A Cycle of Othering: Christian Misconceptions about Gay and Bi People

In Episode 17 of Car Chats, we unpack the negative stereotypes that Christians have about gay and bisexual people which leads to an otherization and pushout of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in church settings. This becomes a self-perpetuating cycle with damaging effects.
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Transcript: docs.google.com/document/d/1f...

[@marycredelle1109]

Great summary of heteronormativity and how we perceive... or really... how we're uncomfortable with differences. Pleaseeee keep these coming!

[@benewduarkerns5403]

Love this! My husband and I got married but this caused us to be kicked out of the church. We are in a committed relationship and we love the lord and we are pursuing to grow in our faith. Thanks for being a big voice in our behalf.

[@benkerns6011]

You guys summarized massive concepts in to 10 minutes! Even having a powerful call to action. My husband and I thank you and am proud to stand with you. We love Jesus too.

[@joeyanddana7579]

Thanks so much, Ben! Glad to have you and your husband standing with us! (:

[@ja-ti2ub]

Thank you for sharing this. I am also LGBT, and just hearing you talk.....is profoundly healing. I have many friends in dark places - and I think sometimes that a lot of the harmful choices made - that others blame on their "LGBTQ'ness" - are largely predictable consequences of being excluded from the societal structures that help people live healthy and meaningful lives. And maybe even more than that, because of the self-perpetuating dysfunction that a lack of positive role models creates. Like you said, if all you see portrayed about who you are is negative - what other templates do you have for being in this world? I always worry sometimes - that maybe all the Christians are right about "us". Being LGBT can be really hard - and so many people seem to veer off into dark places after they come out. It can be profoundly disorienting, confusing, and painful. I sometimes do not want to call myself a Christian - just a person who loves Jesus. Anyways, seeing you helps me to renew my commitment to treat the people who disapprove of me with compassion. I guess they did not choose who they are any more than I did. They were once innocent little children who did not hate anyone. And they were taught to believe a certain way. I am not as brave as you....but you are both doing God's work. You have touched at least one heart out there.

[@joeyanddana7579]

Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your own experience and insights. You make some VERY powerful observations here. We especially appreciate your point about a lack of positive role models, which is absolutely another product of this cycle... You've touched two hearts tonight. (:

[@jacquelinemelissen6840]

You're just the best. Thanks again! Very helpful and clarifying.

[@kmcronk]

Thank you for highlighting the misconceptions and behaviors that lead to such a hurtful cycle, while keeping the focus on Jesus and God's love. As a fellow member of both communities, it is encouraging to see your videos integrating LGBTQ and faith experiences in a positive, loving, Christ-centered manner. ❤

[@kimsteinke713]

It beats anything I was going to say about the Vatican and that and you take that good job girls thank you I'm a grandma and I'm getting tired I can only go so long and I don't have the language of y'all y'all are the bomb of the good bomb love you keep up the good work. 🙏❤️😁

[@kimsteinke713]

And also girls I'm a gay Grandma so most of us a lot of us didn't even reconcile the Bible with our theology and some of us haven't done it and some of us are way ahead and way behind and I'm sure y'all understand that you know I'm almost 60 and I can't get through to a lot of my family so what y'all are doing is so important and it gives me hope because when I was a child there was nothing and believe me my story would blow y'all away I'm not ready for the public that's for sure but I've been here working online for 20 years and I thank you and we need you don't give up hang on and be strong and when you get tired take a break and don't forget that a cult is a very strong thing and it can overpower a good people. Carry on soldiers. 🙏🙄❤️

[@joeyanddana7579]

Thanks for sharing a bit of your story, Kim! We appreciate the encouragement. Keep up the good work yourself! (:

[@kimsteinke713]

Amen🙏🙏❤️❤️🙄