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In this episode of Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch, host Stephen Stanley sits with with John Smid, a former leader of the ex-gay ministry Love in Action. John shares his extraordinary journey from coming out as gay in the late 1970s, to entering conversion therapy, and eventually renouncing those practices. He discusses the emotional toll of ex-gay ministries, the impact on families, and his path to redemption and acceptance. John reflects on the importance of community, love, and living in uncertainty, emphasizing the need for grace and understanding in a world that often lacks it.

This is a little longer than our normal episode, but it's a remarkable journey that I hope you'll enjoy taking with me.

Episode Links:

We discuss the documentary This Is What Love In Action Looks Like, which chronicled a protest outside the headquarters of the Memphis-based conversion therapy center of Love In Action. Here's a link to that doc: https://tubitv.com/movies/100003746/this-is-what-love-in-action-looks-like

Here's a link to the trailer.

To follow this podcast on social or learn more, check out our linktree here.

Please drop me a line on social media, or email me at perpetualbrunch (at) gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!

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In this episode, host Stephen Stanley speaks with Willow Sipling. Willow is a public policy sociologist focusing her research and writing on organizational ethics, religious fundamentalism, and conversion therapy.

Willow also serves as a nonprofit leader at OutCenter Southwest Michigan and is completing a PhD at Western Michigan University. Willow grew up intersex and trans in a conservative religious household, and through her spiritual journey visited on many different faith traditions.

As she navigates her path, she highlights the significance of critical thinking and the need for inclusive spaces within religious contexts. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the broader implications of faith, identity, and the ongoing fight for acceptance and understanding within religious institutions, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to spirituality. It's a fascinating journey that I know you'll enjoy.

To learn more about check out her website here: https://willowsipling.com/

To follow this podcast on social or learn more, check out our linktree here.

Please drop me a line on social media, or email me at perpetualbrunch (at) gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!

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In this episode of Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch, host Stephen Stanley engages in a lively discussion with Jeza Belle, a drag performer, Bible scholar, and accomplished author.

The conversation covers Jeza's journey navigating her Jewish and Christian upbringing, her studies at a conservative Southern religious college, the intersection of her faith with her drag persona, her motivations behind writing her award-winning book, Jeza's Jesus Juice, and her recent and upcoming LGBTQ+ historical fiction books.

Jeza shares her insights on pride, grace, and radical inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

You can see more about Jeza on her website iamjezabelle. And be sure to check out links to her writings, including her award-winning devotional Jeza's Jesus Juice, and her new novel Abomination: The Story of David and Jonathan.

Jeza's Instagram

Jeza's Facebook

Credits:

Audio Assistant: Gerry Milligan

Production Assistant: Ben Medley

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