LGBTQ+ – Olivia Meeks

LOVING YOUR LGBTQ+ CHILD

I get asked this question pretty frequently:How do I best support my child after they’ve come out to me? And I love it. It shows they want to be intentional with their support, graceful with their words, and purposeful with their actions. Way to go, Mama. I just tend to think that they already know. Continue reading “LOVING YOUR LGBTQ+ CHILD”

COMING OUT AT WORK

When I moved from my very comfortable and liberal workplace in North Carolina to teach in Texas, I wasn’t sure what coming out would be like. Here are the steps I took and they could be helpful for others, too. I’ll be sharing what it was like after having found a position, but here isContinue reading “COMING OUT AT WORK”

5 WAYS CHURCHES CAN BE KINDER TO LGBTQ+

My wife and I moved to Austin two years ago and we’re only just now starting to look for a church. There are key marks the church has to hit for me to want to walk through those doors. Here is my list of what I wish all affirming churches were mindful of. Affirm, notContinue reading “5 WAYS CHURCHES CAN BE KINDER TO LGBTQ+”

A SEAT-SAVER’S STORY: BETH RICHARDSON

We need affirming allies to share their stories of how they came to that space, right? That’s what I’ve said over and over and last week I shared my journey. Then what? Do I hope that more will follow after I place my words at their feet, or maybe I build a space for thoseContinue reading “A SEAT-SAVER’S STORY: BETH RICHARDSON”

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*”

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”