*LGBTQ= Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer

Here in the midst of Equality Ride training, I'm already challenged and stretched and changed in preparation for the ride we are about to embark on. After tonight I am here in my heart, and I can feel the flesh that makes me, me. The questions that make me who I am

Earlier today I had a long hard conversation with another rider about the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (from now on referred to as LGBTQ) Christians.

Something people often do not question, especially as Christians who have been raised within the church community, is that LGBTQ individuals cannot be Christians. This is because of the condemning idea of someone "living in sin". From wherever individuals approach the topic of homosexuality, inevitably comes the part of the conversation where we must address whether people who are LGBTQ can actually be following Christ with their whole self, especially if they have accepted themselves and are living openly (very simply; in total acceptance of oneself without reservation). The perpetuated belief that LGBTQ individuals CANNOT be Christian is dangerous and drives individuals with marginalized sexualities and gender identities away from the church, because they often begin to believe the lies that they cannot seek after God fully if they have an identity that is not accepted. I cannot believe that any of this is true, however, most clearly because of the hearts that I’ve seen, even in just the last few days here in Minneapolis, MN.

And so as I stand here in Minnesota, I am alive and sure in my heart. In such a small place I am most real and I can see love, God's hope in eyes and features, God's life in teeth and hands. The struggles in the hearts of humans are here in rooms, sitting on beds and in chairs, imperfect and real; and some of us are searching deeply. We wander through frightening and sacred places.

Who, that has truly stared at the paralyzing experience of faith-formed fear in their eyes, can say that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Christians are not the bravest individuals they know? I see that they are.

I see how deeply the body of Christ would resonate with new beauty and life if the marginalized were embraced.

and I hope.