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.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Send testimony/questions to https://bit.ly/49G1tpz

  1. 10 HR AGO

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

    Mike Maeshiro spent 14 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 10Being kicked out of Bethel ministry school after being outed by a friendGetting hired back and climbing the ministry ladder while suppressing his identityThe spiritual experiences (including Taylor Swift's Miss Americana) that led to his coming outHow he reconciled his faith with his sexuality through rigorous biblical studyThe cost of staying closeted vs. the freedom of coming outHis 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 19 APR

    Former Anti-Gay Pastor: 'I Was Wrong About LGBTQ+ People'

    "For years, I stood in the pulpit and preached that homosexuality was a sin. I believed the Bible was clear. I thought I was right. I was wrong."In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Pastor Joe Smith, a straight, cisgender pastor who spent years preaching traditional, non-affirming theology—until his understanding completely transformed.This isn't a story about a pastor who came out. It's about a pastor who changed his mind.Joe shares his journey from confidently condemning LGBTQ+ people from the pulpit to becoming an advocate and ally. He talks about what scriptures he got wrong, what made him reconsider his theology, and why he now believes you absolutely CAN be gay and Christian.This conversation is for:✅ Pastors and church leaders wrestling with LGBTQ+ theology✅ LGBTQ+ people hurt by the church✅ Parents trying to reconcile their faith and their LGBTQ+ child✅ Anyone who's been told they have to choose between faith and identityJoe shares:✅ Why he used to preach against homosexuality✅ The moment he started questioning his theology✅ How he studied scripture with fresh eyes✅ What the "clobber passages" actually mean in context✅ The harm he caused and his journey toward repair✅ Why he now proudly affirms LGBTQ+ people✅ His message to pastors still preaching condemnation✅ His message to LGBTQ+ people hurt by the churchIN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Introduction[02:30] Joe's background: Growing up in conservative Christianity[08:15] Why he preached against homosexuality[14:40] The moment doubt crept in[22:10] Re-studying the "clobber passages"[30:45] What the Bible actually says (and doesn't say)[38:20] The harm of non-affirming theology[45:00] His apology to the LGBTQ+ community[52:15] What he wants other pastors to know[58:30] What he wants LGBTQ+ people to know[01:04:00] How churches can become truly affirmingRESOURCES:📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide:👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth🏳️‍🌈 Crisis Support:The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth)GLAAD: Resources for LGBTQ+ ChristiansQ Christian Fellowship: Community for LGBTQ+ Christians💜 Support the Mission:If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals and allies navigating faith and identity.👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbebothFOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH:📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth]🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth]🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listenFOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA:📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta]🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta]🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.comSHARE THIS MESSAGE:💬 Know a pastor questioning their theology? Share this episode.💬 Know an LGBTQ+ person hurt by the church? Send them this story of change.💬 Know parents struggling to reconcile faith and their child's identity? This is for them. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss stories of transformation and hope.👍 Leave a comment—your story matters. The church CAN change. Theology CAN evolve. Love CAN win. You can be both.A NOTE FROM LAUREN:If you're a pastor or church leader reading this, please know: It's okay to change your mind. Admitting you were wrong takes more courage than doubling down on harmful theology. The LGBTQ+ community needs more leaders like Joe—people willing to do the hard work of rethinking what they were taught.If you're LGBTQ+ and you've been hurt by churches like the one Joe used to lead, please know: Not all pastors stay stuck. Some are willing to learn, grow, and change. And those who hurt you were wrong—not you.#AffirmingPastor #GayChristian #PastorChanges #AffirmingTheology #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #ProgressiveChristianity #LGBTQAffirming #YouCanBeBoth #ChristianAlly

    1hr 23min

  7. 12 APR

    Jaden Ivey Pride Night Controversy Explained | Gay Christian Responds

    NBA player Jaden Ivey was recently suspended for making homophobic comments about Pride Night, calling it "unrighteous" and against his Christian beliefs. But when did being Christian become about being the moral police instead of loving people? In this episode, I break down why Jaden Ivey's comments are the opposite of what Jesus taught, why Pride Night matters for LGBTQ+ people who have been marginalized and discriminated against for decades, and why Christians need to stop using their beliefs to justify hate. Here's the truth: LGBTQ+ people are human beings. We wake up, go to work, have families, and try to survive just like everyone else. We've been kicked out of churches, rejected by our families, physically assaulted, and even murdered simply for being who we are. And now, when the NBA says, "Hey, we're going to have ONE NIGHT where LGBTQ+ people can feel welcomed and safe," some Christians have a problem with it?That's not Christianity. That's bigotry. IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ Why Jaden Ivey's "beliefs" are actually harmful ✅ The difference between beliefs and bigotry ✅ How the Bible was used to justify slavery and segregation ✅ What Jesus actually said about loving marginalized people ✅ Why Christians who obsess over LGBTQ+ people might be struggling themselves ✅ A challenge to Christians: Go to Pride Night and meet real people ✅ Why "loving the sinner, hating the sin" is still hate QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: "When your beliefs start to take away the human rights of other people, they are no longer beliefs. You are just a homophobic and hateful bigot." "You are not earning any brownie points with God for hating on people." "Stop being narcissistic and thinking that you have all the answers. You are a sinner yourself, and God had mercy on you—so have mercy on others." RESOURCES: 📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🏳️‍🌈 Crisis Support: The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth)PFLAG: Support for parents, families, friends, and allies of LGBTQ+ peopleQ Christian Fellowship: Community for LGBTQ+ Christians 💜 Support the Mission: If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals navigating faith and identity. 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth FOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH: 📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth] 🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth] 🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listen FOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA: 📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta] 🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta] 🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.com SHARE THIS MESSAGE: 💬 Know a Christian who needs to hear this? Share this video. 💬 Know an LGBTQ+ person hurt by comments like Jaden's? Send them this. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 👍 Leave a comment—I read every single one. You don't have to choose between your faith and loving LGBTQ+ people. You can be both. UPCOMING: 🎥 Testimony Tuesdays — Live testimonies every Tuesday on YouTube 📱 Community App — The largest community of LGBTQ+ people of faith in the world (coming soon!) 📞 One-on-One Calls — Personal support for your faith journey (launching soon!) A NOTE TO VIEWERS: If you're a Christian struggling with LGBTQ+ acceptance, I get it. I used to be homophobic too when I was in the closet. But I challenge you: stop othering people. Look at LGBTQ+ individuals as human beings loved by God who deserve respect and dignity. If you're LGBTQ+ and you've been hurt by Christians like Jaden Ivey, please know: You are not unrighteous. You are not an enemy of God. You are loved, valued, and worthy exactly as you are. #JadenIvey #PrideNight #NBA #ChicagoBulls #GayChristian #LGBTQChurch #ChristianLGBTQ #Homophobia #ChristianAthlete #PrideControversy #LGBTQRights #ChristianResponse #YouCanBeBoth #LaurenLanzaretta #QueerFaith #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #LGBTQTestimony #ChristianAlly #ProgressiveChristianity #AffirmingChristianity

    14 min

  8. 5 APR

    America's Got Talent Contestant Comes Out As Gay After Leading Worship in Megachurches for Years

    "I was a worship leader who sang about God's love every Sunday—while hiding who I really was. "In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Israel Isaac, a longtime megachurch worship leader who came out as gay four years ago and recently auditioned for America's Got Talent and appears on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules. For years, Israel led thousands of people in worship—pouring his heart into every song, every service, every moment on stage. But he was living a double life. He was gay, and he knew if anyone found out, everything would change. When Israel came out just four years ago, it cost him everything he knew—his church, his community, his sense of belonging. But it also gave him something he'd never had before: freedom. In this honest and vulnerable conversation, Israel shares his journey of growing up gay in the church, the pain of hiding, the courage it took to come out, and what happened when he finally stepped into his truth. From leading worship in front of 10,000 people to standing on the America's Got Talent stage and now appearing on Vanderpump Rules, Israel's story is proof that you don't have to choose between your faith and your identity. If you've ever felt like you had to hide who you are to be loved, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ Growing up gay in a religious community ✅ What it's like to lead worship while closeted ✅ Coming out four years ago and how it changed everything ✅ How the church responded ✅ Israel's journey to America's Got Talent ✅ Being on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules ✅ Finding self-acceptance and freedom ✅ Why you don't have to choose between faith and identity RESOURCES: 📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🏳️‍🌈 Crisis Support: The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth) GLAAD: Resources for LGBTQ+ Christians 💜 Support the Mission: If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals navigating faith and identity. 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth FOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH: 📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth] 🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth] 🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listen FOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA: 📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta] 🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta] 🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.com SHARE THIS MESSAGE: 💬 Know someone who needs to hear Israel's story? Share this episode with them. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a story of hope and healing. 👍 Leave a comment—your story matters. You don't have to choose between your truth and your faith. You can be both. #ComingOut #LGBTQChurch #WorshipLeader #ChristianLGBTQ #QueerFaith #AmericasGotTalent #AGT #VanderpumpRules #ComingOutStory #GayAndChristian #ChurchHurt #ReligiousTrauma #LGBTQYouth #QueerStories #FaithJourney #LGBTQTestimony #YouCanBeBoth #ChristianCommunity #QueerWorship #LGBTQAcceptance #LaurenLanzaretta #ProgressiveChristianity #AffirmingChurch #IsraelIsaac #BravoTV #comingoutstory

    59 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.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Send testimony/questions to https://bit.ly/49G1tpz

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Lanzaretta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lauren Lanzaretta
  • Show Website
    You Can Be Both

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