oliviameeks

MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING AFFIRMING

I recently shared some ideas of how I thought affirming Christians could be stronger allies to the LGBTQ+ community, one being more vocal about their journey to becoming affirming. I think many of us who grew up in Church communities didn’t grow up in an affirming environment and I am no exception. After I sharedContinue reading “MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING AFFIRMING”

3 WAYS AFFIRMING CHRISTIANS CAN BE STRONGER ALLIES TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

Allies, I love you. I love your heart to make the world a safer place for me, for people like me, and people so very different from me. I admire your empathy that comes from such a genuine place when it feels like we have little in common. I don’t think you’re individually falling short.Continue reading “3 WAYS AFFIRMING CHRISTIANS CAN BE STRONGER ALLIES TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY”

3 harmful things I wish Christians would stop doing towards the LGBTQ+ community

It’s taken me many years to say that I identify as a queer Christian. For years, I didn’t know that could exist. And even the word “Christian” still isn’t quite settled. Will people think I go to church every week? Will people think I’m judging them? Will people not like me because I identify withContinue reading “3 harmful things I wish Christians would stop doing towards the LGBTQ+ community”

6 WAYS TO AUTHENTICALLY SHOW UP IN PRIDE MONTH*

*No rainbows or bright makeup required Rainbows aren’t really my thing. I have a rainbow flag I keep in my classroom and I have one rainbow shirt I wore to Austin Pride in 2019 (but even so, it’s ombre and pastel colors so I’m not sure it counts). Being out doesn’t always mean being loud.Continue reading “6 WAYS TO AUTHENTICALLY SHOW UP IN PRIDE MONTH*”

IF PRIDE MONTH IS COMPLICATED FOR YOU

Happy June, friends. I’m fully into summer mode, which for this teacher means time-off from school and time-on for writing and creating. And, since it’s June, that means it’s Pride month! I wrote last year about my first-ever Pride parade and how meaningful it was. I still think about that marching band probably on aContinue reading “IF PRIDE MONTH IS COMPLICATED FOR YOU”

TO THE CHRISTIAN PARENTS WHOSE CHILD JUST CAME OUT

Dear Parent, I imagine you are feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions: confusion, worry, fear, and maybe even regret. Please let me speak to those and may these words land on open hearts. If you’re confused and worried you’ve done something wrong, please drop that narrative as soon as you can. It’s allowing your child’sContinue reading “TO THE CHRISTIAN PARENTS WHOSE CHILD JUST CAME OUT”

IT’S NOT JUST NOW

I started collecting clocks in college. It’s the first thing I look for when in a new antique store and I even have a tattoo of one. There is a clock in every room of my house, including bathrooms and patios. When I was updating my patio last spring as my quarantine project and sendingContinue reading “IT’S NOT JUST NOW”

WHEN TIME GIVES BACK

Last week I shared about how giving time to those you love when you come out is a tricky dance. You have to respect their insecurities and your own vulnerability. Read it here. Olivia and I moved to Austin, Texas in July 2019. One of my sisters and her husband already lived within an hourContinue reading “WHEN TIME GIVES BACK”

“GIVE THEM TIME”

I’ve had a few more requests for coming out advice in recent weeks, and I’m noticing one thing I’m saying over and over again: Give them time. I had to give my parents time. I came out to my mom and didn’t immediately tell her I had a girlfriend. After a few weeks when IContinue reading ““GIVE THEM TIME””

5 REFLECTIONS FROM A GAY TEACHER

I’ve taught in the classroom for two years and taught dance for five years before that. I fought this part of my identity for much of my growing up, not wanting to be just like my mom and my sister who were both educators. Now look at me – loving being in the classroom andContinue reading “5 REFLECTIONS FROM A GAY TEACHER”