Identity

The first half of this movie gave me hope that it would be one that instead of vilifying LGBTQIA people would instead demonstrate how Christians are called to live people where they are. The latter half of the movie failed and failed miserably. What it did do exceptionally well was show why so many LGBTQIA people leave the church, leave their families, live iself-destructive lives, and why so many give their lives to suicide.

This isn't even about me a gay man. I was raised in the church and had up to a few years been a very active member of Biblically based churches no matter where I lived around the country. Having been a member of several large black congregations that I'd not spew hate but instead taught love, I'm acutely aware that it's not all churches that just pretend to love but actually actively demonstrate real love to everyone-right where they are. Even not having found such a ministry in my current city, I live well knowing that God made me and He doesn't make mistakes, regardless of what men think and say.

Presentations like this movie actually gall me. Rather than deal with so-called judgmental Christians, I'd much rather be in the company of straight people who actively call me f@&&%¥ and other vile names from a wrong but at least honest place.

Not for me, I'm old enough and wise enough to be clear about who and whose I am, but to keep even one young person from suicide, the church should try love and do better.