You Can Be Both

Lauren Lanzaretta
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You Can Be Both is hosted by singer/songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, who shares honest conversations about being both gay and Christian—two identities often seen as incompatible. The podcast creates space for LGBTQ+ people of faith to find healing, community, and a deeper connection with Christ while fully embracing who they are. As a first step to your healing journey, I recommend the “LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide” - go to www.youcanbeboth.com for this and other resources. Join the You Can Be Both Community App https://youcanbeboth.mn.co/plans/1984569?bundle_token=a02f1c1a95e905aa187210545

  1. 4 days ago

    Gospel Singer Lost Everything When She Came Out as Gay — Now Married to Captain Sandy Yawn

    For more than 20 years, Leah Rae Yawn (formerly Shafer) was a gospel worship leader at Saddleback Church. She sang for Women of Faith, worked with Michael W. Smith and Natalie Grant, recorded multiple albums, and sung the national anthem at NFL games. Her voice and faith were her livelihood, her heart, and her life. Then she came out as gay — and lost it all. In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, Leah Rae opens up about her journey from a strict Christian upbringing to realizing she was bisexual, her 21-year marriage to a man, and the moment she met Captain Sandy Yawn from Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean — the first woman she ever truly loved. When the churches that had been her home for decades discovered her relationship with Sandy, they rejected her completely. She was no longer allowed to lead worship. Her platform vanished. The community she'd served for two decades turned their backs. But in losing everything, Leah found something greater: authenticity, freedom, and a partner who loves her unconditionally. In this episode, Leah shares: How she suppressed her sexuality for decades while leading worshipThe moment she knew she was drawn to womenWhat it felt like to lose her church community overnightHer relationship with Captain Sandy and what true love means nowWhy LGBTQ+ people belong in church and can lead worshipHer message to LGBTQ+ people still struggling in the closet or in unsupportive churches Leah's Powerful Message: "If you can't find a church that you feel like you belong to, there's so many other beautiful things out there that can help you thrive. Church is not a building — it's the soul." This is a conversation about faith, rejection, love, and reclaiming your voice. If you've been rejected by a faith community, if you're struggling to come out, or if you're navigating faith and sexuality — this episode is for you. FEATURED: -Leah Rae Yawn, Gospel Singer & Worship Leader (Now Married to Captain Sandy Yawn) -Host: Lauren Lanzaretta, You Can Be Both Podcast RESOURCES: Lauren's LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth FOLLOW: Leah Rae Yawn on Instagram: @leahraeofficial Captain Sandy Yawn on Instagram: @captainsandrayawn Below Deck Mediterranean on Bravo LAUREN: Instagram: @Lanzaretta Spotify: Lauren Lanzaretta Apple Music: Lauren Lanzaretta YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta

    58 min

  2. 7 Jun

    PROOF that "Homosexuality" Was Never in The Original Bible: Kathy Baldock Explains The Mistranslation That's Oppressed LGBTQ+ For Centuries

    For nearly 2,000 years, the word "homosexual" did not appear in the Bible. So what changed in 1946? Kathy Baldock is a leading voice on LGBTQ+ issues within Christianity and the author of "Forging a Sacred Weapon" and "Walking the Bridgeless Canyon." She's also featured in the award-winning documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture." In 1946, Bible translators made a controversial decision to add the word "homosexuality" to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible — a word that had never appeared in the original Greek and Hebrew texts. In this powerful conversation, Kathy reveals how that single mistranslation changed the course of Christian history and how that lie has been used to marginalize and oppress the LGBTQ+ community for decades. This isn't her opinion, it's FACTS. But Kathy's journey to this work wasn't always about LGBTQ+ issues. It started with her own experience of being stigmatized and marginalized in her Irish Catholic community. When she was two years old, her father left her family, and she was made to feel like something was wrong with her. That pain, that sense of injustice, eventually led her to meet Netto on a hiking trail — a woman who would change everything and introduce her to the LGBTQ+ community in a way that challenged everything she thought she knew. In this episode, Kathy shares: The real history behind the 1946 Bible mistranslationHow religious institutions built oppression on a lieWhy understanding history is the key to healingHer powerful message to LGBTQ+ people of faithHow the heart of God is not reflected in discrimination and marginalization You definitely want to watch this one all the way through! Kathy's message at the end will leave you in tears! This is a conversation about faith, history, justice, and hope. If you've ever questioned what the Bible really says about LGBTQ+ people, this episode is for you. This isn't opinion, it's FACTS. FEATURED: Kathy Baldock, Author & Leading Voice on LGBTQ+ Issues in Christianity Host: Lauren Lanzaretta, You Can Be Both Podcast RESOURCES: -Lauren's LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: http://youcanbeboth.com/ -Documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture": https://www.1946themovie.com/ -Kathy Baldock's Books: "Forging a Sacred Weapon": https://amzn.to/4oaBrQy "Walking the Bridgeless Canyon": https://amzn.to/4g5mBc6 Canyon Walker Connections: https://canyonwalkerconnections.com/about/kathy-baldock/ FOLLOW LAUREN: Instagram: @lanzaretta Spotify: Lauren Lanzaretta Apple Music: Lauren Lanzaretta YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta

    1hr 55min

  3. 31 May

    "Testify to Love" Singer Michael Passons: Kicked Out For Being Gay, Now Topping Christian Charts

    Michael Passons was a founding member of Avalon, one of the biggest Christian music groups of all time. He wrote and performed "Testify to Love," a song that became an icon of Christian music. But when he came out as gay, he was forced out of the band and lost everything. Now, Michael is rewriting his story — and breaking records doing it. He just rereleased "Testify to Love" as an LGBTQ+ affirming anthem with country artist Ty Herndon, and together they became the first openly gay artists to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. In this episode of You Can Be Both, Michael sits down with host Lauren Lanzaretta to share his full journey: Growing up in rural Mississippi. His dream of becoming a Christian music artist. What it felt like to be kicked out of Avalon for being gay. His spiritual deconstruction and finding faith again on his own terms. And what it means to finally sing authentically. This is a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and reclaiming your voice. IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT: Michael's journey as a founding member of Avalon and writing the iconic "Testify to Love"Growing up in rural Mississippi in a conservative Baptist churchRealizing he was gay and the internal struggle that followedBeing forced out of Avalon for coming outHis spiritual deconstruction and stepping away from organized religionFinding his way back to faith and spirituality on his own termsRereleasing "Testify to Love" as an LGBTQ+ affirming anthem with Ty HerndonMaking history as the first openly gay artists to reach #1 on iTunes Christian chartsWhat it means to sing and live authenticallyHis message to LGBTQ+ people still in the closetAdvice for worship leaders who've been kicked out of churchThe power of reclaiming your voice and your story FOLLOW MICHAEL:Instagram: @michaelpassonsSpotify: Michael PassonsApple Music: Michael PassonsYouTube: Michael Passons FOLLOW LAUREN:Instagram: @laurenlanzarettaYouTube: Lauren LanzarettaSpotify: Lauren LanzarettaApple Music: Lauren Lanzaretta FREE LGBTQ+ HEALING & RESOURCE GUIDE:Access Lauren's full story, healing resources, books, podcasts, and voices that have helped transform shame to freedom.Visit: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth

    53 min

  4. 24 May

    God WANTS Me To Be Gay -- A Former Pastor's Coming Out Story

    Mike Maeshiro spent 5 years as an instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry — teaching, preaching, and living what he thought was his calling. But there was one problem: he was gay. From age 10, Mike knew he was different. He tried conversion therapy. He dated a woman to "fix" himself. He climbed the evangelical ladder at one of the most influential charismatic churches in the world — all while suppressing who he really was. Then in 2020, everything changed. A Taylor Swift documentary, a passage from Acts, and a spiritual awakening in the woods led Mike to a truth he'd been running from for 22 years: God wanted him to be gay. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from being kicked out of ministry school for confiding in a friend about his attraction to men, to becoming a paid staff member and instructor at the same institution, to finally coming out publicly in 2022 and walking away from everything he'd built. What we cover: ​Growing up evangelical and realizing he was gay at age 10​Being kicked out of Bethel ministry school after being outed by a friend​Getting hired back and climbing the ministry ladder while suppressing his identity​The spiritual experiences (including Taylor Swift's Miss Americana) that led to his coming out​How he reconciled his faith with his sexuality through rigorous biblical study​The cost of staying closeted vs. the freedom of coming out​His work now helping LGBTQ people heal from religious trauma through NumaMike is the founder of Numa, an organization supporting people healing from religious toxicity, especially within the LGBTQ community. Through coaching, speaking, and social media, he helps people live authentically and reclaim spirituality in affirming ways. Connect with Mike:Instagram/TikTok: @mikemaeshiroOrganization: Numa 📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothIncludes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity. 🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube 📱 Follow:@lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcast If you've ever felt caught between your faith and your identity, this conversation will remind you: you don't have to choose. #LGBTQChristian #BethelChurch #Deconstruction #ComingOut #ExEvangelical #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ReligiousTrauma #FaithJourney #YouCanBeBoth

    1hr 2min

  5. 17 May

    Why the Church Creates Fake Christians (And How LGBTQ People Are Changing That)

    I met a woman in Clearwater who was shocked that I'm a Christian and didn't judge her. That moment made me realize something: the church has created a culture of inauthenticity — and it's pushing people away from God. In this solo episode, I'm talking about why so many people (straight and LGBTQ) feel like they can't be themselves in church, why LGBTQ Christians have a unique gift to offer the world, and why I'm done spending energy defending my faith instead of just living it. What we cover: Why the church creates "fake" Christians who can't be authenticThe woman at the bar who was shocked I didn't judge herWhy LGBTQ people have a special gift the church needsHow to stop being defensive and start showing God's loveWhy being your authentic self IS true holinessThe power of using your God-given gifts instead of suppressing who you areWhy you can't fully serve God if you're not fully yourself This isn't about proving we're "Christian enough." It's about showing the world what real faith looks like — authentic, messy, loving, and unjudgmental. If you've ever felt like you have to wear a "church face" or hide parts of yourself to be accepted, this episode is for you. And if you're tired of the culture wars and just want to focus on the goodness of God — you're not alone. 📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothIncludes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity. 🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube 📱 Follow:@lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcast 💬 Share your story: YouCanBeBothPodcast@gmail.com Leave a comment and tell me: What has God done in your life as an LGBTQ person? Let's focus on the goodness of God, not defensiveness. #LGBTQChristian #AuthenticFaith #ChurchCulture #YouCanBeBoth #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ChristianLove #BeYourself #FaithJourney #LGBTQAffirming

    23 min

  6. 10 May

    Being Gay Isn't a Sin — Here's Why the Bible Actually SUPPORTS LGBTQ People

    Can you be LGBTQ and Christian? Pastor Brandon Robertson says absolutely — and he's spent years studying the theology to prove it. In this conversation, Brandon breaks down why the "clobber passages" Christians use against gay people are mistranslations, misinterpretations, and taken out of historical context. We talk about Leviticus, Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans 1, and what Jesus actually said (or didn't say) about homosexuality. Brandon also shares his journey from growing up in fundamentalist evangelicalism to coming out and becoming one of the most prominent LGBTQ-affirming pastors in America. He talks about purity culture, deconstruction, progressive Christianity, and why he believes the Bible supports gay marriage. Topics we cover: Why Leviticus 18:22 doesn't condemn homosexualityWhat Sodom and Gomorrah was ACTUALLY about (hint: not gay people)Romans 1 and Paul's condemnation of temple prostitution — not loving relationshipsThe difference between biblical interpretation vs. fundamentalismHow evangelicalism weaponizes scripture against LGBTQ peopleBrandon's coming out story and losing his church communityWhat progressive Christianity really meansWhy affirming theology is growing in the church More about Brandon Robertson:Brandon is a pastor, author, activist, and one of the leading voices for LGBTQ inclusion in Christianity. He's written multiple books on queer theology and leads an affirming church community. 📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube 📱 Follow:@lanzaretta@youcanbebothpodcast If you've ever been told you can't be gay and Christian, this conversation will change everything. #LGBTQChristian #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #ChristianLove #BrandonRobertson #YouCanBeBoth #GayPastor #BiblicalInterpretation #DeconstructingFaith #AffirmingChurch

    56 min

  7. 3 May

    You Can Be Trans AND Christian — Here's Why

    Can you be transgender AND Christian? I'm answering this question directly — and what I learned completely changed my heart. In this episode, I talk about Neeza Powers, a trans Christian woman who faced thousands of hateful comments for being her authentic self. I break down what the Bible actually says about gender, explore Deuteronomy 22:5 in context, and explain why Jesus' ministry was focused on outcasts — not the religiously "perfect." WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: ✅ Neeza Powers' story — Trans Christian attacked online for being her authentic self ✅ Deuteronomy 22:5 debunked — What this verse ACTUALLY meant in historical context ✅ Why Christians cherry-pick Bible verses about gender but ignore others ✅ Intersex people & brain science — Gender isn't as binary as we think ✅ Jesus' ministry focused on outcasts — Not the religiously "perfect" ✅ How my heart changed after talking to trans Christians ✅ A call to love, not judge If you've ever wondered whether being trans conflicts with faith, or if you're a Christian trying to understand the LGBTQ+ community better, this is for you. 📖 FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Includes my full testimony + every book, podcast, and resource that helped me reconcile my faith and identity. 🎵 My Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube 📱 Follow me:@lanzaretta @youcanbebothpodcast #TransChristian #LGBTQFaith #ChristianLove #YouCanBeBoth #TransRights #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerTheology #FaithAndIdentity

    36 min

  8. 26 Apr

    It's IMPOSSIBLE to Be 'Ex-Gay' — Here's Why

    Here's why "ex-gay" stories are misleading — and why you don't need to change. I'm breaking down why it's impossible to be ex-gay and why these stories you see online are often rooted in trauma, bad behavior, or bisexuality/pansexuality— not actual sexual orientation change. What we're covering: Why trauma gets mistaken for sexual orientationHow people confuse bad behavior with being gayThe truth about bisexuality/pansexuality and "ex-gay" testimoniesWhy the algorithm is feeding you these stories The bottom line: You don't need to change. God loves you exactly as you are. Conversion therapy doesn't work, never has, and never will. Organizations like Exodus International have already admitted this and apologized for the harm they caused. If you're struggling with your identity, feeling pressured to change, or wondering why God hasn't "fixed" you — this episode is for you. 📩 NEED SUPPORT?Download my FREE LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide — it includes my full testimony, books, podcasts, and resources that helped me become confident in who I am and rooted in my relationship with God:https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🎵 MY MUSIC:I process my story through songwriting. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube:Search: Lauren Lanzaretta 📱 CONNECT WITH ME:Instagram: @LanzarettaTikTok: @LanzarettaEmail: youcanbebothpodcast@gmail.com MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎬 Pray Away (Netflix documentary about Exodus International) You are loved. You are seen. You are worthy. And you can be both gay and Christian. #GayChristian #ExGay #LGBTQChurch #ConversionTherapy #YouCanBeBoth #GayAndChristian #ChristianLGBTQ #PrayAwayTheGay #LGBTQFaith #QueerChristian #AffirmingTheology #ExodusInternational #LGBTQHealing

    30 min
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About

You Can Be Both is hosted by singer/songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, who shares honest conversations about being both gay and Christian—two identities often seen as incompatible. The podcast creates space for LGBTQ+ people of faith to find healing, community, and a deeper connection with Christ while fully embracing who they are. As a first step to your healing journey, I recommend the “LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide” - go to www.youcanbeboth.com for this and other resources. Join the You Can Be Both Community App https://youcanbeboth.mn.co/plans/1984569?bundle_token=a02f1c1a95e905aa187210545

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Lanzaretta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lauren Lanzaretta
  • Show Website
    You Can Be Both

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