FreedHearts -

Why I Chose my LGBTQ Child Over the Evangelical Church

January 6, 2019 By Susan Cottrell

She stood on stage in front of over 5,000 people. She told of a phone call she received where her life changed forever. It was her daughter on the other end, “Mom, I think I am bisexual.” She turned to her church, her community, for support. She was told that she had to choose between her church or her daughter. Her voice cracked as she shared of the life she knew dissolving. She loves her community and she loves her… Read more

Which Woman is Transgender? And Why it Doesn’t Matter.

November 16, 2018 By Susan Cottrell

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This week is Transgender Awareness Week. With all the conversation about who we pee next to, I wondered if you could tell who was actually a transgender woman. Can you spot her? Can you tell? Do you care? Unfortunately, many seem to care – especially those in the nonaffirming church – and they have responded with fear-mongering and vicious lies, trying to make this about the safety of our children. Honestly, they should be ashamed of themselves. Anyone who takes… Read more

Is Your Theology on LGBTQ Right or Wrong? Take this Easy Test.

March 29, 2018 By Susan Cottrell

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Today’s cultural landscape seems designed to divide us. News and social media practically push us to one end of the spectrum or the other, on whatever issue. This is binary or dual thinking because it offers only two choices, even for the most complex layered issues. We stampede over people in our rush to be right. Christians—with Jesus in common—likewise trample people in their quest to be right. They too choose sides in complex questions. (Gender roles, providing for the… Read more

What Happened in Just 5 Years

March 27, 2018 By Susan Cottrell

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When I learned that Alex’s mother threw dishes at her and threw her down the stairs because she’s gay—that’s the day I knew I had to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. I’d been educating myself since my two daughters came out—nearly a decade ago now—and I was shocked by what I learned: A scant 6 verses have been misinterpreted and abused to marginalize and oppress our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. Duplicitous Christians stand firmly against “gays” while abuses of power… Read more

I’m the Dad of Two Queer Kids. Are You Listening?

March 15, 2018 By Robert Cottrell

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Every time I tell our story, and I say that I have two queer daughters, I have to add a disclaimer. Usually something like, “that’s the phrase they chose.” If I don’t, it is inevitable that I will get confronted on my use of the word queer. It is an immediate reminder that while we may have come so far, we have so far to go. Why should a label matter so much? If you knew my two daughters, it… Read more

Doesn’t God Tell Us To Hate Evil? (This Could Change Everything!)

January 4, 2018 By Susan Cottrell

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Alarming numbers of young people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer are becoming homeless, kicked out of families and churches, choosing substance abuse, and even making the tragic decision to end their own lives. What are we called to do? When certain Pharisees — the ones who were focused on behaving the “right” way instead of loving — were nose-to-nose with Jesus, they missed him! They didn’t understand at all. You may be doing the same thing. This… Read more

Are You About to Come Out to Your Christian Parents? If so, this is a Must Read.

October 11, 2017 By Susan Cottrell

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Coming out to your Christian parents can be a real risk. You put everything on the line, and you don’t know what will happen. Will they come alongside you? Or disown you? I’m a Christian mom of five kids. My oldest daughter came out about 8 years ago and soon after, my youngest daughter came out. We embraced them immediately, but many parents don’t. I just filmed a video for The Advocate magazine that is specifically for people who are… Read more

Did Your Child Just Come Out to You? If so, This is a Must Read!

October 10, 2017 By Susan Cottrell

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Hey fellow Moms and Dads. You may feel like a deer in the headlights! Your child just told you: “Mom, I’m gay,” “Dad, I’m lesbian,” “I’m bisexual,” or “I’m transgender.” I know! This is the last thing you want to hear, and your head is spinning. What does this mean? What will become of my child? What did I do wrong?! I understand. This can be a very hard time for you. But you can get through this. My name… Read more

What is the Biggest Threat to Christianity? Jesus!

October 3, 2017 By Susan Cottrell

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We have been betrayed by those closest to us. We have written about being shamed, shunned and judged, and how our faith has been questioned. We have talked about people who tell us we are leading people into hell. All “in God’s name.” Usually from those in the nonaffirming, conservative church. Why? Because of our love, support and advocacy for our daughters and other LGBTQI people. Of course, they don’t see it that way. There are people in this group… Read more