Barriers to Belonging 6

Kaufman Interfaith Institute (exhibitor)

Since I realized I was trans, I knew that being rejected by my family was inevitable. It's been about a year since my father formally decided to disown me and ex-communicate me almost completely. His version of devout Christianity just didn't have room for a queer kid. In addition to the challenges of being financially and emotionally self-sufficient, it's been tough coming to terms with holding on to religion in the face of my own family using it against me. In this specific text message, my father told me that my "decision to rebel against the authority of God is dividing [our] family." Holding onto my religious beliefs has meant taking time to reflect on how my family interpretation of our shared religion doesn't have to compromise who I am as a Christian or as a queer person. I don’t have to choose one or the other. I can just be me.

2024

In Copyright

Grand Valley State University. Kaufman Interfaith Institute

Believing and Belonging on Campus: An Interfaith Photovoice Project (project)

2024-Kaufman-Exhibit-15

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