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You Can Be Both: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Lauren Lanzaretta
You Can Be Both is hosted by singer/songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, who shares honest conversations about being both gay and Christian—two identities often seen as incompatible. The podcast creates space for LGBTQ+ people of faith to find healing, community, and a deeper connection with Christ while fully embracing who they are. As a first step to your healing journey, I recommend the “LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide” - go to www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Send testimony/questions to https://bit.ly/49G1tpz
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- 5 days ago53 min
"Testify to Love" Singer Michael Passons: Kicked Out For Being Gay, Now Topping Christian Charts
Michael Passons was a founding member of Avalon, one of the biggest Christian music groups of all time. He wrote and performed "Testify to Love," a song that became an icon of Christian music. But when he came out as gay, he was forced out of the band and lost everything.Now, Michael is rewriting his story — and breaking records doing it. He just rereleased "Testify to Love" as an LGBTQ+ affirming anthem with country artist Ty Herndon, and together they became the first openly gay artists to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts.In this episode of You Can Be Both, Michael sits down with host Lauren Lanzaretta to share his full journey: Growing up in rural Mississippi. His dream of becoming a Christian music artist. What it felt like to be kicked out of Avalon for being gay. His spiritual deconstruction and finding faith again on his own terms. And what it means to finally sing authentically.This is a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and reclaiming your voice.IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT:Michael's journey as a founding member of Avalon and writing the iconic "Testify to Love"Growing up in rural Mississippi in a conservative Baptist churchRealizing he was gay and the internal struggle that followedBeing forced out of Avalon for coming outHis spiritual deconstruction and stepping away from organized religionFinding his way back to faith and spirituality on his own termsRereleasing "Testify to Love" as an LGBTQ+ affirming anthem with Ty HerndonMaking history as the first openly gay artists to reach #1 on iTunes Christian chartsWhat it means to sing and live authenticallyHis message to LGBTQ+ people still in the closetAdvice for worship leaders who've been kicked out of churchThe power of reclaiming your voice and your storyFOLLOW MICHAEL:Instagram: @michaelpassonsSpotify: Michael PassonsApple Music: Michael PassonsYouTube: Michael PassonsFOLLOW LAUREN:Instagram: @laurenlanzarettaYouTube: Lauren LanzarettaSpotify: Lauren LanzarettaApple Music: Lauren LanzarettaFREE LGBTQ+ HEALING & RESOURCE GUIDE:Access Lauren's full story, healing resources, books, podcasts, and voices that have helped transform shame to freedom.Visit: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth
- 1 weeks ago1h 2m
God WANTS Me To Be Gay -- A Former Pastor's Coming Out Story
Mike Maeshiro spent 14 years as an instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry — teaching, preaching, and living what he thought was his calling. But there was one problem: he was gay.From age 10, Mike knew he was different. He tried conversion therapy. He dated a woman to "fix" himself. He climbed the evangelical ladder at one of the most influential charismatic churches in the world — all while suppressing who he really was.Then in 2020, everything changed. A Taylor Swift documentary, a passage from Acts, and a spiritual awakening in the woods led Mike to a truth he'd been running from for 22 years: God wanted him to be gay.In this episode, Mike shares his journey from being kicked out of ministry school for confiding in a friend about his attraction to men, to becoming a paid staff member and instructor at the same institution, to finally coming out publicly in 2022 and walking away from everything he'd built.What we cover:Growing up evangelical and realizing he was gay at age 10Being kicked out of Bethel ministry school after being outed by a friendGetting hired back and climbing the ministry ladder while suppressing his identityThe spiritual experiences (including Taylor Swift's Miss Americana) that led to his coming outHow he reconciled his faith with his sexuality through rigorous biblical studyThe cost of staying closeted vs. the freedom of coming outHis work now helping LGBTQ people heal from religious trauma through NumaMike is the founder of Numa, an organization supporting people healing from religious toxicity, especially within the LGBTQ community. Through coaching, speaking, and social media, he helps people live authentically and reclaim spirituality in affirming ways.Connect with Mike:Instagram/TikTok: @mikemaeshiroOrganization: Numa📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothIncludes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity.🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube📱 Follow:@lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcastIf you've ever felt caught between your faith and your identity, this conversation will remind you: you don't have to choose.#LGBTQChristian #BethelChurch #Deconstruction #ComingOut #ExEvangelical #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ReligiousTrauma #FaithJourney #YouCanBeBoth
- 2 weeks ago22 min
Why the Church Creates Fake Christians (And How LGBTQ People Are Changing That)
I met a woman in Clearwater who was shocked that I'm a Christian and didn't judge her. That moment made me realize something: the church has created a culture of inauthenticity — and it's pushing people away from God.In this solo episode, I'm talking about why so many people (straight and LGBTQ) feel like they can't be themselves in church, why LGBTQ Christians have a unique gift to offer the world, and why I'm done spending energy defending my faith instead of just living it.What we cover:Why the church creates "fake" Christians who can't be authenticThe woman at the bar who was shocked I didn't judge herWhy LGBTQ people have a special gift the church needsHow to stop being defensive and start showing God's loveWhy being your authentic self IS true holinessThe power of using your God-given gifts instead of suppressing who you areWhy you can't fully serve God if you're not fully yourselfThis isn't about proving we're "Christian enough." It's about showing the world what real faith looks like — authentic, messy, loving, and unjudgmental.If you've ever felt like you have to wear a "church face" or hide parts of yourself to be accepted, this episode is for you. And if you're tired of the culture wars and just want to focus on the goodness of God — you're not alone.📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothIncludes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity.🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube📱 Follow:@lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcast💬 Share your story: YouCanBeBothPodcast@gmail.comLeave a comment and tell me: What has God done in your life as an LGBTQ person? Let's focus on the goodness of God, not defensiveness.#LGBTQChristian #AuthenticFaith #ChurchCulture #YouCanBeBoth #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ChristianLove #BeYourself #FaithJourney #LGBTQAffirming
- 3 weeks ago56 min
Being Gay Isn't a Sin — Here's Why the Bible Actually SUPPORTS LGBTQ People
Can you be LGBTQ and Christian? Pastor Brandon Robertson says absolutely — and he's spent years studying the theology to prove it.In this conversation, Brandon breaks down why the "clobber passages" Christians use against gay people are mistranslations, misinterpretations, and taken out of historical context. We talk about Leviticus, Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans 1, and what Jesus actually said (or didn't say) about homosexuality.Brandon also shares his journey from growing up in fundamentalist evangelicalism to coming out and becoming one of the most prominent LGBTQ-affirming pastors in America. He talks about purity culture, deconstruction, progressive Christianity, and why he believes the Bible supports gay marriage.Topics we cover:Why Leviticus 18:22 doesn't condemn homosexualityWhat Sodom and Gomorrah was ACTUALLY about (hint: not gay people)Romans 1 and Paul's condemnation of temple prostitution — not loving relationshipsThe difference between biblical interpretation vs. fundamentalismHow evangelicalism weaponizes scripture against LGBTQ peopleBrandon's coming out story and losing his church communityWhat progressive Christianity really meansWhy affirming theology is growing in the churchMore about Brandon Robertson:Brandon is a pastor, author, activist, and one of the leading voices for LGBTQ inclusion in Christianity. He's written multiple books on queer theology and leads an affirming church community.📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube📱 Follow:@lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcastIf you've ever been told you can't be gay and Christian, this conversation will change everything.#LGBTQChristian #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ChristianLove #BrandonRobertson #YouCanBeBoth #GayPastor #BiblicalInterpretation #DeconstructingFaith #AffirmingChurch
- May 3, 202635 min
You Can Be Trans AND Christian — Here's Why
Can you be transgender AND Christian? I'm answering this question directly — and what I learned completely changed my heart.In this episode, I talk about Neeza Powers, a trans Christian woman who faced thousands of hateful comments for being her authentic self. I break down what the Bible actually says about gender, explore Deuteronomy 22:5 in context, and explain why Jesus' ministry was focused on outcasts — not the religiously "perfect."WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:✅ Neeza Powers' story — Trans Christian attacked online for being her authentic self✅ Deuteronomy 22:5 debunked — What this verse ACTUALLY meant in historical context✅ Why Christians cherry-pick Bible verses about gender but ignore others✅ Intersex people & brain science — Gender isn't as binary as we think✅ Jesus' ministry focused on outcasts — Not the religiously "perfect"✅ How my heart changed after talking to trans Christians✅ A call to love, not judgeIf you've ever wondered whether being trans conflicts with faith, or if you're a Christian trying to understand the LGBTQ+ community better, this is for you.📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothIncludes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity.🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube📱 Follow me:@lanzaretta @youcanbebothpodcast#TransChristian #LGBTQFaith #ChristianLove #YouCanBeBoth #TransRights #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #FaithAndIdentity
- Apr 26, 202629 min
It's IMPOSSIBLE to Be 'Ex-Gay' — Here's Why
Here's why "ex-gay" stories are misleading — and why you don't need to change.I'm breaking down why it's impossible to be ex-gay and why these stories you see online are often rooted in trauma, bad behavior, or bisexuality/pansexuality— not actual sexual orientation change.What we're covering:Why trauma gets mistaken for sexual orientationHow people confuse bad behavior with being gayThe truth about bisexuality/pansexuality and "ex-gay" testimoniesWhy the algorithm is feeding you these storiesThe bottom line: You don't need to change. God loves you exactly as you are. Conversion therapy doesn't work, never has, and never will. Organizations like Exodus International have already admitted this and apologized for the harm they caused.If you're struggling with your identity, feeling pressured to change, or wondering why God hasn't "fixed" you — this episode is for you.📩 NEED SUPPORT?Download my FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide — it includes my full testimony, books, podcasts, and resources that helped me become confident in who I am and rooted in my relationship with God:https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🎵 MY MUSIC:I process my story through songwriting. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube:Search: Lauren Lanzaretta📱 CONNECT WITH ME:Instagram: @LanzarettaTikTok: @LanzarettaEmail: youcanbebothpodcast@gmail.comMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎬 Pray Away (Netflix documentary about Exodus International)You are loved. You are seen. You are worthy. And you can be both gay and Christian.#GayChristian #ExGay #LGBTQChurch #ConversionTherapy #YouCanBeBoth #GayAndChristian #ChristianLGBTQ #PrayAwayTheGay #LGBTQFaith #QueerChristian #AffirmingTheology #ExodusInternational #LGBTQHealing
- Apr 19, 20261h 22m
Former Anti-Gay Pastor: 'I Was Wrong About LGBTQ+ People'
"For years, I stood in the pulpit and preached that homosexuality was a sin. I believed the Bible was clear. I thought I was right. I was wrong."In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Pastor Joe Smith, a straight, cisgender pastor who spent years preaching traditional, non-affirming theology—until his understanding completely transformed.This isn't a story about a pastor who came out. It's about a pastor who changed his mind.Joe shares his journey from confidently condemning LGBTQ+ people from the pulpit to becoming an advocate and ally. He talks about what scriptures he got wrong, what made him reconsider his theology, and why he now believes you absolutely CAN be gay and Christian.This conversation is for:✅ Pastors and church leaders wrestling with LGBTQ+ theology✅ LGBTQ+ people hurt by the church✅ Parents trying to reconcile their faith and their LGBTQ+ child✅ Anyone who's been told they have to choose between faith and identityJoe shares:✅ Why he used to preach against homosexuality✅ The moment he started questioning his theology✅ How he studied scripture with fresh eyes✅ What the "clobber passages" actually mean in context✅ The harm he caused and his journey toward repair✅ Why he now proudly affirms LGBTQ+ people✅ His message to pastors still preaching condemnation✅ His message to LGBTQ+ people hurt by the churchIN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Introduction[02:30] Joe's background: Growing up in conservative Christianity[08:15] Why he preached against homosexuality[14:40] The moment doubt crept in[22:10] Re-studying the "clobber passages"[30:45] What the Bible actually says (and doesn't say)[38:20] The harm of non-affirming theology[45:00] His apology to the LGBTQ+ community[52:15] What he wants other pastors to know[58:30] What he wants LGBTQ+ people to know[01:04:00] How churches can become truly affirmingRESOURCES:📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide:👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🏳️🌈 Crisis Support:The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth)GLAAD: Resources for LGBTQ+ ChristiansQ Christian Fellowship: Community for LGBTQ+ Christians💜 Support the Mission:If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals and allies navigating faith and identity.👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothFOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH:📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth]🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth]🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listenFOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA:📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta]🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta]🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.comSHARE THIS MESSAGE:💬 Know a pastor questioning their theology? Share this episode.💬 Know an LGBTQ+ person hurt by the church? Send them this story of change.💬 Know parents struggling to reconcile faith and their child's identity? This is for them.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss stories of transformation and hope.👍 Leave a comment—your story matters.The church CAN change. Theology CAN evolve. Love CAN win. You can be both.A NOTE FROM LAUREN:If you're a pastor or church leader reading this, please know: It's okay to change your mind. Admitting you were wrong takes more courage than doubling down on harmful theology. The LGBTQ+ community needs more leaders like Joe—people willing to do the hard work of rethinking what they were taught.If you're LGBTQ+ and you've been hurt by churches like the one Joe used to lead, please know: Not all pastors stay stuck. Some are willing to learn, grow, and change. And those who hurt you were wrong—not you.#AffirmingPastor #GayChristian #PastorChanges #AffirmingTheology #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #ProgressiveChristianity #LGBTQAffirming #YouCanBeBoth #ChristianAlly
- Apr 12, 202614 min
Jaden Ivey Pride Night Controversy Explained | Gay Christian Responds
NBA player Jaden Ivey was recently suspended for making homophobic comments about Pride Night, calling it "unrighteous" and against his Christian beliefs. But when did being Christian become about being the moral police instead of loving people?In this episode, I break down why Jaden Ivey's comments are the opposite of what Jesus taught, why Pride Night matters for LGBTQ+ people who have been marginalized and discriminated against for decades, and why Christians need to stop using their beliefs to justify hate.Here's the truth: LGBTQ+ people are human beings. We wake up, go to work, have families, and try to survive just like everyone else. We've been kicked out of churches, rejected by our families, physically assaulted, and even murdered simply for being who we are. And now, when the NBA says, "Hey, we're going to have ONE NIGHT where LGBTQ+ people can feel welcomed and safe," some Christians have a problem with it?That's not Christianity. That's bigotry.IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Why Jaden Ivey's "beliefs" are actually harmful✅ The difference between beliefs and bigotry✅ How the Bible was used to justify slavery and segregation✅ What Jesus actually said about loving marginalized people✅ Why Christians who obsess over LGBTQ+ people might be struggling themselves✅ A challenge to Christians: Go to Pride Night and meet real people✅ Why "loving the sinner, hating the sin" is still hateQUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:"When your beliefs start to take away the human rights of other people, they are no longer beliefs. You are just a homophobic and hateful bigot.""You are not earning any brownie points with God for hating on people.""Stop being narcissistic and thinking that you have all the answers. You are a sinner yourself, and God had mercy on you—so have mercy on others."RESOURCES:📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide:👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🏳️🌈 Crisis Support:The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth)PFLAG: Support for parents, families, friends, and allies of LGBTQ+ peopleQ Christian Fellowship: Community for LGBTQ+ Christians💜 Support the Mission:If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals navigating faith and identity.👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothFOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH:📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth]🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth]🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listenFOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA:📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta]🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta]🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.comSHARE THIS MESSAGE:💬 Know a Christian who needs to hear this? Share this video.💬 Know an LGBTQ+ person hurt by comments like Jaden's? Send them this.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.👍 Leave a comment—I read every single one.You don't have to choose between your faith and loving LGBTQ+ people. You can be both.UPCOMING:🎥 Testimony Tuesdays — Live testimonies every Tuesday on YouTube📱 Community App — The largest community of LGBTQ+ people of faith in the world (coming soon!)📞 One-on-One Calls — Personal support for your faith journey (launching soon!)A NOTE TO VIEWERS:If you're a Christian struggling with LGBTQ+ acceptance, I get it. I used to be homophobic too when I was in the closet. But I challenge you: stop othering people. Look at LGBTQ+ individuals as human beings loved by God who deserve respect and dignity.If you're LGBTQ+ and you've been hurt by Christians like Jaden Ivey, please know: You are not unrighteous. You are not an enemy of God. You are loved, valued, and worthy exactly as you are.#JadenIvey #PrideNight #NBA #ChicagoBulls #GayChristian #LGBTQChurch #ChristianLGBTQ #Homophobia #ChristianAthlete #PrideControversy #LGBTQRights #ChristianResponse #YouCanBeBoth #LaurenLanzaretta #QueerFaith #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #LGBTQTestimony #ChristianAlly #ProgressiveChristianity #AffirmingChristianity
About You Can Be Both
You Can Be Both is hosted by singer/songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, who shares honest conversations about being both gay and Christian—two identities often seen as incompatible. The podcast creates space for LGBTQ+ people of faith to find healing, community, and a deeper connection with Christ while fully embracing who they are. As a first step to your healing journey, I recommend the “LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide” - go to www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Send testimony/questions to https://bit.ly/49G1tpz
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