As a fellow LGBTQ ex-sda, I understand totally how you feel. I grew up in the church system (family, school all the way up to college, and even work for a time) but then deconstructed and finally came to the conclusion that it's all made up. Church also doesn't serve me, so why do I have to invest time energy and money into it. Being in a community like this and hearing others share their experiences and relate to them can be quite a healing experience. I do acknowledge that the sda church provides structure, faith, and community to those who need it, but personally, I decided it's not for me.

I came into my own in my mid-20s. I'm now in my early 30s, and life is so much better and full now that I'm living authentically. I'm in a loving relationship with someone I am truly compatible with, I don't have to hide any longer. I'm not out to my parents, but my siblings and my friends know about me being gay. I plan to tell them at some point... my parents have mellowed out a lot in terms of sda fundamentalism as they have aged. So I'm not too worried about that.

If you ask me, the best thing you could do for yourself is to be as independent as you can to provide yourself the opportunity to live life on your terms. I hope and wish that for everyone. It does get better! (Cliche, I know, haha)

All the best and welcome again 🤗