Confessions From The Closet

God Never Stops Pursuing Us // Fully Accepting Who God Made Me

Fri, 13 May 2022 18:18:35 +0000

God Never Stops Pursuing Us, I finally became thankful God made me gay.

God can find us in the darkest places, consistently and constantly in pursuit of us. Doug's story is such a testament to that truth. No matter how far we may try to run from who He created us to be God will be there with open arms, love, and acceptance. I was so thankful for getting to hear Doug's story and am so excited to share it. After trying for years to be straight, trying conversion therapy to finally accepting and being thankful for who God made him to be. What a powerful story.

Transphobia in the Church…is this Loving Your Neighbor?

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:04:40 +0000

Being transphobic is gross and not loving like Jesus. Being transphobic, or homophobic in the name of Jesus or your faith, is this truly loving your neighbor? How can we do better and love better?

This week we talk about the transphobic and homophobic posts we have been seeing from people who say they Love and follow Jesus. We go in debth on why their posts are not only hateful but very ignorant.

Love Through Your Actions They speak Louder Than Words

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 17:50:51 +0000

Love Through Your Actions, not your words. Have you heard the saying, actions speak louder than words? Saying you love and accept someone and then going and posting negatively against that persons people group. That is all words, loving through your actions, that's where healing begins.

This weeks episode is all about loving through your actions, putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Building strong lasting friendship in spite of differences. Walking through trauma and growing on the other side of it.

How Did A Worship Leader & Lesbian Become Friends?

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:43:08 +0000

How Did the worship leader and lesbian become friends? How can Christians and LGBTQ people have friendships and do life together? Honestly it's not as hard or complicated as people make it.

In this Episode my friend Kathryn who also happens to be the Worship Leader at our church and I sit down and discuss how our friendship grew and how she felt when I told her God made me gay.

To check out Kathryn's full song featured in the beginning of this episode check out this link:

https://youtu.be/l7WFzjaw5zg

Trauma After Loss // How Do I Move Forward?

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 23:28:29 +0000

Trauma after loss is such a scary place to be. Epsecially if you aren't even aware that the trauma is the thing triggering you and making you scared. How do I move on when I'm so scared?? Why do I keep having these anxiety attacks? Trauma is hard and it helps to be aware of how the trauma is triggering you.

As we start up the podcast again we discuss how recent losses have impacted Leticia and cause a lot of anxietyand trauma triggers. How she is working through these triggers and dealing with the pain that comes with loss.

8 Years Of Marriage What We’ve Learned

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:05:03 +0000

Last week we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary oh man the things we have learned. Being a lesbian couple there was no marriage to look up to or strive for when we got married, so we had to figure it out on our own along the way. Who did you look to or learn from to help your relationships thrive?

We apologize for some of the audio issues in this episodes, we had a lot of issues with our audio and tried to clean it up as best we could. Thank you for your patience.

Vulnerability. Why Do People Not Understand The Damage That Has Been Done?

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 21:37:07 +0000

Today's episode is a vulnerable one. After seeing yet another youth retreat pushing and "ex-gay" testimony onto 3300 youth recently Leticia opens up about how this narrative makes her feel. With all the statistics and mental health what are we as a church learning? Have we grown at all, why are we so afraid to let the "I'm gay, love Jesus, and in a same sex healthy marriage" testimony be shared along side the "I'm choosing a life of celibacy" story. Why not both what is the fear?

This week Dancing With The Stars Season 30 Finale happened and we share why JoJo and Jenna's partnership and final dance was so IMPORTANT and impactful on us.

Falling In Love For The First Time

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 19:57:13 +0000

Do you remember falling in love for the first time? What age were you the first time it happened? Falling in love for the first time is awesome, but what if you don't experience that until you are well into your 20s? For a lot of LGBTQ members, this is their story, in fact, it is Leticia and Maris.

After Jojo who we have been faithfully following on DWTS recently commented on her first love and recent break up it made Leticia want to talk about how it was finally understanding what all the fuss was about at 24 years old.

Have you ever thought about how you would respond if your kids came out to you? What is the language you use in your home to help your kids understand that being LGBTQ does not make someone a bad person?

Why Is Coming Out Still So Important?

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 21:04:11 +0000

Today we discuss why coming out is still so important? Why is it so vital for pro athletes and celebrities to continue to come out, not only come out but also be out and proud in and on the platform they have.

After receiving some negative comments on an older episode Mari & Leticia dive back into the topic of the episode and how to deal with negativity. Can you be gay and catholic, or rather can you be gay and loved by God? Are we too made in the image of Christ as openly Gay married women?

FCA Friends Come Out To Each Other // Finding Happiness & Love

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:05:20 +0000

In today's episode Leticia sat down with her friend from Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) who she met over 12 years ago. Leticia was a counselor and Ashlee was a camper, they made a connection and years later came out to each other. Today they catch up and re-live those moments of coming out to each other. The fear Leticia felt, and the bond that happened through that moment.

What was it like processing coming out and being loved by God, how to be more supportive when a friend comes out and so much more.

Why National Coming Out Day?

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:16:49 +0000

Last Monday was National Coming Out Day. Why do we have a National Coming Out Day? Why do we feel the need to come out? Why can’t we “keep it to ourselves” these are all topics discussed on today’s episode.

Why LGBT People in TV Will NOT Turn Kids Gay

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 17:00:29 +0000

Why LGBT People in TV Will NOT Turn Kids Gay.

It's official Dancing With The Stars made show history this week with their first ever same-sex duo and I couldn't be more happy. Growing up knowing I was gay I wish I would have seen characters that looked and loved like me on tv and media. But that wasn't the case, how much self-hatred, isolation and depression would that have saved me from?

Here we are in 2021 and finally we have more and more representation in television and conservative Christians are now crying "grooming". Lord Jesus help us all. Listen in to this weeks episode to understand why this is NOT grooming your children to be gay.

When Grief Rocks Your Faith // You Are Not Alone

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Grief is a sneaky thing and you are not alone. How do you deal with or process grief? Do you self isolate, gather with friends, are you questioning your faith? There are so many sides to grief and I'm here to say there is no shame in feeling out all the areas to find yourself in all the pain.

If you have been listening and keeping up with the show you know my wife Mari and I have had a rough couple months. After losing our pastor suddenly and tragically in July, this last week we lost another close friend who was like family.

She also was a big part of our church and our friend circle. This one has rocked us to our core and made us both step back and question a lot of things. What do we believe, what in the world is going on, are we truly living this life the way we want to?

This week we dive into those questions and share how we are trying to cope, process and honor our lost loved ones through our pain. Whether you are going through loss from death or loss from loss of relationship there can be trauma in both and we have to leave ourselves space to process and grow through these moments.

Coming Out Shouldn’t Be So Hard

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:00:00 +0000

Coming out shouldn’t be so hard. This week Leticia sat down with Jordan and Hayleigh, fiancés and co-founders of the Proud Love Collective an "online community that exists to help LGBTQIA+ christians safely navigate the coming out process." Raised by Evangelical Pastors in the south, reconciliation between their sexuality and their faith was a journey they traveled together and are now helping others navigate through their journey and experiences.

20 Questions For Lesbians Couples Date Night

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 15:13:51 +0000

This weeks episode Leticia found 20 questions for lesbian couples found here and she and her wife Mari take turns answering each question.

Coming Out in An Evangelical Family // FCA

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 21:05:03 +0000

Coming out; what a crazy, beautiful scary thing. When Leticia read her friends coming out story on social media last January she knew she had to have her on the podcast.

A few excerpts from today's guest Erica Hairistons' coming out post.

"I've known I am gay for a very, very long time, but knowing and accepting something are different matters entirely. Burying the truth suffocated me, trapping me in a pit of despair, pain, and isolation I wasn't sure I had the strength to escape until I did, and if my story of coming out of that grave can help even one of you do the same, whatever your grave may be, then it will be worth sharing. "

It has been said from the beginning on this podcast, we all of a closet of some sort, and in our vulnerability and sharing our stories we are liberating and giving other's the permission to come out of the darkness and find their true authentic free selves.

Books Mentioned in Episode

Walking The Bridgeless Canyon : https://amzn.to/3lTrIQG

God and The Gay Christian : https://amzn.to/2VHUk4N

Gay Girl, Good God: https://amzn.to/3yVLwXr

Torn: https://amzn.to/3iIivZC

Untamed: https://amzn.to/3yOKJHK

Video's Referenced:

Pastor Daryl Roach full sermon "God's Perspective On Love: https://youtu.be/zV-go-VH0Eg

Lifeboats: https://youtu.be/7nsK2ANmy5k

Can You Pray Away The Gay?

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 20:12:49 +0000

Have you ever thought or asked the question "well have you tried to pray being LGBTQ away?"

On this weeks episode Mari & Leticia sit down and discuss the new Netflix documentary Pray Away, where former leaders of the "pray the gay away" movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma.

They discuss their pasts and how they tried to pray it away for over a decade to no avail. This concept and belief is so damaging and taking so many lives, it needs to end and the healing process must begin.

Belonging vs Fitting In Which Are You?

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Belonging vs Fitting In which one are you doing?

Leticia & Mari sit down and discuss this and it all stemmed from a line in a book Leticia is currently reading called "Outlove, A Queer Christian Survival Story" link here https://amzn.to/3ldu6Bl

This one part stuck out to Leticia where the author is discussing and article she read. "It was about tokenism and feeling pressure to be perfect around straight Christians, as if they're always watching and making judgements about the whole LGBTQ community based on her every move."

Brene Brown said, "As it turns out, men and women who have the deepest sense of true belonging are people who also have the courage to stand alone when called to do that. They are willing to maintain their integrity and risk disconnection in order to stand up for what they believe in,"

We live in a world where we have been programmed to not stand out and to fit in and be like everyone else. This is not only sad but hurting us, we are all made so uniquely different with a vast array of colors that we were never meant to all look the same. Life would be so much more beautiful if we walked in our truest self and callings. So which are you doing, belonging or fitting in?

How to Support Someone Going Through Depression

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Have you ever had someone close to you go through depression and you’re not sure how to love them? In today's episode Leticia & her wife Mari discuss ways that Mari has helped support Leticia when she starts going through her depression. Leticia also shares part of her early journey with depression, and suicide ideations how she got help and was has helped her the last 13 years.

They also discuss the reasons behind their 2 weeks break.

Products Mentioned:

Taurine: https://amzn.to/3iyPspX

5 HTP: https://amzn.to/370cSip

Untamed: https://amzn.to/2W0mjfC

Anxiocalm: https://amzn.to/3zuBQTD

Disclaimer:

Leticia & Mari do not claim to be medical professionals and are simply sharing their personal experience and advice. A small commission may be made if you follow the product links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.

The Cross In The Closet

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 15:22:55 +0000

If you have been listening to Confessions From The Closet you know Leticia has talked about the book The Cross In The Closet almost weekly. This book changed her life and helped her on the road to loving herself as she navigated being gay and christian.

This week Leticia had the privilege to sit down with the author of The Cross In The Closet and let him share his story.

Timothy Kurek, raised within the confines of a strict, conservative Christian denomination in the Bible Belt, Nashville, Tennessee, was taught the gospel of separation from a young age. But it wasn’t long before Timothy’s path and the outside world converged when a friend came out as a lesbian, and revealed she had been excommunicated by her family.

Distraught and overcome with questions and doubts about his religious upbringing, Timothy decided the only way to empathize and understand her pain was to walk in the shoes of very people he had been taught to shun. He decided to come out as a gay man to everyone in his life, and to see for himself how the label of gay would impact his life.

In the tradition of Black Like Me, The Cross in the Closet is a story about people, a story about faith, and about one man’s “abominable” quest to find Jesus in the margins.

Loving Your LGBT Kids Is Not Grooming // Creating A Safe Place // Made in Gods Image

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:39:39 +0000

Have you heard the latest "Christian Purity Culture" talk? Allowing pronouns to be talked about and used, LGBT media and movies to be seen and all the pride gear in target now is "grooming" our children to become gay? WAIT WHAT?!?

Leticia and Mari sit down this week and discuss how this thought is completely inaccurate after all straight culture couldn't groom either of them to be straight so how can the opposite be true? After a week vacation in Austin and hearing some amazing stories of young children being brave enough and having a safe space with their parents to come out Leticia & Mari were inspired to say the least.

The question was asked of Leticia "as a Christian and podcaster how do you feel about people being born Trans?" Leticia and Mari discuss this and what they believe. Are we all created in Gods' image?

How Do We Handle Homophobia During Pride Month?

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000

It’s Pride Month and with that comes all the rainbow flags and coming out stories, it is a season of bravery, courage and celebration. But it seems the homophobia comes out even more during this month as well.

Have you found yourself dealing with this same situation this month? Is your newsfeed filled with a combination of both pride and hate?

This week Leticia and Mari sit down and discuss how they were both suddenly faced with tons of hurtful situations. After 20 years and 9 years being out of the closet it’s still hurts.

If you know someone who can resonate with this episode please help us get the word out and share.

Coming Out Trans In A Evangelical Family // Healing From Religious Trauma & Finding Faith

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000

When did you know you were different? How old were you when you knew you were, gay, transgender, shall be so bold to say STRAIGHT? Liam knew at 5 years old that he was a boy but he did not have the words to describe what he felt. Growing up in an Evangelical family didn't help his situation, sitting in church hearing how being gay was so wrong. How do you have faith and choose who you are at the same time? An option LGBTQ people aren't often given but Liam is breaking the boxes we have been given and helping prove otherwise.

On today's episode you will hear about and see what religious trauma can do to a person's faith and life, you will also see the goodness of God chasing after his children.

Books recommendations by Liam:

Once A Girl, Always A Boy : https://amzn.to/34IsZQH

Love Lives Here : https://amzn.to/2S64w5a

Before I Had The Words : https://amzn.to/2TF9Sov

Sorted : https://amzn.to/3vNIMcJ

Can I Be Gay & Catholic? One Person's Story is Not Everyones'

Thu, 27 May 2021 13:30:00 +0000

Can I be gay and Catholic? Have you ever asked yourself or even googled this question? After seeing a video titled "Can You Be Gay & Catholic" last week Leticia & Mari to once again touch on this sensitive subject.

Continuing to see people in the religious world share LGBT "conversion" stories & how they feel if one person did it why can't the entirety of LGBT people do the same it is not only toxic but very harmful. Leticia & Mari dive into this topic and how this type of thing can continue to drive more and more people away from God. One person's decision to daily "pray away the gay" for life is not every LGBT person's story.

A Christian Mother’s Journey To Loving & Embracing Her Trans Kid

Thu, 20 May 2021 13:37:22 +0000

Today’s episode will is a definite tear jerker, Leticia is joined by Janna aka @jannatransmomma on TikTok. Janna is a very vocal LGBT emphasis on the “T” Jesus loving Ally and has gone viral on TikTok showing her love and support for her son Cody. As you will quickly find out her journey didn’t start this way.

Was The Word Homosexual Ever Really Mentioned In The Bible?? // 1946 Movie How A Mistranslation Shifted Culture

Fri, 14 May 2021 13:54:11 +0000

Was The Word Homosexual Ever Really Mentioned In The Bible?? In today's episode Leticia sits down with the Director & Creator of the upcoming documentary 1946 Movie The Mistranslation That Shifted a Culture. They not only discuss the film and how they have discovered evidence that the word Homosexual was never meant to be put in the Bible and we also get to learn about Rocky. What was it like growing up knowing you are a Lesbian and being a Pastor's Kid?

To Learn More About 1946 Film

1946 Extended Trailer: https://youtu.be/EBYDBzLhI2c

1946 Trailer: https://youtu.be/sjL_1TX71yo

Books Mentioned:

Walking The Bridgeless Canyon Repairing The Breach Between The Church & LGBT Community :https://amzn.to/3boYXoI

Included In Christ: https: //amzn.to/3tGQ3cE

God & The Gay Christian: https://amzn.to/3tGQ3cE

The Cross In the Closet: https://amzn.to/3tGQ3cE

Love Ellen: https://amzn.to/3hqT2U7

The Shame That Comes With Coming Out // How To Overcome // LGBTQ

Thu, 06 May 2021 15:00:00 +0000

In today's Episode Leticia sits down with now regular guest and possibly cohost her wife Mariaelena to discuss a touchy topic of SHAME in the LGBT community. Where did it start where did it come from and an honest dive into how do we fix it for future generations. Leticia gets super vulnerable and discusses a moment that happened on their recent vacation and how it brought up shame and trauma she didn't even know still existed. Have you felt trauma from the church and how are you dealing with it today? Leticia and Mari want to know your story!! Be sure to comment and share below, what shame are you carrying today?

DISCLAIMER: Leticia is not a Doctor and is not claiming to be, she is only sharing her journey and what helped her find a healthy relationship with her mental health.

ANTI ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SUPPLEMENTS Mentioned:

Anxiocalm: https://amzn.to/3d2kfsh

Taurine: https://amzn.to/3reYuL7

Prenatal Vitamins: https://amzn.to/2PpWIt6

5 HTP: https://amzn.to/2NPD61o

Resources that have helped me on my journey of reconciling my Faith and being LGBTQ:

A Letter to Louise https://godmademegay.weebly.com/the-l...

For the Bible Tells Me So Documentary https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/for-t...

Cross In The Closet Book: https://amzn.to/3kcf2kS

God and The Gay Christian: https://amzn.to/3soTapz

Love Ellen (Book I bought my mom to read) https://amzn.to/3dAbO9x

Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain: https://amzn.to/37G5WrL

Untamed: https://amzn.to/3btxotU

Equipment I use:

Shure Mic 58: https://amzn.to/3tJbEC5

Iphone 12 Pro (video) https://amzn.to/32GmIEe

iPad Pro (editing) : https://amzn.to/3sNfadw

Zoom H4N (audio): https://amzn.to/3ewxhiu

I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below, at no extra cost to you, thank you for supporting my channel through using these quick links.

My friends Chad & Joy Connor preach on Obedience and Sacrifice: https://youtu.be/CHg4SRamDJw

Pastor Daryls Sermon on Salvation is Free:

https://youtu.be/H_2Vtd2MixA

LGBTQ

Finding Home While Feeling Like You Don’t Fit // Growing Up Knowing You’re Different

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 22:34:57 +0000

In today’s episode Leticia sits down with her friend Matt Lopez to discuss his story. Growing up with 3 moms, and how that felt as a child, knowing he was different and finding his happy despite it all.

Coming Out Christian And Rediscovering Your Purpose // FCA // LGBTQ

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 19:10:34 +0000

On this weeks episode Leticia sits down with her wife Mari and the tables have turned. Mari interviews Leticia all about her coming out story, serving in and losing FCA before and after coming out. They discuss what the heart and would behind starting this podcast was and is and so much more.

Growing Up Transgender In a World of Straight // LGBTQ

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:55:00 +0000

In this episode of Confessions From The Closet, Leticia is joined by her good friend and hairstylist Victoria to discuss growing up in a world knowing your body didn’t match your heart. School yard bullies, and being true to yourself in a world that wasn’t ready and is still in 2021 trying to catch up.

DISCLAIMER: Leticia is not a Doctor and is not claiming to be, she is only sharing her journey and what helped her find a healthy relationship with her mental health.

ANTI ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SUPPLEMENTS Mentioned:

Anxiocalm: https://amzn.to/3d2kfsh

Taurine: https://amzn.to/3reYuL7

Prenatal Vitamins: https://amzn.to/2PpWIt6

5 HTP: https://amzn.to/2NPD61o

Resources that have helped me on my journey of reconciling my Faith and being LGBTQ:

A Letter to Louise https://godmademegay.weebly.com/the-l...

For the Bible Tells Me So Documentary https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/for-t...

Cross In The Closet Book: https://amzn.to/3kcf2kS

God and The Gay Christian: https://amzn.to/3soTapz

Love Ellen (Book I bought my mom to read) https://amzn.to/3dAbO9x

Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain: https://amzn.to/37G5WrL

Untamed: https://amzn.to/3btxotU

I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below, at no extra cost to you.

LGBTQ

Church, We Must Do Better, Loving Like Jesus Did

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 21:14:46 +0000

In today’s Episode Leticia & her Wife Mari discuss the controversial drama surrounding Lil Nas X, the “satan shoes” and all the backlash coming for him. As members of the LGBTQ community and Christ Followers they dive deep into how this is a big moment that the church has an opportunity to get it right this time, after so many years of casting out this community from Gods love. It’s an emotional episode for sure.

Striving for Perfection And The Downfall Into Depression

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode Leticia talks about her journey of striving for perfection as a gay christian and how it has lead her down roads to depression and anxiety. Trying to be perfect only leads to trying to control everything. She also discusses her journey with both suicidal depression and post parted anxiety and remedies that helped her overcome both.

DISCLAIMER: Leticia is not a Doctor and is not claiming to be, she is only sharing her journey and what helped her find a healthy relationship with her mental health.

ANTI ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SUPPLEMENTS Mentioned:

Anxiocalm: https://amzn.to/3d2kfsh

Taurine: https://amzn.to/3reYuL7

Prenatal Vitamins: https://amzn.to/2PpWIt6

5 HTP: https://amzn.to/2NPD61o

Resources that have helped me on my journey of reconciling my Faith and being LGBTQ:

A Letter to Louise https://godmademegay.weebly.com/the-l...

For the Bible Tells Me So Documentary https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/for-t...

Cross In The Closet Book: https://amzn.to/3kcf2kS

God and The Gay Christian: https://amzn.to/3soTapz

Love Ellen (Book I bought my mom to read) https://amzn.to/3dAbO9x

Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain: https://amzn.to/37G5WrL

Untamed: https://amzn.to/3btxotU

I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below, at no extra cost to you.

Coming out in a Catholic Family 20 Years Later

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode Leticia sits down with her wife Mari to cover topics from Mari coming out to how they met and struggles they face today. Coming out in a strict Catholic family was not the easiest journey and still has it’s battles 20 years later. They discuss a TikTok video that went viral and what they would do if faced with the same situation.

Walk of Shame; The Power of Letting go of Control

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 16:10:03 +0000

In this episode Leticia sits down with her friend Jennifer to talk about a different kind of walk of shame and how God's grace can undo all that shame and weight we carry when we believe we aren't qualified. When we choose to surrender and trust that God is calling us to step forward in faith He is always there to catch us and support us. They share their story of how two people from different walks of life came together and their lives changed.

Jennifer's Favorite Worship Song: Worthy of It All (Chandler Moore) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AIAPL_V4xU

A Christian Mother’s Journey

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 16:39:00 +0000

On today’s episode Leticia is joined by her mother Patricia Garcia to dive deep into their journey of Leticia coming out to her. We often times hear about the LGBTQ+ Person’s journey of coming out, but seldom do we hear the parents side. Patricia experienced her own struggles and challenges as a Christian parent who had to come out as well along side her daughter. Listen as they share their experience on this journey together.

We all have a closet, what’s yours?

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:44:47 +0000

In this episode, Leticia discusses why she’s starting confessions from the closet and the meaning behind the name. With years of following the Holy Spirit as new doors open She’s ready to start sharing her story along with the stories of others she’s crossed path with.

Welcome to Confessions From The Closet.