Christian Authentic Kristen v.H. Middleton

Anna is male to female transgender (she/her), a lesbian and 54 years old. She has a strong interest in science, and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Anthropology, as well as a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management. As a child, Anna attended a Presbyterian church, but today she considers herself to be more spiritual than religious. In today’s episode, Anna remembers what it felt like to cross-dress at age 12, and the wholeness she felt when she stepped into her authentic identity as a girl. She also describes for me the anxiety and depression that followed cross-dressing sessions, when she had to put her clothes away in an air duct to hide her truth from the world.

Landyn, 21, grew up in a traditional Southern Baptist home and church environment in Tennessee. Due to family disagreements and the anti-gay agenda of the church he formerly attended, Landyn left and moved to Tri-Cities, Washington as a teenager. He moved in with his grandmother, a devout Catholic who always accepted and celebrated him for who he is. In today’s episode, Landyn describes his God-filled journey from childhood to young adulthood, as a gay Christian man.

Page is a 30 year old guy who was born a Female and prefers Male pronouns and does not like to be put into boxes. He grew up Mormon and has a strong relationship with his God, but is no longer active in the church.

Elizabeth is a 20-year-old she/her woman and describes herself as mostly gay. She’s a student at Columbia Basin College in Washington and grew up in an evangelical Baptist Church. On today’s episode Elizabeth tells the story of her childhood church, which stated “All Are Welcome” while simultaneously promoting an anti-transgender political agenda. Elizabeth is an active member of new young Democrats.

Gary, 27, is a gay man born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, who grew up in the Foursquare and Assemblies of God Church and graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a Minor in Leadership. Gary is now pursuing his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. On this episode, Gary tells the story of reconciling his faith and sexuality during a transformative, God-ordained moment in Bangkok, Thailand while he was on a Christian mission trip. Gary also hosts the podcast, “Beautiful Tension.”

Michelle is a 29-year-old Christian lesbian who uses she/her pronouns. She moved from Spokane to the Tri-Cities in 2019 with her wife and two dogs. Her favorite things are the color pink and the scent Winter Candy Apple from Bath and Body Works. On today’s episode, Michelle talks about the loving church of her early childhood, the cult-like church she attended in high school, and the joy she’s finally found being married to her loving wife, and finding Jesus again in an gay-affirming United Church of Christ community.