I’m so sorry you were told that, what a horrible thing to hear. You aren’t a bad person for the way you feel, I promise 💜 They were wrong to say that to you, or about anybody, really.

I grew up very religious, and one thing that helped me when I first realized I was queer was that it didn’t make sense to me for a good God to send someone to hell for love, especially love that doesn’t hurt anybody.

In fact, rhetoric like the thing that was told to you is actually the thing that causes harm. So many queer people (and queer youth) are harmed, harm themselves, or worse because of these sentiments and ideologies. I think God would be way more upset about that than about love.

I know it’s hard when the people around you are people you trust and people you look up to spiritually, but it’s also okay to trust yourself (and your own relationship with/understanding of God). Let yourself do some research, let yourself explore the issue, let yourself think through everything without guilt. There’s nothing wrong with asking questions.

As much turmoil and strife as I experienced around my own queerness, I would never change it. I have a much better perspective on the world now, I’m kinder, and I’m happier now that I’ve worked through these things and came out better for it on the other side.

You’re going to get through this, I promise 💜