'I Can't Be Gay Because I'm Christian...' - with Dr Luke Wilson
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We seem to have, in the last few months, had a lot of religious guests, and through that we've had a lot of conversations about how religiosity can be in direct conflict with queerness, and all the issues that that can create. But what we haven't really talked about are the similarities between religion and queerness. And, to be fair, there probably aren't that many, but what stuck out for me in this week's conversation is that they both offer community and the promise of belonging. And that might not have specifically been what this week's guest, Dr Luke Wilson, was seeking in either, but that's what stood out for me in this conversation. Luke was an Evangelical Christian in his teens and 20s, and though that provided certainty in some aspects of his life, it also threw up a whole host of questions and points of conflict for him. And, it was at an unknown gay bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico (where he happened to be visiting for a conference) that he got a proper peek at what it might mean if he left religion behind and embraced his queerness. Find out more in this week's episode.

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Support me Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lostspacespod Takeaways

Evangelicalism can have a profound impact on personal identity and sexuality, often leading to feelings of anger and frustration. Motivations for embracing evangelicalism can include the desire for community and the need to appease family members. Evangelical beliefs can be intellectually inconsistent and resistant to questioning.

Transitioning away from a religious community can involve untangling one's life and finding new sources of support and community. Entering a gay bar for the first time can be an exhilarating and transformative experience, especially for individuals who have repressed their sexuality due to religious or societal pressures. Premeditation and repression often accompany the exploration of one's queerness, as individuals navigate the tension between their desires and their religious or moral beliefs. The queer community can provide a sense of belonging and authenticity that may be lacking in other areas of life, allowing individuals to embrace their true selves. Early encounters and experiences with same-sex attraction can be confusing and awkward, often leaving individuals with feelings of guilt and shame.

Living authentically and allowing lived experiences to shape one's beliefs can lead to a more fulfilling and genuine life, even if it means challenging previously held religious or moral frameworks. The process of self-acceptance and embracing one's queer identity can be a profound and transformative experience. Finding a supportive community of like-minded individuals can be instrumental in navigating the challenges of coming out and living authentically. Religious upbringings can create internal conflicts and feelings of shame and guilt for queer individuals. Conversion therapy is a harmful and ineffective practice that can lead to further self-hatred and emotional distress.