Embracing Both Identities

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming, reconciling faith with identity can feel like an impossible task. The church, for many, has not always been a source of refuge or acceptance, but rather one of rejection and pain. Too often, LGBTQ+ individuals are told that they must choose between their identity and their faith. The question of how to embrace both identities—being LGBTQ+ and being Christian—can weigh heavily on one’s heart.

As a transgender person, I’ve faced these struggles firsthand. The church has often been a place where my identity felt out of place, where I was told my gender expression and sexual orientation were incompatible with the teachings of Christ. For many, this rejection causes deep emotional and spiritual wounds, leading many to question whether they can ever truly embrace both who they are and who they are in Christ.

But here’s the truth I have come to know: we don’t have to choose. We can embrace both identities. Being Christian does not mean denying who we are. Being LGBTQ+ does not mean we are outside of God’s love. We can embrace both identities—our sexuality, our gender identity, and our faith—all at once.

Recognizing God’s Love in Every Identity

God’s love for us is not limited by our gender or our sexuality. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This verse reminds us that God created every part of us, including our sexuality and gender identity, in His image. To embrace both identities is to accept the truth that God loves us fully—exactly as we are. Embracing both identities means recognizing that we are an integral part of God’s plan, not separate from it.

The Tension Between Faith and Identity

The tension between faith and identity can be real, especially when confronted with messages from the church that suggest LGBTQ+ people are somehow less-than or outside of God’s will. But these messages do not define us. In fact, the Bible tells us that there is no condemnation in Christ. Romans 8:1 states, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This includes LGBTQ+ individuals. We are not condemned by God because of our sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, we are invited into His love, His grace, and His family.

Embracing both identities is about finding peace in the knowledge that we do not have to change or hide who we are to be loved by God. It’s about embracing the fullness of our beings—our faith, our sexuality, and our gender expression—knowing that God’s love is not limited by our identity.

Overcoming the Challenges

While embracing both identities may be challenging, it is not impossible. Here are some ways to embrace both identities:

1. Seek Affirming Communities

Finding a faith community that affirms your identity is essential. There are churches and spiritual communities that celebrate LGBTQ+ people and believe that God’s love extends to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In these communities, we can grow in our faith without sacrificing who we are.

2. Trust in God’s Plan for You

God has a unique plan for each of us. In Jeremiah 29:11, God assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” This verse is a reminder that God has a purpose for our lives, and His plans are filled with hope, peace, and a future. Our identity—both as LGBTQ+ individuals and as Christians—is part of that purpose.

3. Reaffirm Your Worth in God’s Love

The journey of embracing both identities requires ongoing reflection and self-affirmation. When faced with the church’s harmful teachings or societal rejection, it’s important to remember that you are loved by God. God sees you as His precious creation, full of worth and purpose. Reaffirming this truth helps us reject the messages of condemnation and instead embrace the unconditional love God offers.

Bible Verses on Embracing Both Identities

Romans 8:31:

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

This verse reminds us that God is for us—no matter what struggles we may face, whether they come from society, the church, or ourselves. If God is for us, who can stand against us? We can embrace both identities without fear, knowing that God’s love is steadfast and unshakable.

Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This verse speaks to the unity we have in Christ, regardless of our background, race, gender, or sexual orientation. We are all equal in God’s eyes. Embracing both identities means accepting that God’s love unites us all—no matter who we are.

Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

This verse is a promise that God has good plans for our lives. Our identities, our faith, and our purpose are part of His grand design. We can trust that God’s plan for us is filled with hope and peace, and we do not need to choose between our faith and who we are.

Embracing both identities—being LGBTQ+ and being Christian—is a journey of self-acceptance, love, and faith. It’s about rejecting harmful teachings and standing firm in the truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. By finding affirming communities, trusting in God’s plan for our lives, and reaffirming our worth in His love, we can fully embrace both our identities. As we do, we become a living testament to the expansive and unconditional love that God has for all His children.