Who Am I Becoming?
“I discovered the power of sharing my story and naming my identities. I learned that when people in a community come together and open their hearts, the veil of fear and shame is lifted.”
I am a non-binary, trans and bisexual Christian. I was raised in a Christian environment where LGBTQ+ identities were either brushed aside or spoken of negatively. Growing up, I felt like I had to hide parts of myself, as if my true identity was something to be ashamed of. When I attended a conservative Christian university, the pressure to conform to a narrow understanding of who I should be became overwhelming. I was constantly told and directed about who I am, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from my own truth.
I became theologically affirming at the end of college after a transformative summer working in Madison, Wisconsin - the most progressive city I had ever lived in up to that point in my life. As my theology evolved, I was nervous to open up about these changes in my perspective. I was also still leaps and bounds away from becoming confident enough to come out as queer, myself. In the fall of 2018, I started grad school at an affirming seminary north of San Francisco. It was like a breath of fresh air. A space where I could be my authentic self without fear or judgment. There, I was surrounded by individuals who not only accepted me but celebrated the unique mosaic of my identities - all of who I had been up to that point, and all that was possible for me to become.
In this new space, I discovered the power of sharing my story and naming my identities. I learned that when people in a community come together and open their hearts, the veil of fear and shame is lifted. We begin to experience the reflection of the divine in one another, and our journeys intertwine, creating a tapestry of love and acceptance.
When I showed up within this community, vulnerabilities and all, I gave myself permission to peel away the layers that society and my upbringing had imposed upon me. It was a challenging journey, but through the support and encouragement of my seminary friends, I found the courage to embrace my true self. And in that process of self-discovery, I found freedom, joy, and a deeper connection to my faith. Even before I was fully “out” to my family, friends, and the world. I experienced a sense of peace and hope that overwhelmed the fear I had felt for so many years.
There is power when we lean into our community, supporting one another as we explore our identities and celebrate our growth. We are all always “becoming”. Together, we can continue to create a space where love, authenticity, and freedom thrive.
May the journey of self-discovery and transformation be filled with grace and compassion. Remember: you are known, you are valued, and you are loved for all of who you are and all of who you are becoming.
Sincerely,
August Laperche
They/Them
