Summer Ray Boltz and I will be teaming up together for a tour around America.

Ray is releasing a new album titled "True" which will be available for you to purchase online shortly. I'm very excited about this tour and the message we will bring to people where we go.

I will be posting more info about the tour on this here blog thingy in the weeks to come!

Stay tuned!

Much love,
Azariah Southworth

Christian Values: Preach it when you can practice it

2010-02-17T22:21:00.000-08:00

“They’re anti-Christian values and anti-family.” These are merely two accusations made about me and millions of other LGBT people by organizations such as the American Family Association (AFA), Liberty Counsel, Family Research Council (FRC), and Concerned Women for America (CWA). Those are just a few organizations which proselytize this message, unfortunately, there are many more.

When I was a kid, after I would be disciplined, my Dad would sit me on his lap and say, “Now, who loves you?” I would respond with, “Jesus.” That was his cue to say, “Yes, and who also loves you?” Which I responded to by saying, “You and Mom.” My Dad would then have me quote the fruits of the Spirit. “Azariah, what are the fruits of the Spirit?” “Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faithfulness and temperance. Against such things there is no law.” We would then discuss why I was just disciplined and how I needed to go and apologize to everyone I wronged.

Galatians 5:22 says, “Love, joy, peace, long-suffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, meekness (humility), faithfulness and temperance” are the fruits of the Spirit. Correct me if I’m wrong, but all of these, I believe, are the foundational values of Christianity. When you allow yourself to be transformed by the love of Christ, your words and actions will begin to produce these Christian values.

The mission of the Family Research Council is to “Defend Faith, Family and Freedom.” Everything they do, they do it in the name of Christ. They do it to bring back biblical principles into America’s society. So when people like Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council says, and I quote, “I would much prefer to export homosexuals from the United States, than to import them into the United States.” How does this message of fear, hate and exclusion produce the fruits of the Spirit my Dad taught me about? Or should I say, how are Mr. Sprigg’s words and actions not anti-Christian values?

Another example would be the AFA. If motivating people with fear is a Christian value than the AFA should win the lifetime achievement award. Currently on their website, there is an article titled, “Obama’s new military: Gays showering with straights.” If this title wasn’t crafted to create fear, than I don’t know what was. Fear is all these organizations have to work with.

They claim to be about preserving Christian values in America and defending the family institution. However, they weren’t too worried about the fear and lies they planted within my own family’s heart about who I am, a gay man. How is planting the seeds of dissension in countless families preserving the family institution? How is instilling fear in countless people practicing Christian values?

If the AFA, CWA, FRC, etc. are concerned with saving the institution of families and promoting Christian values. If this was truly their hearts than they would be in the gay bars listening to the stories of people like my friend Jason whose family completely disowned him after he came out. They would be comforting Michael’s broken heart because his mother said she would never accept him. They would be visiting the 83-year-old lesbian woman who is living her last years alone because her partner passed away. They would be with “the least of these.” Meanwhile, they’re too busy raising millions, lobbying politicians and getting their face and messages on CNN.

I’m not writing this from a place of anger, rather, I’m writing in a place of frustration from what I see being pranced around as “Christianity.” If these multi-million dollar making non-profits truly reflected Christian values, there would be a much different perception of Christians today.

You don’t have to affirm LGBT people to be able to agree that the tactics these organizations and others like them use are indeed anti-Christian and anti-family. Lastly, if you want to get rid of gays and fight to deny us rights, go right ahead, but don’t do it in the name of Christ. Don’t preach about saving Christian values when you’re unable to practice them.

Letting Go

2010-02-11T18:38:00.001-08:00

I want to apologize for an earlier post titled, "Dear Fundamental Christians."

I'm not apologizing for writing it, because I've learned from it. I am apologizing for writing it in anger.

After coming out and interacting with the same people I once called my friends, I experienced a much different "Christian love." It was sometimes passive aggressive, other times elitist, however, it always proved to be conditional. After coming out, I was on the outside and able to observe how I, and others like me, were being treated by these very fundamental, Jerry Falwellesque (if you will) Christians. I not only experienced this from the closest people to me but from complete strangers as well.

Experiencing this from self-proclaimed Christians gave me such a tainted view of all Christians. It has put an extremely negative, almost hateful, feeling towards them within me. I've laid in my bed for hours, in the middle of the night, having to convince myself that Jesus is nothing like them. Thankfully, he is also nothing like me and I am making it through the other side.

I apologize for allowing this extreme hurt and anger to build up within me and leashing it out in post like "Dear Fundamental Christians." I am learning how to let go of my own bitterness, resentment, and anger which has built up from past experiences with fundamental Christians.

My life, to me, is a journey of learning how to undo all that is selfish, over-indulgent, lazy, angry, and unloving within me. I choose to walk this journey with Christ and right now he is asking me to lay this anger down.

To those who that blog was directed at... I am sorry. Though there may be truth found in it, there was not love, and without love... truth is void.

Interview for WithJosh.com

2010-02-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

I don't think I ever posted this interview I did with my friend Josh Skinner. Josh is a wonderful person. I hope you enjoy this interview and subscribe to his website at www.withjosh.com!!

Birthday Party for a Prostitute

2010-01-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

Donald Miller's Response to Pat Robertson about Haiti

2010-01-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, the comment Pat Robertson made today would have infuriated me. Robertson essentially blamed the devastation that took place in Haiti on the idea that, generations ago, people in Haiti sold their souls to the Devil and are now paying for it. I’m reminded of a similar comment made in a debate on CNN, in which yet another religious figure blamed the devastation in New Orleans following Katrina on the debauchery that took place in that town. Luckily, or perhaps providentially, Tony Campolo was also on the show and pointed out that the French Quarter was fine, that it was low-income minorities who were devastated, and then asked his fellow guest point blank whether God was angry with low-income minorities. The other guest really didn’t know what to say. Any answer would have painted him a loon.

Regardless, Robertson’s comments further divide people of faith from, well, people of faith. I don’t want to debate the theological ramifications of Robertson’s statements, I only want to point out some perspectives that ease my anger, and instead, cause me to pity him. I consider this a more mature response than I would have had a few years ago. Here are a few perspectives that, hopefully, will keep you from throwing a stapler through a wall:

• Many controlling personalities are drawn to the idea of a severe, vengeance oriented God. Robertson must have read a book about Haiti at one point, but it lacked civility to cite that book and espouse an absurd theological idea on television, without context for both. It was reactionary, and came off as a manifestation of his personality, not his theology. Regardless, it was sadly irresponsible for him to make such a devastatingly shocking statement in the context of great hurt. Can you imagine giving the eulogy at a funeral and starting out by saying “before I tell you about God’s grace, let me make it clear that little Johnny deserved to die because he stole candy from a store.” There is something wrong with a person who would do this. These people are often, themselves, controlling. They are wired to build empires, and in order to build empires you have to get people to do what you say, and if you have God standing behind you threatening hurt and pain, you can motivate people. I’ve heard pastors pray and call other men cowards, get angry from the pulpit, yell, belittle other Christian pastors who don’t agree with them, fire people who will not submit to them, surround themselves with yes men and so on. Sadly, they never point the finger at themselves. It’s always YOU or THEM who are the sinners. When they need God’s grace, they usually confess to studying too hard or caring too much. But compassion comes when you realize, and it doesn’t take long to see it, that this person is afraid that if he gives anybody else a free will, they will use it against them. Their mantra is: If I don’t control people, they won’t love me. Psychologists see control as a response to a perceived threat. Picture an adult with an inner twelve-year old saying “I’ll hurt you before you hurt me. I’m tough. I say tough things. Don’t mess with me again.” In religion, these leaders often project their way of seeing the world onto God. Please forgive me for painting Robertson with a sweeping brush. It’s not always true of controlling people, and there are often good reasons to be harsh and to take action (for instance, when somebody really is trying to control you!) It’s just that this is one of the understandings that has helped me respond to controlling people with more compassion. Theologically, what we all deserve is death, and Christ paid that for us. We live in the New Testament, not the old. Lets spread God’s unconditional love.

• Another truth that gives me a more grounded perspective on Pat Robertson is that he really doesn’t represent most conservatives. I come from a politically and religiously conservative family, and many, many of my friends are very conservative, and all of them would be in shock at Robertson’s statements. The media would have Robertson represent all Christians, or perhaps all conservatives, but the idea is absurd. It’s also important to let people know we think it’s absurd. So here is what the Devil is really going to try to get you to do: Hate other people. Those conservatives, those Christians, those whoever…I think we’d be wise to watch out for that, and stop it at the point where it starts.

• I’ve also found that the more I trust in Christ’s redemption to be sufficient, the less overtly religious I am. And, quite honestly, the more suspect overtly religious people become to me. When I’m with somebody who talks zealously about faith, about Jesus, about the Bible, after a while, I find myself wondering whether or not their faith is strong at all. For instance, if I were with somebody who kept talking about how much they loved their wife, going on loudly and profusely, intuitively I would wonder whether or not they were struggling in their marriage. I would wonder whether they were trying to convince me they loved their wife, or if they were trying to convince themselves. (Now that I think of it, though, some of my favorite people talk about how much they love their wives, but these are less public proclamations and more sighs of appreciation.) Faith in Christ, for me, is similar. It’s intimate. I’m more comfortable giving quiet prayers, intimate prayers. Often alone, in fact. I speak of faith the way I speak of personal matters. Of course there is a time for proclamations, but that’s the key, isn’t it? There’s a time. Anyway, I love that the New Testament is mostly intimate letters written to small groups of people who met in homes. I like the quiet authenticity of our faith. Robertson’s loudness and shock-jock verbiage seems strange and oddly uncompassionate. It felt like he was trying to tell us how tough he was, not how compassionate God is.

An appropriate response to Haiti:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in..”

An appropriate response to Pat Robertson:

“You seem angry and tired. Christ loves you. He is not impressed with your religious posturing. He really loves you. You don’t have to hide behind anything anymore. The good news really is that good.”

* I understand that many of you will want to comment on the theological truths you’ve found that support Robertson’s comments, and also on the good that Robertson has done. Regarding the latter, this was not a blanket dismissal on Robertson’s life or ministry, it was a response to a comment, regarding the former, it’s a debate I ask you to take somewhere else. Also, this isn’t meant to harshly judge Robertson, it’s meant to calm those who might want to throw a tomato at him, while also trying to understand why somebody could make such an insensitive comment at such a painful time. Lets put our tomatoes down.

* For those thinking this blog was too harsh, please understand that in one passing comment, Pat Robertson painted an entire nation as Godless, and deserving of destruction. Reports from Haiti have stated that many fled into the streets, crying out to Jesus for help. Robertson, by referencing an obscure book of unknown origin chose to prejudice an otherwise ignorant Christian audience of gullible and trusting viewers. I propose, then, this post needed to be written. I only wish more Christian leaders would speak during moments like this.

Azariah Confronts Peter Sprigg

2010-01-13T21:14:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I was able to go on the air and speak directly to Peter Sprigg of the "Family Research Council." Here is the clip from that segment...

Here is a recent video of Peter stating he would rather have gays exported out of the United States...

Dear Fundamental Christians

2010-01-12T13:33:00.001-08:00

Dear fundamental Christians,

Your words and your actions are causing countless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals to attempt suicide. Your words and actions are only sending out a message of rejection and hate to the LGBT community. You say, "We love the sinner but we hate the sin." Meanwhile Jesus said, "Love the sinner and hate your own sin."

If you truly do what you do in the name of Christ and you do it because the love of Jesus has transformed you and calls you to do this... if that is true... your words and actions would be different.

The Bible tells us we can judge something by the fruit it produces. The only fruit I've tasted from your tree is animosity, bitterness, and resentment. It doesn't reflect the Christian values you say you want to save. It doesn't save the families you're out to preserve. It has only caused dissension and provoked parents to excommunicate their children if they don't "change."

It is because of messages from your corner of "Christianity" and organizations like the Family Research Council, ACLJ, Exodus, and many others why so many have and are leaving the church by the hundreds. It is a message of exclusion, elitism, mistruths, and only encourages ignorance.

For once, allow the love of Christ to transform you. He is calling you to the gay bars to hear people's stories. Jesus never called you to a building but rather the streets where the people are. Get to know us, learn to love us. I encourage you to stretch yourself to a point where it will require Jesus to take over and for you to let go.

Jump into the scary and threatening unknown. Let go of all your answers and certainty and rely on Jesus once again to Shepard you in how to love your fellow neighbor... your sister, your dad, your use-to-be best friend... me.

Let love win.

-Azariah Southworth

How God Loves Us!

2010-01-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

I absolutely and positively looooove this song.

Watch/listen to it alone. All 8 minutes and 52 seconds. It's beautiful.

Fear and Love

2010-01-04T19:55:00.001-08:00

As humans everything we do is a response out of two things... fear and love. Every choice we make comes out of one of these two foundational emotions.

While I was on the 2008 Equality Ride, a common question I was asked out of the hundreds of students and community members opposed to our message of inclusion was, "aren't you afraid of going to hell?" After being asked this repeatedly all over the country, I came to a conclusion... no... I'm not afraid.

My reason being is this, if I choose to accept Christ as my savior because I don't want to go to hell but heaven instead, then I have only accepted Christ out of fear because I want to save myself.

So... no... I am not afraid of going to hell. That question exposes the selfishness and fear which has come to be the very foundation for so many people's relationship with Christ. A relationship based on fear and selfishness will never last. I believe this to be the main contributor to so many bitter, angry, and religious Christians. They have not yet fallen in love with Jesus and allowed that to be the foundation of their relationship with him.

I do not choose to be in a relationship with Jesus because, "I'm unsure of where I'd go if I died tonight," this is often used by preachers. I do not choose to follow Jesus because I'm afraid of going to hell. I choose to be in a relationship with Christ because something about him has caught my attention. There has been an experience with him I can't deny. I have to know him because I have fallen in love with him. I have encountered his love and am forever changed. This is why I pursue Christ. This is why I walk with Christ. Heaven is not my goal and hell is not my fear. To know and to love Christ and share that with others in this life is my purpose and goal.

Assuming you do I'd like to ask... Why do you follow Christ?

-Azariah Southworth

My Newest Venture...

2009-12-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

Since coming out, I have been wanting to do two things...

1) Write a book

2) Start a new TV show

I've started on goal #1. However, unlike goal #1, I am about ready to release goal #2.

In the past year-and-a-half, I have heard the countless heartbreaking stories of LGBT people and why they have left Christianity. In my new show, Faith Matters, I hope to convey these stories and more. I hope it will become a resource of strength for LGBT people and a good dose of sobriety for much of the Christian church.

Below is the promo clip for it. Please share it through Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Thank you for the continuous support and love. Enjoy...

You've Won Maine

2009-11-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

I want to give the church a big congratulations for their victory tonight in Maine.

Once again, you kept your eyes on the prize and won. I mean, why wouldn't you win? You have G-d on your side! Your biggest talent lies in fundraising and your marketing departments never fail. Even though you could use a better PR department, you do a good enough job to get done what you want done. After all, fear is the best way to motivate people.

Tonight you've won Maine but you've lost the point.

Another 50,000 hungry people died today. Darfur continues. Shonda says she doesn't need the man who just beat her and left her pregnant with another child. Church... you've won Maine but you've lost the point.

You're no longer a place for comfort, healing, advice, direction, or peace. Rather, you're just another political machine covered in your own filfthy agenda to make everyone look, act, love, and sound just like you through the use of fear.

Your hate is speaking louder than your love. Tonight, you've won Maine but you've lost the point.

-Azariah Southworth

Worth A Million Words

2009-10-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

This is a picture I took, on my cell phone, when I was in New York City last fall. If you can't make out the picture, it's a homeless person sleeping in front of the church doors.

I believe this picture depicts what happens far too often today; children of God being left out in the cold, by other children of God.

The Proper Use of Christian Profanity

2009-09-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

I've known of Derek Webb for quite some time but I never really took time to listen to his music. Today I came across an article mentioning the controversy of his song because it has the word "shit" in it. His record label refused to include it in his latest album, "Stockholm Syndrome." However, they have reached a compromise where you can purchase the album including the unfortunately controversial song from Derek Webb himself.

Here is the verse from Derek's banned song "What Matters More"...

‘Cause we can talk and debate until we’re blue in the face / About the language and tradition that he’s comin’ to save / Meanwhile we sit just like we don’t give a shit / About 50,000 people who are dyin’ today.

Here is the music video...

I love it.

What do you think?

Jennifer Knapp is BACK!!!!

2009-09-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

I've heard several rumors of where Jennifer went off to. Who cares?! She's back!

Ms. Knapp has written a letter on her website just for you. Click HERE to hear her new song.

Love Letters to Pastor Steven Anderson

2009-09-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

It is our responsibility as Christians to love.

Pastor Steven Anderson has stated that President Obama and gays should be executed.With that statement, we can respond out of fear or love. I say we respond out of love!

I am asking YOU and OTHERS to join me in flooding Pastor Steven Anderson's mailbox with hundreds of letters of love.

Here's the game plan...

Get a piece of paper and write...

Pastor Steven Anderson,

I love you.

(your name)

(your location)

(how you identify. i.e. gay, straight, transgender, etc)

Then I want you to mail it to Steven Anderson's church at the following address...

ATTN: Pastor Steven Anderson

2707 W Southern Ave, Suite #105

Tempe, AZ 85282

That's it!

Will this change anything? I don't know, but it allows us the opportunity to share and grow in love. Let me know you're going to participate by confirming your attendance to this event on Facebook.

Thank you!

Be love,

Azariah Southworth

P.S. Read my Opinion Editorial on Pastor Steven Anderson... http://www.outandaboutnewspaper.com/article/3670

So Stone Me

2009-09-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Sensationalism. It’s the fuel to our media and news.

Without it, we’re not interested. The past few weeks, a Pastor out of Arizona has made national headlines. Why? Because Pastor Steven Anderson has stated in his sermons and interviews, President Obama should be murdered, along with gay and transgendered people. All this, of course, is found in the Bible according to Pastor Anderson.

Pastor Anderson has stated this would not be classified as murder though, rather it is a penalty the President and gay people, like myself, deserve, and bring upon ourselves. As a gay man and a follower of Christ, I have a few problems with the vile this “Pastor” is spewing out.

So I would like to offer a piece of sensationalism like Pastor Steven Anderson has, but I don’t say it for the sake of sensationalism but rather rationalism. I say this in hopes we will better understand and walk in love. Here is my piece of sensationalism in hopes of rationalism, you might call it an invite.

Pastor Steven Anderson, I have gathered some stones, some are larger than others, but I would be honored to have you do the work of God and execute me as stated in Leviticus 20:13. It’s not murder so you’ll be fine in the eyes of God. My offer is not insincere.

However, before you do, I ask you take into consideration the Gospel of Grace. Remember the thief on the cross next to Jesus? Remember Mary Magdalene? Remember Saul who is more well known as the Apostle Paul? Consider the woman at the well, don’t forget Zacheus the greedy tax collector, and the woman with the issue of blood. All of these people received Grace when they didn't deserve it and when everyone else denied it to them.

Now take yourself into consideration. All your screw ups and shortcomings. The Gospel of Grace is this… you are not good enough. You never will be good enough. However, there is one who is, and He says that he loves us as we are and not as we should be, because we’ll never be as we should be.

Although you believe God would rather have me dead, it is God who brought me back from the dead. You see, I once lived a life controlled by fear. Fear of myself, fear of hell, fear of acknowledging there was a God that was bigger than the box I put Him in. When I started to understand and experience the Love and Grace of God, it allowed me to breathe again. I was able to see God in the sunset again. I was able to experience hope again. I was able to love again.

Ephesians 2:8 says this, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

My invitation to you stands. But consider what I have shared with you.

Lastly, the difference between your God and mine, is my God is still speaking.

There Will Never Be Enough

2009-09-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

I just got home from spending a pleasant evening with family. On the drive back home my mind started pondering. Here are my scattered thoughts...

I started to think about money. I thought about my lack of it and need for more. I thought about people I know who could write me a large check and many of my "worries" would be done away with. As my thoughts continued, I became angry.

The past year, I have learned how money is the problem rather than the solution. We have been conditioned to believe if there was enough money, we would be fine, the world would be fine. I thought about that tonight... if the world had enough money, would we all be fine? No!

The very existence of this system of oppression (a.k.a Economics) is the reason for hunger, poor health care, greed, debt, poverty, and power. It's not that we don't have enough food to feed the world and enough people to distribute the goods, we're told we don't have enough money. When will we have enough?

Tonight, I am angry. I want to know there are no hungry people, I want to know sick people are being given the best treatment, but I can't, because "there isn't enough money."

Without money I can't eat, have transportation, or a place to live. However, with money I can have all these things, but because I have it, I am constantly needing more. I don't want anymore.

This may not make sense, and I apologize for that. I wanted to share this with you and get your ideas by posing this question to you...

How should we operate the world if we could do it without money?

Color Scheme

2009-09-02T13:57:00.001-07:00

Has anyone else noticed that the color scheme for FOX News seems to be red, blue, white & blonde?

Sad.

Spotlight ministry: Revolution NYC

2009-08-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

Last Summer, I had the chance to speak with Jay Bakker over the phone. If you don't know Jay's story then you should Google him.

I was in the middle of transferring my wet clothes into the dryer when my phone rang. I checked to see who it was and my undependable razor phone said, "Jay Bakker." I immediately clammed up, and for a moment, contemplated not answering because I knew the hot mess I would be while talking with him.

Without giving it much thought, I answered, "This is Azariah." Trying to sound as calm and collective as I could manage. "Hey, this is Jay," he responds. Jay informed me how terrible he is with returning phone calls and apologized for taking so long to return my call.

The whole time, I was nervous, trying to finish my laundry, and then my phone wanted to die on me!!! So I started to make a mad dash to my apartment to plug in my phone. Now I'm nervous, out of breath, trying to maintain the conversation, and let him know what a big inspiration he has been to me without sounding redundant.

The conversation didn't last long but I was able to say what I wanted to say for so long. I told him I read his book a few years back, and watched his show on the Sundance Channel, all before I came out, and what a inspiration he was to me.

With that said, I want you to check out Jay Bakker's ministry Revolution NYC. It's pretty stellar. Not only that but they could use your financial support. Jay's ministry is reaching people the church is incapable of reaching with all their political and marketing campaigns. Revolution NYC reaches those who would never attend a mega-church or purchase the latest Hillsong United CD. Revolution NYC reaches the Mary Magdalene's, the Saul's, the Zacchaeus's of our day. Revolution NYC reaches the "us's."

Support this ministry through prayer, encouragement, word of mouth, and financially.

Much love,
Azariah Southworth

To the Church

2009-08-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

To the Church,

You were so quick in your response when she asked about birth control. Today, she is pregnant, and your repeated harsh words gave her no other option but the streets. Her spirit couldn’t take another ounce of your judgment the day she decided to have the abortion. She knew the clinic wouldn’t turn her away. She still tries to envision the color her eyes might have been as she lies once more on her back to pay the rent.

He was only 13 when you disowned him. He was nervous. He was shaking. He still remembers the moment time froze after he spoke the words, “I’m gay.” The silence broke with a loud weeping then a sudden thump as the door swung shut. He still wonders if you receive the letters from those who say he is no better than the child molesters. Like the one you shake hands with every Sunday who raped his sister on the church floor.

She’s 75-years-old now and still broke. Her husband just died and can’t pay for the funeral. Yet, she still tunes in, and you tell her if she sows her seed of $777.77 on her credit card God will pay her bills and the arthritis will be gone. Her bill is due now and she can no longer afford her medicine for the arthritis.

His belly protrudes from malnutrition. At the age of three, he has only eaten meat once, and doesn’t know what clean water taste like. He won’t this year either. Your organization just spent over fifty million dollars on a political campaign, because you want this nation to maintain its “Christian” status. Tonight he will die under the sky God painted for him as I pass a church on the highway that spent over ten million dollars on the interior design alone.

You say, “Jesus told us the poor will always be with us.” Yes he did, but will we always be with the poor?

What will we do now?

It is time for a reformation.

The reformation which needs to take place is with how we love one another. It’s not a theological or philosophical reform but it is one of the heart. In turn, your theology and philosophies will more than likely change, but your concern shouldn’t be with whether you’re right or wrong but whether you’re loving.

Be love.

Azariah Southworth

Breaking down the rhetoric

2009-08-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

"Pro-homosexual activists will describe the issue as one of identity – 'who they are.' But the real issue is one of behavior – what they do. And what Harvey Milk (like other homosexual activists) wanted was not only the freedom to engage in homosexual sex, but the right to do so without ever being criticized (maybe we should start citicizing the manner in which you practice sex. I don't think it meets God's standards because your wife isn't popping out a baby every time you do it) Milk told one audience that 'it is madness to ... be ashamed of the sexual act, the act that conceived you. ...' Yet homosexual acts never conceived anyone, which is what separates them, undeniably, from heterosexual acts (the sexual acts of a infertile woman or sterilized man has never caused anyone to conceive either, yet that isn't considered 'wrong' by you and the omnipotent FRC). Since Harvey Milk died from an assassin's bullet, over a quarter million American men have died of AIDS, which they contracted because they had sex with other men (They didn't "contract AIDS because they had sex with other men." They contracted AIDS because they had sex with other men who already had AIDS. Just like heterosexual people get AIDS from other people who already have it). What's truly 'madness' is that someone whose only claim to fame is that they promoted such deadly behavior should be honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom." (do I sense a little jealousy here Mr. Sprigg? Do you too wish to have a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Try chaning the world instead of judging and criticizing it Mr. Sprigg.) - Family Research Council "senior fellow" Peter Sprigg, writing for World Net Daily.

Mr. Sprigg,

It is the rhetoric and judgment that people like you spew out which drives so many away from God. As Christians, we are not called to govern politics or shape culture, rather, we are called to preach the Good News.

The Good News is this, love.

Sure, roll your eyes and say this is too general and watering down "true Christianity" or "traditional Christianity." But when it comes to being love, are you able to do it? I am not asking you to change your stance and recognize my humanity as a gay man or to validate my faith in Christ. However, I would like to challenge you to demonstrate the same love Christ offers all of us every moment without you gaining any political or social clout from it. Could you love me, a gay man, and my transgendered friends as we are and not as we "should be?"

My parents receive your newsletters and I have seen some of them that pertain to LGBT people. If I was someone searching for God's love, I would have never found it through your organization. Remember, we are called to preach the Good News which is Christ's love. That is your call.

Be love.

-Azariah Southworth

Let God OUT!

2009-08-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness, “Prepare Ye the way of the Lord!” Whatever he could find he ate it, including locust. We often see him characterized as a man living in the desert, covered in dust, wearing rags, barefoot, with unkempt hair and a rather long beard.

His name wasn’t trademarked, his face wasn’t plastered on billboards, he wasn’t the founder and CEO of a successful non-profit, he didn’t pass around a collection plate, and he wasn’t married with two kids who were on honor roll. John didn’t even have proof that the Lord was coming. Yet he continued on with his message, “Prepare Ye the way of the Lord!”

I would have written him off as a lunatic. You would have done the same. C’mon, a man who lives in the desert, eating locust, telling US to prepare the way of the Lord?! Who is he to tell us elite, educated, privileged people this? Of all people, we would have known that! We would have read it in the latest “who’s who” Christian magazine or seen one of those tongue talking, prosperity believing, anointed men of God on TV talking about it. Surely, we of all people would have known, right?

Its hard for us to imagine God would go outside of our boxes we placed him in. If I referred to God with female pronouns from here on out, it would still be too much for some of you. Why? Because it doesn’t fit in with the God in your box. If I said Jesus was black and never showed another picture depicting him as white, some of you would call foul.

I believe it was the same for John the Baptist. The religious leaders at that time couldn’t believe that God would use a crazy man, living in the wilderness, to prepare the way for the Messiah. That idea just didn’t agree with the God they boxed up so neatly.

Its not easy for us when God steps outside our boxes. Some think I am too liberal and “out there” with my religious beliefs. However, I know I am not. I am rather moderate really. I do, however, like to be the opposing voice, even if I don’t believe it. Why? Because I hope by doing so, it will provoke people to think outside the box. I try very hard not to box God in, yet, I often find ways that I have.

Like John the Baptist, I have joined many in the desert. I don’t by any means think of myself reputable or highly esteemed like John but rather I feel him and I have a similar calling, to prepare the way, to show God is too big to fit in anyone’s box.

Many of you have already assumed the message which I believe is coming out of today’s wilderness and already tuned me out. What I am talking about here is not about gay rights. I do not believe it is a call for same-sex marriage or allowing gay couples to adopt. These things may come about when this message is put into action, but it is not the focus here.

I believe the call coming from the wilderness today is to expand our limits. It is a call to love one another with a unconditional love. It is a call to abandon our fears; our fear of not having enough, the fear of being wrong, the fear of hell, the fear of being vulnerable, the fear of silence, the fear of speaking, the fear of being whole. It is a call to take care of others before ourselves. It’s a call that goes against all the social norms and makes us look crazy, but it is our call.

So how have we responded?

We have created non-profits that are profitable. We have justified our prosperity by quoting, “ask and you will receive.” We give after we have had enough. We live like we’re giving but take more than we give. We have become more politically motivated rather than being motivated by love. We demand everyone’s family to look like our own, sometimes, even down to the skin tone. Yet, we forget without love this is all nothing. It is void. It is incomplete.

We forget that one can give without loving, but one can not love without giving. We forget that love makes a family not gender. We forget that God doesn’t live in our boxes and when he steps out of them, we refuse to acknowledge it as anything divine.

John the Baptist may not have looked like us, smelled like us, or had a financial portfolio like some of us. However, the God he served didn’t live in a box like ours.

Let God out of the box. She may surprise you.

-Azariah Southworth

Prophet James Goll says Obama is the Anti-Christ

2009-08-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Popular self-proclaimed Christian website, World Net Daily has top-posted an "exclusive" story, claiming that Jesus prophesied that the name of the anti-Christ would be Barack Obama.

Although James Goll wanted to remain anonymous, his voice is easy to recognize. Compare the voices yourself by watching this video...

Really James? Now you have to make things up? This lie only encourages a fear-based faith.

"I report. You decide." More like, "I provoke. You fear." James, lets stop wasting our time making up these lies and creating fear in people. Instead Mr. Goll, lets spend our limited time on earth loving people with the same love Christ gives us.

The Bible from My Perspective Part II

2009-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

In front of me lies two Bibles.

One being the NIV (New Living Translation) printed in 1996 and the other is worn out and without any marking of which translation it is. However, when you open it, you will find it was a gift from my Grandmother to my Uncle Gene on "June 1956."

I came across this Bible in my parent's home. When I found it, I was immediately interested in how the "Clobber Passages" were worded in this 53-year-old Bible.

When I open my 13-year-old NIV Bible to 1 Corinthians 6:9 this is what it reads, "Don't you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers-none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God."

Gee whiz. After reading that, it seems pretty plain, huh? When Jesus returns, we homosexuals, are in deep s#@t! This modern translation is very specific and it's in the Bible so it must be true.

But let's go back in time to 1956. A time when the word "homosexual" was a scientific term that was put into translation of the Bible for the first time only 3 years prior (1953) and the word itself only existed in the English language for approximately 90 years.

Here is what the 53-year-old Bible I found had to say in 1 Corinthians 6:9, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

Phew! Wait a second homosexuals, I think we may be safe! Maybe God does think we're fine, and its man who has the problem with us. It seems to me the very same verse, from two different Bibles, from two different times, deliver a foggy message.

In 1956, we have a 1 Corinthians 6:9 which uses very broad terms such as, "effeminate" and "abusers of themselves with mankind." Fast forward 53 years later, to a much more organized and politically motivated church, and all of the sudden these broad terms are now very specific. So we're supposed to jump on board and understand that what they meant to say all of these years was, "homosexual." Oh! Of course, now it all makes sense! "Effeminate" and "abusers of themselves with mankind" meant "homosexual" all this time! Right? Or does it?

[Que the buzzard noise for "WRONG ANSWER!"]

So what does effeminate mean?

Effeminate - (of a man or boy) having traits, tastes, habits, etc., traditionally considered feminine, as softness or delicacy.

Soooooo... you're a homosexual if you like to do interior design and now you're going to hell for it? Who decides what is and isn't a "feminine trait?" Culture? You? Me? Who?!

Lastly, what does "abusers of themselves with mankind" mean?

This phrase (or whatever you call it) comes from the Greek word arsenokoites. This is a compound word composed of arsen meaning man in the sense of ‘male adult,’ and koites meaning ‘bed’ (with undertones that suggest having sex). Its meaning is impossible to be specific about (it is not found anywhere else in the Bible and almost nowhere in all Greek literature).

Different Bibles translate it differently such as... ‘pederast,’ ‘child molesters,’ ‘those who are immoral with … boys,’ ‘men who lie with men,’ ‘abusers of themselves with mankind,’ ‘them that defile themselves with mankind,’ ‘men who sin sexually … with other men,’ ‘(sexual) perverts,’ ‘sexually immoral,’ ‘sin against nature,’ ‘sodomites,’ ‘homosexual offenders,’ ‘homosexual perverts,’ ‘homosexuals,’ ‘people … who live as homosexuals,’ ‘people … who have sexual relations with people of the same sex,’ and ‘practicing homosexuals.'

So, what does it really mean? And how has it come to mean homosexual? How has it come to mean that who I am is condemned to hell without hope? What translation can we trust?

These are questions I would like hear your response on. Let me know your thoughts on this.

You are worthy

2009-07-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

When you're alone, are you like me and have moments of beating yourself up for past mistakes, short comings, for things you can't change? It might be something you've done, something you've said to someone, or even just an awkward handshake with whats-his-name. No matter what it is, it makes itself known to you when you're alone, a time when you're able to say aloud to yourself, "You're so stupid! Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!"

I often find myself in moments like this in my car. Today, I found myself in one of those moments. I believe it is our confession of unworthiness that tears us down and does more damage than the actual event we're reminded of. For me, when I'm through calling myself an idiot, I feel a little more at ease but also left feeling like a failure.

One thing God has been teaching me is, I am worthy enough. I am worthy of his love. No matter my past failures, no matter the severity of my shortcomings, despite my inability to comprehend the validity of my worthiness... I am. We all are. We are worthy of his love, grace, and acceptance. And when we confess, "I am worthy," rather than, "I'm an idiot," it begins to build us up and heal our hearts.

Lately, I have replaced, "I'm an idiot," with, "I am worthy." While I was alone today, I was reminded of a past failure, in that moment I began to say aloud, "I am worthy. I am not without shame. I am not without blame. I am not without Christ. I am worthy." After speaking this aloud, I felt encouraged and was able to move beyond that memory of a embarrassing moment with my confidence intact.

I wanted to share this with you, because we all beat ourselves up, and I do it to myself a lot. When you want to beat yourself up, I encourage you to remind yourself of the worth you have in Christ. Remind yourself out loud, "I am worthy."

Jesus demonstrated just how worthy we are by laying down his life. It is because of Christ's sacrifice we can acknowledge our worth and accept the love, grace, and healing he offers you and me every moment.

You are worthy.

Spread love,
Azariah Southworth

60% of gays say faith is important to them

2009-07-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the USA Today came out with this new survey taken by the Barna Group.

• 72% of heterosexual adults say faith is important in their lives, compared to 60% of homosexual adults.

• 85% of heterosexual adults identify themselves as Christians, compared to 70% of gay adults.

• 75% of heterosexuals said their "personal commitment to Jesus Christ" is still important today, compared to 58% of gays and lesbians.

The survey is based on telephone interviews conducted between January 2007 and November 2008 of a total of 9,232 adults. The margin of error for the 8,548 heterosexual adults surveyed ranges from plus or minus 0.2 to 1.0 percentage points. For the 280 homosexuals surveyed, the margin of error is between plus or minus 2.5 and 5.8 percentage points. An additional 404 adults did not identify their sexual orientation.

This is very exciting. I believe God is doing a great work in the LGBT community when it comes to faith. I pray that all peoples faith in Christ will continue to be restored, I hope that I get to be a part of it and see lives transformed including my own.

"We Belong" by Namoli Brennet

2009-06-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

I think this is a beautiful song.

What is a family?

2009-06-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Remember, love makes a family not gender.

Tune In!

2009-06-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

On Air With Tony Sweet, a Gay Faith-based Radio show, will be interviewing the wonderful Rev. Dr. Mel White, Author, Gay Activist, and Co-Founder of the Non-Profit organization SoulForce. Friday June 5, 2009 at 6 to 8pm PST. Tony Sweet and Ann Walker aka LaVonda of the Sordid Lives Series will be hosting. We will play some of the best Gay and Gay friendly music from artists all around the country.

www.LATalkRadio.com

Hilarious Parody!

2009-06-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Walk in our shoes...

2009-06-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Bible from my perspective Part I

2009-06-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

In this first part of my blog series, "The Bible from my perspective" I would like to let you know how I interpret/view the Bible. I believe by laying this as the foundation, it will help you understand how I have come to some conclusions on things.

A question I am always asked is, "Do you believe the Bible to be the infallible word of God?" Yes, I believe the message of the Bible is trustworthy and unfailing in effectiveness. We have seen how effective it has been in our world since its first been shared. We have seen how the hope and love it has to offer has changed countless lives and healed wounded hearts and minds. However, I know the Bible has been in the hands of fallible men for too long and with that comes errors, misinterpretations, and untruths shared from it. That is why we see the unfailing effectiveness of the Bible has also been used for great evil (i.e. Christopher Columbus led a genocide through the Bahamas in the name of Christ, used to oppress women, used to oppress and enslave people of color, now used to oppress gay men and women).

I view the Bible for what it is; a 2,000+ year old book. It is ancient, it is a historic document but it is also alive. When you watch a movie such as, "Pride & Prejudice" you quickly learn the way they communicated a mere 100+ years ago was entirely different from today. I remember as a kid my cousin Freddy who lived in East Sussex, England told me that when you refer to "the boot" in England it meant the trunk of a car. I thought that was the oddest thing because in my small town Orland, Indiana a boot meant exactly that "a boot" something that goes on your feet.

That leads me to the next question I receive often, "Do you interpret the Bible literally?" No, I do not interpret the Bible literally. I interpret the Bible from a historic critical view. If we all practiced how we literally interpret the Bible we would be a bigger mess than we are now. Most of us would be walking around missing one eye and toothless. Most gay men would have been killed a long time ago because they're gay (Leviticus 20:13). Many gay men are killed today in the Middle East because they are gay. When we read the Bible it is important for us to understand the culture, the language, and the way they communicated was completely different from our culture, our language, and the way we communicate today. Just as "a boot" meant the trunk of a car to my cousin Freddy from England, "abomination" has several different meanings, and there are different ways to say it.

Even when we converse with people today we can't take everything they say literally. If we did, we'd take all the sarcastic things people say to heart and walk around offended and hurt all the time. I'm going to take a chance and say that applies to historical documents like the Bible also. We can't take everything in it literally.

This concludes Part I of "The Bible from my perspective." In Part II we will discuss the verses in the Bible which speak of homosexuality. Feel free to leave comments and express your thoughts and beliefs. This is not a space to debate but rather share. So please feel free to share, this is how we learn.

Spread love,

Azariah Southworth

The Bible from my perspective

2009-05-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

I receive a lot of emails from people who are pro and anti-gay asking my interpretation of the Bible. Some of the questions I get are... Do you take the Bible literally? Do you believe the Bible is the infallible word of God? Do you believe God made us gay? If so, does that mean we have no free will? Do you believe in hell?

The list of questions I receive go on. Sadly, I hardly respond to those type of emails because they are not lite questions. They are the kind of emails which require great thought and time. With that said, I usually don't have the patience to respond. However, I don't want to ignore these questions because I know they plague many who are and are not lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). I feel that it would be easier for me and you if I knocked out all your questions in a weekly series of blog post.

Over the next few weeks I will attempt to tackle these questions, the scriptures which speak of homosexuality in the Bible, and more. Please know, I am in no way a expert on philosophy or theology. I can only tell you what I believe in this moment of my journey. It won't be perfect and it won't be comfortable, but I hope you will listen, and maybe we can all learn from sharing.

I will begin this series, "The Bible from my perspective" this coming week.

Spread love,
Azariah Southworth

Ironic? I think not.

2009-05-26T18:56:00.001-07:00

So, I just tried going to the infamous National Organization for Marriage (NOM) website. I wanted to see if they have issued a statement on today's happening with Prop 8. When I typed in www.nationalorganizationformarriage.com it immediately directed me to this website for the KKK bousting, "Bringing a message of hope and deliverance to white Christian America! A message of love NOT hate!" Wow. Really?!!

I can't help but think how ironic it is that it led me to that site.

Christian Professor Ask LGBT People for Forgiveness

2009-05-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

I want to direct you towards an article I just read in The Christian Century magazine. It was written by David P. Gushee who teaches philosophy at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He gives his review of Mitchell Gold's fantastic book, CRISIS. David not only gave the book a good review but states, "Moreover, after reading these stories, I feel that Christians have something they need to request from God and from gays and lesbians, and that is forgiveness."

I believe God wants to bring healing between the LGBT community and the church. But not only healing, God is calling us to grant forgiveness to one another. I hope those who read David's review, especially those in ministry, will "get it" and run with it.

I pray all of us (including myself), will forgive and be open to the healing, which I believe God desires to do in us all.

Here is the link to the article.

Good song...

2009-05-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

Reason # 1,314,816 why I love ELLEN

2009-05-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Anita Bryant of our day?

2009-05-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Then & Now

Your sons and daughters will prophesy...

2009-05-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

A Denver third-grader will be front and center at the Colorado State Capitol Saturday pushing for same sex marriage in the state. Ethan McNamee arranged the rally as an independent class project. He was concerned about the issue after hearing about anti-gay remarks on the playground and then learning about a same sex couple in his neighborhood that couldn't get married. "Everybody is different in a good way," he said. Ethan believes that if two people love each other that is the only issue to be considered. Ethan took it upon himself to arrange the rally and line up the guest speakers. He admitted it was more work then he thought it would be, but adds it was fun. Administrators at Montclair Elementary have been sensitive to the controversial issue. Parents were notified about Ethan's project and only students who wanted to get involved participated. A handful of kids helped Ethan make signs on Friday afternoon.

Ethan has already lined up speakers from The GLBT Community Center of Colorado, PFLAG and other organizations, and can rattle them off when asked. He's contacted Mayor John Hickenlooper -- he can't be there -- and Senator Michael Bennet, who Ethan thinks is trying to give him the runaround. "I e-mailed him tons of times. I called him a couple times. I confronted him personally," Ethan says, sounding exasperated. "He never gave me a straight answer."

I'm coming to Louisville!

2009-05-16T11:03:00.001-07:00

It is official, I am coming to Kentucky! June 20th - Kentuckiana Pride. I have the great honor of opening the ceremonies. If you are in the area, please come see me. I want to thank the Inter Faith Circle for allowing me this opportunity.

Click HERE for more information on this event!

Feed the homeless

2009-05-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

FEED THE HOMELESS, for free.

this week Kentucky Fried Chicken is giving away free meals with the coupon you can find here:

www.unthinkfc.com

you can help feed the homeless in your community by printing this free coupon out (good for a whole meal!)and distributing it to anyone you see that looks like they need a free meal. be a blessing to those less fortunate.

AND giving away a free meal opens up a door to some great conversations and starting friendships!

Russia is watching still!

2009-04-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, as soon as I came out last April my TV show, The Remix, was immediately pulled from all the Christian networks it aired on. However, yesterday I received this friend request from a girl in Russia. She says that she watches my show. I don't know how.

(click on it to enlarge)

Blow Mighty Breath of God

2009-04-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

I can't stop listening to this song, "Blow Mighty Breath of God" sung by Chris McClarney from Grace Center Church. I LOVE it!!! You can listen to it at myspace.com/gracecenter

This song is calming, simple, and powerful. I hope you'll listen to it and be refreshed. :)

What I'm reading...

2009-04-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here are two excellent books I'm currently reading.

- "Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality" by John Boswell

- "Mere Christianity" - C.S. Lewis

My walk in Centennial Park

2009-04-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

Centennial Park is a beautiful part of Nashville everyone should visit. I love taking a nice little stroll on a beautiful day like I did yesterday.

Here are some pictures from my walk there...

Someone to watch...

2009-04-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce you to Jonathan Merritt. I have recently discovered him via USA Today and The Advocate.

Jonathan is a writer and someone that I hope to connect with and have dialogue with in the near future.

Here is something I pulled from his interview with The Advocate...

"My generation will not fight to preserve the platform for traditional marriage that our predecessors have fought for,” the 26-year-old says. “Older evangelicals are so stubborn and unable to compromise or reach out a hand. And they’re in danger of losing their legacy.”

More of his work can be found on his blog at... www.jonathanmerritt.blogspot.com

Gay lifestyle?

2009-04-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

I hope what I am about to share will provoke thought and conversations about something I've been thinking about for a while.

I will start it with a question... Is being gay a lifestyle?

My opinion is that it is not. To me, a lifestyle is something that is practiced and cultivated into your life. Being gay is something that is inherent and not cultivated. For example, Christianity. To be a Christian is a lifestyle choice. It is a culture and practice that you cultivate into your life (i.e. bible studies, church services, religious holidays, etc).

I do believe there is a gay culture lifestyle (i.e. going to gay bars/clubs, gay activism, etc.). This is the lifestyle, however, being gay is not a lifestyle. I hope this makes sense.

My friend Tim and I were having this conversation last night. It started because he referred to himself as, "living a gay lifestyle." When he said this I had to ask him what that meant.

I believe it is important for us as LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allies) people to stop using the term "gay lifestyle" when referring to ourselves. It feeds our adversaries idea that who we are inherently is something that is a choice. We know better than anyone else that is an absolute lie.

Anyways, this is something I've been thinking about and wanted to put it out there for you. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment!

Protect All or Protect None

2009-04-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Back in Nasvhille!

2009-04-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am back in Nashville for a few days and eating my favorite sandwich in town!

The "Turkey Rockefeller" at Cafe Coco. After one bite, this sandwich is the only reason you need to come to Nashville.

Enough chatter and back to finishing the amazing goodness!

Monday Music Madness

2009-04-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

This week I want to share an artist with you that I love... Ray Lamontagne. This picture is the cover of his latest work, "Gossip in the grain."

My two favorite songs are... "Trouble" (off of his album 'Trouble') and "Let it be me" (off of Gossip in the grain)

Get his music now. You won't regret it.

Favorite quote...

2009-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

"I am not saying to Christian conservatives, ‘There is no place for you,’ I am saying, ‘Please stop saying there is no place for us.’" - Former Republican Governor of New Jersey, Christine Whitman

You better step

2009-04-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

If you think I talk about LGBT issues too much... than this isn't the blog for you.

So step!

Are you listening to Adam Lambert?

2009-04-17T17:20:00.001-07:00

Meet a hero...

2009-04-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

This is Ronnie McNutt and someone you need to take note of. Why? Because he is a hero.

I met Ronnie while I was on the 2008 Equality Ride. While on the Equality Ride we visited 15 mostly faith-based Universities and Colleges throughout the South. Ronnie's school, Heritage Christian University, was one of our 15 stops.

Last night was the first time I spoke with Ronnie since I met him. In our conversation he told me he use to watch my TV show The Remix before it was canceled because I 'came out.' This however is not why he is a hero. It does take a trooper to watch a whole episode of my show, but that is beside my point. lol.

Ronnie was the only person from HCU that even spoke to us. He took a great risk by doing that and because he took that risk he reaped the consequences of it. Ronnie was expelled from his University. He was expelled for talking with me and other Equality Riders. Expelled for talking. Expelled. Can you believe that?!

If that wasn't enough, after being expelled Ronnie came out of the closet. He identifies as bisexual and I am so proud of him. He now attends Mississippi State University.

Add Ronnie on Facebook and send him some love and encouragement!

What I'm doing right now... Day of Silence

2009-04-17T11:00:00.001-07:00

Today Carl Walker-Hoover would have turned 12-years-old. However, Carl hung himself last Monday with a extension cord due to extreme bullying at school. Carl was called "gay" "faggot" and more constantly everyday until he couldn't take it anymore. While his mother cooked dinner, Carl wrote his last note explaining why he did this and that he loved his mother.

Now Carl has been silenced forever because of homophobic bullying. When will enough be enough? Today, I remain silent in honor of Carl and the thousands of others who have taken their lives. I encourage you to do the same. When you break your silence begin to educate those around you so the hate will end someday.

If you need a friend to talk to please call, The Trevor Project, at 1-866-4-U-Trevor. The number is toll free and confidential. You're valued and loved as you are. May the silence begin.

What if God was one of us?

2009-04-16T12:51:00.001-07:00

The majority of my readers are white. Because of that I want to pose this question to you. If your church changed all their pictures of a white Jesus to a Jesus who is a person of color, would you still be able to relate to Jesus and your church?

I ask this because its something I wonder about. What does a person of color feel like when they see pictures of Jesus as a blonde hair, blue eyed, white man? Can they relate to him?

I encourage churches to display pictures of Jesus as a person of all race and colors.

Are we a Christian Nation?

2009-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

By now we all should have seen the cover of Newsweek
which declared, "The Decline and Fall of Christian America."

Evidently this guy in the picture didn't. This picture was taken from one of the many Tea Bag protest yesterday. When I spoke to protesters in my area I asked, "So are you guys protesting Obama's spending?" They're response, "No! All the of the government and their spending." However, I have yet to see a button or sign that says, "Bush is a socialist."

More than that, what does America being a "Christian nation" have to do with big government spending? Lets go even further and ask, "What is a Christian nation?" What does that even look like? Does Jesus still have to be white for it to qualify as a 'Christian Nation?'

Is another victory near?

2009-04-15T13:29:00.001-07:00

Will we see another victory for marriage equality soon? Some think so.

States to watch...

- Illinois
- New Hampshire
- Nevada

How many lives will it take America?

2009-04-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

How many must die until the harassment we face as LGBT people will no longer be tolerated? Last week 11 year-old, Carl Walker-Hoover, hung himself with an electrical cord because of homophobic bullying. Learn more about Carl's story by watching this video...

After watching this video, what will/can you do to end discrimination and bullying?