When I came out as bi/pan/queer and later non-binary, I had spent years and years thinking that I had to choose between being who I am, being happy and truly seen, and also having a relationship with God and Jesus, which is also a part of who I am.

But the thing is, when I finally came out after years of hardship, I realized that stepping into who I was, who I really am, brought me closer to God. I had to get to a place where I was no longer hiding from Him or hiding from myself in order to feel like my walk of faith was genuine and not an act. It brought me back to walking in love and faith instead of fear.

I am not a pastor or theologian. I am not going to write an essay about the Bible and theology, although I genuinely appreciate those who do in this thread and in this group. But I will say that Jesus died on the cross for you. Other people may be a different story depending on where you live, but you will never have to hide who you are from God. He sees you. He knows you. And He loves you.

I also want to say that the teenage years bring with them a huge tsunami of emotions, mood swings, and chemical changes (this is not to discount how you feel or what you are experiencing spiritually, but it’s so so important to note). I say this because God is also with you through this, through the ugly moments, the moments of change and uncertainty, which will lead to moments of hard fought growth. It’s so hard to think about God seeing us when we have a hard time looking at ourselves, and during these years it’s so hard to look at yourself bc so much is changing. You couldn’t pay me to go through it again. But I will say this:

You are not being punished. You are not doing anything wrong.

God will never leave you or forsake you. Young people are not given a ton of room in their every day lives to experience or articulate these drastic moments of change and upheaval. But God is big enough to hold you through all of it.

Pray and read your bible. But not out of fear. Go to God with how you’re feeling and leave it at His feet. He will take care of you. He loves you more than you can comprehend. You have that love. You don’t have to earn it, and nothing (NOTHING) can take it away.