GAY with GOD!

Meet Kim Clark!

Kim Clark (she/her) is a diversity, equity, inclusion educator, speaker and consultant. She is the co-author of The Conscious Communicator: The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t available wherever books are sold. She's led employee communication teams at global brand tech companies and teaches media literacy at San Jose State University. In 2006, Kim produced the documentary God and Gays: Bridging the Gap which was inspired by her own coming out story.
Connect with Kim
God and Gays Documentary
Linkedin
Website
 

Meet George Azar!

George was your average American kid born to traditional Middle Eastern immigrants. Curious about life but tortured by vicious bullying in middle school, he found what seemed like a solution: evangelical Christianity. It appeared to have the cure for his most “shameful sin.” Believing his homosexual feelings were an abomination before God, he committed his life to a church community that accepted him, conditionally. While hiding the scariest truths about him for fear of losing their love, he went from Bible study to Bible college, committing every aspect of his life to his faith – even forsaking important relationships “for the sake of the Gospel.” Little did he know that the steady trickle of relinquished identity would create a psychological dysmorphia that allowed his oppressors to keep him in dangerous isolation. 
Connect with George
Instagram
Facebook Swag
Twitter
Website 
My Gay Church Days Podcast
PRE-ORDER Memoir!
 

Meet Dr. Charlie Bell!

Dr. Charlie Bell
College position(s)
Fellow, Director of Studies, College Officer
Subject:  Medicine
Specialising in: John Marks Official Fellow in Medicine and Praelector
Degrees, Awards and Prizes
MA (Dunelm 2021), MA (Cantab 2015), MB BChir (Cantab 2017), PhD (Cantab 2015), PGDipLATHE (Oxon), SFHEA, FRSA, AFFMLM
Research Themes
I undertook a PhD investigating the immunogenetic mechanisms responsible for the development of type 1 diabetes with Professor John Todd in the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, with involvement in clinical trials and driving in vivo and in vitro laboratory studies. 
I was previously an Exchange Scholar at Mt Sinai Hospital, in New York City, characterizing the role of the immune system in melanoma.
My clinical training is in psychiatry, and my research interests primarily relate to personality disorders and their interaction with forensic services, from a biological perspective. My research is based at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College, London. I am currently undertaking work to determine biomarkers of psychopathy, with a view to stratifying patients and developing novel treatment approaches.
Responsibilities
I am a College Lecturer in Medicine and teach Biochemistry to first year undergraduates. I am the Director of Studies for pre-clinical medicine (first and second year).
I previously supervised biochemistry, human reproduction and physiology to medical students and biological natural scientists.
Other
Academic Clinical Fellow with King’s College, London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Digital Fellow, Maudsley Learning.
Praelector of Girton College (Joint with Simone Maghenzani, January 2019).
National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow at the Health and Social Care Committee, House of Commons and the National Audit Office (2019-20).
Module Leader and author, Healthcare Systems and Resource Management, Global MBA, University of London.
Faculty, Changing Face of Medicine.
Visiting Senior Fellow, Lincoln International Business School.
Outside of medicine:
I am a deacon in the Church of England and have also published in the field of theology, with a book on psychology, sexuality and theology (Queer Holiness) due out this May (2022).
Research Fellow and Associate Tutor, St Augustine’s College, West Malling.
Assistant Curate, St John the Divine, Kennington.
Board Member, Affirming Catholicism. 
I am also a Liveryman of the City of London.
Connect with Dr. Bell
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Meet Reverend Nancy E. Petty!

Nancy E. Petty began her ministry at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in June of 1992.She has served Pullen in the role of senior pastor since 2002. Prior to being called asthe pastor, she served Pullen as the Minister of Christian Education and AssociatePastor. As Pullen’s pastor her role is to function as the spiritual guide of thecongregation, performing duties of preaching, teaching, counseling and visitation, tohonor the traditions that have developed over the years at Pullen, and to initiate newtraditions that capture the theology of Pullen and the spirit of the members.Through her role as Pullen’s pastor, Nancy is known as a community faith leaderspeaking out on issues of social justice, interreligious dialogue, and inclusion of theLGBTQIA+ community. She is chair of the Board for Repairers of the Breach, a non-profit organization that “seeks to build a moral agenda rooted in a framework that upliftsour deepest moral and constitutional values to redeem the heart and soul of ourcountry”.  She is a contributor to several books written on the Moral Monday movementin North Carolina and has been interviewed several times on Frank Stasio’s The Stateof Things, WUNC program. Nancy’s ministry has been recognized by the followingawards: 2011 W. W. Finlator Award-Wake County ACLU; 2013 Women of InfluenceHumanitarian Award, Hannah Keith S.F. Inc.; 2014 North Carolina NAACP Minister ofthe Year Award; 2015 Human Relations Commission City of Raleigh Award; 2016Champions for Children Award, North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children;and the 2018 Neighbor to Neighbor Award, As Salam Islamic Center, Raleigh, NC. InSeptember 2019, The Center for American Progress listed Nancy as one of nineministers to watch in our nation in 2019. She is married to Karla Oakley. Karla works in education reform and is often travelingwith her work. They have two daughters (Jasmine and Nora), two cats (Tasha and Leo),and one spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Louis). When asked what people should know about her, Nancy responded: “Tell them that Iam blessed beyond measure because I get to pastor the best church in the world. Notbecause it is perfect – it’s not – but because the people are amazingly authentic andthey truly care about making a difference in the world. Tell them that I love what I doand who I get to do it with. Tell them that I love people, I hate flying (but will board aplane when it means I get to extend Pullen’s ministry to other places), I collect oldwatches, and I deeply enjoy the North Carolina mountains. A relaxing day for me is
being at home with Karla and Louis with no agenda. But most importantly, I want peopleto know that what matters to me in life is having the courage to take the risks in life thathelp those who are struggling and suffering, and help me grow in compassion, grace,wisdom, and love for all God’s people.”
Connect with Rev. Nancy Petty
Facebook: facebook.com/pullenchurch
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@pullenchurch
Podcast: The Pullen Podcast
Instagram: instagram.com/pullenchurch

Going Deeper with Carter Holmes/ Book Launch!

Carter Holmes speaks, life coaches, and organizes retreats for Gay Christians, AND he is a published author.  This week, he launches his book, Happy Gay Christian Hereafter-8 Steps to Reconcile Your Identify to Family and Faith or Leave without Regret. What is Carter's mission? Give people permission to choose their beliefs.  Carter lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Connect with Carter
 Email:  carterholmes2@gmail.com
RSVP to join the launch party for free copy!https://yourbook.wufoo.com/forms/october-guests-book-launch-party-rsvp-q7dkzqm1wuw40z
Facebook: www.facebook.com/happygayauthorfb/
 
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@happygayauthor
 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/happygayauthor
 

Meet Canon Earnest Graham!

Bio:
Name: Earnest Graham
Age: a little past mid life 
Identify as a gay male
 
I grew up in California and Wyoming.
I worked as a graphic artist and illustrator, and as a child wanted to be a comic artist.
During that time I got involved in the Episcopal church, and loved it. I felt called to ordained ministry and went to Virginia for seminary, and was ordained a priest afterwards.
I married an extraordinary woman, Shirley, who is also an Episcopal priest. We have a son, Evan. I served in churches in various parts of Virginia. I did return to my artwork- making graphic novel translations of the Bible. 3 books were published:” The Unlikely Chosen” which features the stories of Jonah, Esther and Amos; “the Parables of Jesus”; and “James- a letter to the Scattered. I have also done numerous other Bible comics found on my website.
I came out as gay in my early 40’s first to myself, then to my family. Shirley and I tried to make our mixed orientation relationship work for a time, but ultimately decided to separate and divorce amicably. We still care for each other and work together as parents!
I now live and work in North Carolina .
I am happily married to my husband Ed
We live in Charlotte NC with our two dogs
And I still do artwork.
Connect with Canon Graham
Social media- Instagram Earnest.Graham
Website: www.earnestillustrations.com
 
 

Meet Greg Walton!

Greg Walton is a dynamic Christian musician and speaker with a mission to foster the love of Christ through prayer, word, song and, above all, belonging.
Greg’s mission, which began with participation in his vibrant church choir and soon grew into writing contemporary Christian music at age 15, has provided many unique opportunities to share his message of love. He earned his bachelor’s in music education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and went on to teach and direct music in the Chicago area. During that time, Greg performed his music locally until he caught the interest of Nashville industry professionals. After landing an artist development deal, he moved his young family to Tennessee; from the late 90s to early 2000s, he toured full-time as keyboard player for the Dove Award-nominated band, Polarboy. One of the hardest working Christian bands at the time, Polarboy performed 150+ events a year including Creation Festival, Kingdom Bound and Cornerstone with headliners like Amy Grant, DC Talk and Newsboys. As a token Catholic performing in mainstream Christian music, Greg found himself playing everywhere but the Catholic Church. He left Polarboy to focus on accompanying young Catholics. In 2005, he began composing contemporary liturgical music for OCP's Spirit & Song division beginning with his songs "King of My Heart" and "We Are His People," while leading retreats and programs for the young church. This work has taken him all over North America, Europe, Africa and includes two World Youth Days. Greg’s independent modern/rock alternative projects have received a total of 10 Unity Awards from the United Catholic Music and Video Association. 
Greg’s motto, “go where love leads,” is especially evident in his 2020 OCP release, “Eyes on the Cross.” He resides in Spring Hill, TN with his wife and college sweetheart, Mary, where they do their best to keep up with their kiddos. In addition to composing, Greg serves as the Electronic Evangelization Coordinator at St. Philip Catholic Church, Franklin and leads worship at Church of the Nativity, Thompson Station.
Connect with Greg\
Accompanying LGBTQ Youth and Their Families, Podcast of my talk at the 2020 LA RE Congress
Making LGBTQ Parish Ministries Work, YouTube Series based on my talk at the 2022 LA RE Congress
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregwaltonmusic/
YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/gregwaltonmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregwaltonmusic
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/6DEdkz2pDfQqoBrLyaV14I

Meet Rev. Hillary Taylor!

Rev. Hillary Taylor is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, with orders in the Mountain Sky Conference (Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming). A graduate of Furman University and Candler School of Theology, presently serves as the Interim Executive Director for South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (SCADP). When she is not thinking about restorative justice, conflict transformation, and fresh expressions of ministry for the local church, she loves running with her dog (Lola), watching Netflix with her cat (Connor), and experiencing the outdoors any way she can.
WARNING:  For those listeners who may be traumatized by a coming out story that includes hunting, please fast forward through that section.
Connect with Rev. Hillary
www.scadp.org
Check out her Newsletter
 

Meet Fiona Dawson!

Fiona Dawson is an Emmy®-nominated and award-winning director, producer, writer, & host. She is a passionate believer in the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire. She volunteered for over six months in Bangladesh in 1998 and has been working in some capacity on LGBTQ+ human inclusion since arriving in the U.S. in 2000. She was voted Houston’s Female Grand Marshal for the 2009 LGBT Pride Parade, has served on the National Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and on the Board of Directors for NLGJA - The Association of LGBTQ Journalists. Fiona came out as bisexual in 2012 and proudly advocates for her community.
Fiona has previously filmed stories in India on sex trafficking, prostitution and HIV/AIDS. She hosted segments for HereTV during the Republican and Democratic conventions, and she has been published in NBC OUT, Curve magazine, FTM Magazine, The Advocate, The Huffington Post and The New York Times. A British native and American immigrant, Fiona lived in Houston, Texas for 11 ½ years working in the nonprofit sector and later in corporate social responsibility before moving to New York in 2011 to develop her media career.
In 2012 Fiona started the TransMilitary project, to elevate the stories of active duty transgender service members who were still banned from the U.S. military. Following the success of the short film she directed and produced, “Transgender, at War and in Love” for the New York Times, in 2015 Fiona was honored by The White House as an LGBT Artist Champion of Change. The film won The White House News Photographers Association's Best Documentary, was nominated for a GLAAD Award in the Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia category, and was a nominee for "Outstanding Short Documentary" in the 37th Annual News & Documentary Emmy® Awards.
The feature length documentary TransMilitary, which Fiona co-directed, premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2018 and won the Best Feature Documentary Audience Award. Following a string of festival awards, TransMilitary made its TV debut on Viacom’s Logo in 2018 and is now available to stream on a variety of platforms. In addition to her advocacy through media, Fiona is a professional public speaker and writer. Fiona’s company, Free Lion Productions, produces video, animation, speaking engagements, a podcast, books, and swag all under her brand, "NOW with Fiona," which centers on sharing positive LGBTQ+ stories of kindness and courage in the face of adversity.
In 2020 Fiona came home to Texas, making Austin her long-term digs.
Connect with Fiona!
Free Lion Productions
NOW with Fiona
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin
Twitter
BI PLUS Organizing/ Be part of a movement!
BUY the BOOK NOW! 
Are Bisexuals Just Greedy? https://www.nowwithfiona.com/merch
 

Meet Eric Feltes!

Eric Feltes is a Life Coach who helps other gay men free themselves from Church-shame. After growing up Catholic and Evangelical, Eric really hated being gay. It took him a long time to go from hating it, to tolerating it, to loving and celebrating his queerness. Ultimately, his own struggles from his past are the driving force behind his 10-week program that's designed to help gay men fully love and embrace all parts of themselves, with a community. Eric is also a television / film actor, dog dad, avid hiker, and proud plant daddy to nearly 20 houseplants. 
Connect with Eric
Website : https://www.lifecoachingbyfeltes.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ericfeltes/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/efeltes
youTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmqYYyz9IBWsm30IDXXigfA
UPCOMING EVENT:  If you are in the area, catch Eric Preaching at the Tucson Pride October 2nd, 2022 at New Thought Church!