Claim OwnershipI Tried to Be Straight
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© Nate and Susie
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Welcome to the I Tried to Be Straight Podcast! We both grew up in Christian culture where being gay wasn't acceptable. After years of struggling with our sexualities, we both recently came out of the closet. We're here to unpack those journeys, and learn more about the struggle of accepting your sexuality in a culture where it's not ok to be gay. We're entering into the stories of others, digging into theology, learning more about gay culture, and trying to give you a little insight into just how hard it is to try to be straight.
53 Episodes
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Lewis Crompton was a respected prophetic leader and church counselor but he was denying his sexuality. For years, he prayed, fasted, and even tried conversion therapy, desperately hoping his sexuality would change. In this conversation, Lewis shares the painful cost of hiding, the deep questions he wrestled with and how he ultimately found the courage to come out as gay.https://www.instagram.com/withlewiscrompton/
William Matthews has been known for his powerful voice and songwriting in the Christian music world, but behind the music was a years-long struggle to accept his own sexuality. In this candid conversation, William opens up about the internal battles, the faith questions, and the turning points that led him to finally embrace who he was as a gay man.
Lucas Wilson shares his experience of spending four years in conversion therapy while attending Liberty University. Now, years later, Lucas is reclaiming his voice as the writer of Shame-Sex Attraction, a powerful anthology of stories from conversion therapy survivors. We dive into his story, the lasting effects of spiritual trauma, and what healing and queer joy can look like on the other side.
Ten years ago, at just 24 years old, Matthew Vines published God and the Gay Christian, a book that would challenge centuries of church teaching and ignite a movement. In this episode, Matthew reflects on the past decade: the backlash, the breakthroughs, and the communities that have formed around the idea that you can be fully gay and fully Christian.https://matthewvines.com/
While Jordan was living what many would consider the ideal Christian life, evangelizing and serving at his church, he was quietly struggling with his attraction to men. Everything came to a head when another student outed him in college, costing him school benefits simply for being gay and making him question everything.
After years of working in the church and trying to stay in the closet, Cade - @GayExTrad Justin - @EmptyChairsHome and Nate sit down to talk about what it’s been like to finally live out in the open. From unlearning shame to finding joy in authenticity, this episode dives deep into the emotional, spiritual, and relational journey of coming out after growing up in the church.
Brandan Robertson explains in his new book Queer & Christian, where he challenges traditional interpretations of Scripture that have long excluded LGBTQ+ people. Instead, he uncovers the Bible’s true message of love, justice, and radical inclusion. More than just a reclamation of the Bible, this book is a call to reclaim the rightful place of queer people at God’s table. Whether you're seeking clarity, healing, or a deeper connection to your faith, Queer & Christian offers the tools to build a more inclusive and affirming Christian community.https://www.brandanrobertson.com/queer-christian-book
Some big announcements and big changes for the first episode of season 3 of I Tried to Be Straight!
Lucas Hall shares his story of coming out, his journey of faith, resilience, and self-discovery. His story is a testament to perseverance and the power of staying true to oneself.You can connect with Lucas on Instagram - @thelucassamuel----------------------------------------------------Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraightChat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/5jVTkdUm
In this episode of I Tried to Be Straight, Dr. Julia Sadusky—a Catholic psychologist—shares how her work in sexuality, gender, and trauma led her to question beliefs about being gay. She reveals the insights that reshaped her faith perspective and offers ways for faith communities to foster empathy and acceptance.
We can’t believe it’s been a whole year, whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or just recently found us, thank you for listening, supporting, and tuning in each week. It truly means the world to us!
In this special episode, we reflect on what the past year has taught us, dive into the highs and lows of dating, and debate the big question: Can you really be friends after dating?
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Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/5jVTkdUm
Justin from Empty Chairs joins us to share about his efforts to create community for LGBTQ within the Catholic church. After coming out and realizing he didn't believe being gay was wrong, he started speaking out about the issue and realized there were a lot more like him than he imagined!
https://empty-chairs.org/
We're excited to share this episode with fashion influencer Jonathan Kirby. We had the privilege of sitting down with him in New York to hear his powerful coming-out story. Jonathan is a true example of believing in yourself and betting on your authentic self. Through embracing his unique eye for fashion and spreading positivity, he's built a personal brand that inspires thousands.
To follow Jonathan's journey, connect with him on Instagram @_jonathankirby and TikTok @jonathan.kirby for a dose of style and motivation.
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https://discord.com/invite/7jwmTemc5y
Nate & Susie tackle your questions in this episode, including some of the toughest questions after coming out: Should you keep your Christian friends who don’t affirm your sexuality, and how do you know when to come out? In this heartfelt Q&A, they share personal experiences and strategies for navigating relationships with love and authenticity. Plus, they explore how to foster understanding in faith communities while staying true to yourself.
Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight
Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y
In this heartfelt conversation, Nate and Susie sit down with Al, a former Jehovah’s Witness who lost everything the moment his family and faith community learned he was gay. Disfellowshipped and cut off, Al shares what it felt like to watch the people he loved most simply vanish from his life.
But this isn’t just a story about what he lost—it’s also about what he’s created in the aftermath. Al found healing in the kitchen, channeling his roots and international influences into his own micro bakery.
Learn more about Al's food at https://www.instagram.com/painpanbakery/
Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight
Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/5jVTkdUm
The results of this election took many of us in the LGBTQ community by surprise and have hit a lot of us pretty hard. Brit Barron joins us to talk about how we’re feeling in the aftermath and to share a word of hope. Finally, we discuss how to approach the holidays with family members who have different viewpoints and how to navigate those conversations.
Check Out Brit's books at: https://www.britbarron.com/
Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight
Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/7jwmTemc5y
Growing up Conor knew he was different but tried to convince himself he wasn’t. After battling with mental health for years, he finally had to come to terms with the fact that he was gay. Coming out, he believed celibacy was the right choice for his life and his faith. He shares what that journey is like, and discusses why it was still important for him to come out of the closet, even if he still intends to stay single.
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When Simon heard Alana's story, a devout catholic girl who took her life, he knew it needed to be told. After hearing her journey with conversion therapy, and having a similar journey himself, he decided to see what he could do to get it out there. He pulled together stories from her friend's, family, and journals and made the podcast Dear Alana. Winning several awards and touching thousands of hearts, this story made a huge impact when it released. We interview Simon on his journey making the podcast and how making it changed his life.
https://discord.gg/DcaTx45V
https://www.patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight
https://dearalana.com/
Kristyn Komarnicki was working for a Christian magazineabout to publish an article about why being gay is not of God. Rather than running the article, she felt it was her duty to do the research. For her that meant gathering a group of gays and Christians with different opinions to actually hear what their experiences were. Realizing the depth of connection and the need for these conversations, she continues gathering groups to build empathy and awareness for queer members of the church 15 years later.
Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight
Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/ZDHCNEQc
Reach out to Kristyn:
https://christiansforsocialaction.org/programs/oriented-to-love/
Retired NFL Offensive Tackle Ryan O'Callaghan, lived in a community where coming out of the closet wasn't an option. After realizing he was gay, he joined sports at a young age to hide his sexuality. Getting to retirement he finally reached a breaking point and made the decision to come out.
Support us and Join our Monthly Zoom on Patreon: patreon.com/c/ITriedtoBeStraight
Chat with us and others on Discord: https://discord.gg/vWXPcAgq
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Thank you!!! I feel so much of your story and Nate's . . . I'm so alone right now. I'm facing all of this later in life - after tying to make myself straight by getting married. After 25 years of marriage - and realizing I wasn't fixed - I've been separated from my church of 44 years and a majority of what was "normal" for me. Thank you for making me feel less alone.