Holy Sexuality
This webpage is designed to help us prayerfully navigate through the LGBTQ+ conversations that we as Christ followers are currently engaged in with those who are looking to us for guidance, leadership, and wisdom. We hope it will help you as you minister in these complex conversations and multi-layered situations. This is a place where you can come to watch, listen to, and read what we're collecting here as a way to help equip you to lovingly listen with humility, civility, honor, and respect. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you as you seek to apply the apostle Paul's challenge ... "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
There are two Assemblies of God "Position Papers" that have been written that reflect the organizational views of the covering under which we serve: Homosexuality, Marriage, and Sexual Identity and Transgenderism, Transsexuality, and Gender Identity. You may find them helpful as you explore your own understanding of these complex discussions.
The Village Church released an article entitled, Jesus and Homosexuality that is helpful to contextualize what Jesus said about these matters.
Navigating Conversations about Sexuality with Truth and Grace by Dave Detwiler from LCBC is insightful too.
Our friends at ReStory Ministries have a comprehensive website that seeks to provide educational resources, training, conferences, and consultations for churches and leaders, hope and tools for people who struggle with LGBTQ, and referrals for individuals and families looking for ongoing support.
There are two Assemblies of God "Position Papers" that have been written that reflect the organizational views of the covering under which we serve: Homosexuality, Marriage, and Sexual Identity and Transgenderism, Transsexuality, and Gender Identity. You may find them helpful as you explore your own understanding of these complex discussions.
The Village Church released an article entitled, Jesus and Homosexuality that is helpful to contextualize what Jesus said about these matters.
Navigating Conversations about Sexuality with Truth and Grace by Dave Detwiler from LCBC is insightful too.
Our friends at ReStory Ministries have a comprehensive website that seeks to provide educational resources, training, conferences, and consultations for churches and leaders, hope and tools for people who struggle with LGBTQ, and referrals for individuals and families looking for ongoing support.
A Christian Response
Sexual identity is one of the most relevant topics of our day. We all know someone who identifies as gay. How can Christians better engage with our loved ones and friends in the LGBTQ+ community? How does the gospel (sin, repentance, and redemption) shape our understanding of sexuality? Without any compromise of truth or grace, Dr. Christopher Yuan combines his life experiences and his theological training in biblical languages to bring a fresh and unique perspective on this important topic.
Watch the talk from October 2, 2019 at Cairn University here. Follow along with the notes here.
Something Greater Than Marriage Article
Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story by Christopher Yuan
Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope by Christopher Yuan
On January 11, 2022, Pastor John Lindell, from James River Assembly, shared a message entitled, A Biblical View of Sexuality & Gender. In this message, he addresses the issue of sexuality and gender from a Biblical perspective. Follow along with the transcript here. Below are two resources referenced in the message:
Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston Sprinkle
The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality by Luke Gilkerson
Watch the talk from October 2, 2019 at Cairn University here. Follow along with the notes here.
Something Greater Than Marriage Article
Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story by Christopher Yuan
Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope by Christopher Yuan
On January 11, 2022, Pastor John Lindell, from James River Assembly, shared a message entitled, A Biblical View of Sexuality & Gender. In this message, he addresses the issue of sexuality and gender from a Biblical perspective. Follow along with the transcript here. Below are two resources referenced in the message:
Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston Sprinkle
The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality by Luke Gilkerson
Podcasts
Below is a nine-part series (from 2021) that was hosted by The ChurchLeaders Podcast that we found informative and helpful to prepare for numerous facets of the ongoing dialogue. Click on the links below to visit the specific webpage for each episode where you'll find show notes, quotes, and links to books and resources that are mentioned in each interview. You can also find all of these episodes (302-310) in whatever podcasting app you use.
Juli Slattery: This Is How the Church Can Begin the LGBTQ Conversation
Dr. Juli Slattery is a clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, as well as the president and co-founder of Authentic Intimacy, a ministry devoted to reclaiming God’s design for sexuality. She also provides many helpful resources for ministry leaders at SexualDiscipleship.com.
Gregory Coles: It’s Possible to Be Same-Sex Attracted and Fully Surrendered to Jesus
Dr. Gregory Coles is writer, speaker, and academic researcher who has done important work in the field of rhetorics of marginality, focusing on the impact of language on marginalized groups. He is part of the collaborative leadership team at the The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender and the author of several books, including Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity and his latest, No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation.
Mark Yarhouse: How to Pastor Someone Who Has Gender Dysphoria
Dr. Mark Yarhouse is a clinical psychologist who has devoted his life to researching and assisting people as they navigate the complex relationship between their sexual or gender identity and their Christian faith. He leads the Sexual and Gender Identity Institute at Wheaton College, where he also serves as a professor and the chair in psychology. Mark is also currently the chair of the task force on LGTBQ issues for Division 36 of the American Psychological Association. He has written extensively on topics of gender identity and faith, including his latest book, Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth.
Ed Shaw: How God Has Used Same-Sex Attraction to Equip Me As a Pastor
Ed Shaw is a church planter, the pastor of Emmanuel City Centre in Bristol, England, and the director of Living Out, a ministry that seeks to encourage Christians, equip churches, and engage the world with God’s plan for sexuality and identity. He is also an accomplished writer, and his latest book is titled, Purposeful Sexuality: A Short Christian Introduction. Ed loves his family and friends, his church and city, and music and books.
Sean McDowell: Scripture Is Very Clear About God’s Design for Sexuality
Dr. Sean McDowell is an associate professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He is a gifted communicator who is passionate about equipping the church to make the case for the Christian faith. Sean is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement, and he has written several books, including Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture.
Rachel Gilson: How Jesus Helps Me Say No to My Same-Sex Desires
Rachel Gilson serves on the leadership team for Theological Development and Culture at Cru. She is a graduate of Yale, earned her Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing her doctorate. Rachel is the author of “Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next.” Rachel has been married to Andrew for 12 years and they have one daughter.
Caleb Kaltenbach: Do You See the LGBTQ Community Through God’s Eyes?
Caleb Kaltenbach is the executive director of the Messy Grace Group and the author of Messy Truth: How to Foster Community without Sacrificing Conviction, God of Tomorrow and Messy Grace. Through The Messy Grace Group, he helps leaders, Christian organizations, and churches develop influence with LGBTQ individuals without sacrificing theological convictions. He’s a graduate of Ozark Christian College, Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, and received his doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary.
*Note - if you would like to watch the four video sessions from Messy Grace - please email me and request a link to the content.
Preston Sprinkle: Jesus Left the 99 to Pursue the One—And That Means Trans People
Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a biblical scholar and international speaker who serves as the president of the Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender. He is a New York Times best-selling author who has written numerous books including, “People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue” and his latest, “Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say.”
Laurence Koo: A Call for the American Church to Welcome Single (LGBTQ) Believers
Laurence Koo was born and raised in the Netherlands and studied dentistry in Amsterdam. While in college, he met the Navigators and became involved as a student leader. After graduation, Laurence served on staff with the Dutch Navigators and in January 2017 moved to the U.S. to join the missions department of the U.S. Navigators in Colorado Springs, Colo. He now serves the director of iEdge, a program that sends out teams of young adults into the nations to do cross-cultural discipleship ministry. Laurence is also an international speaker and consultant on the topic of sexuality.
Two additional video episodes from the Clearly podcast with Jimmy and Kelly Needham ... Homosexuality and the Bible and LGBT Q&A. In addition, Jimmy preached a message you can watch entitled Gender In Genesis.
Ask NT Wright Anything #162 Questions on sexuality and LGBT ... In this replay podcast from 2019 Tom answered listener questions on how to have better conversations on sexuality in the church, co-habitation, whether the New Testament understanding of homosexuality was different to today and his thoughts on Transgender following a letter he wrote to The Times newspaper. First broadcast in 2019.
Juli Slattery: This Is How the Church Can Begin the LGBTQ Conversation
Dr. Juli Slattery is a clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, as well as the president and co-founder of Authentic Intimacy, a ministry devoted to reclaiming God’s design for sexuality. She also provides many helpful resources for ministry leaders at SexualDiscipleship.com.
Gregory Coles: It’s Possible to Be Same-Sex Attracted and Fully Surrendered to Jesus
Dr. Gregory Coles is writer, speaker, and academic researcher who has done important work in the field of rhetorics of marginality, focusing on the impact of language on marginalized groups. He is part of the collaborative leadership team at the The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender and the author of several books, including Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity and his latest, No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation.
Mark Yarhouse: How to Pastor Someone Who Has Gender Dysphoria
Dr. Mark Yarhouse is a clinical psychologist who has devoted his life to researching and assisting people as they navigate the complex relationship between their sexual or gender identity and their Christian faith. He leads the Sexual and Gender Identity Institute at Wheaton College, where he also serves as a professor and the chair in psychology. Mark is also currently the chair of the task force on LGTBQ issues for Division 36 of the American Psychological Association. He has written extensively on topics of gender identity and faith, including his latest book, Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth.
Ed Shaw: How God Has Used Same-Sex Attraction to Equip Me As a Pastor
Ed Shaw is a church planter, the pastor of Emmanuel City Centre in Bristol, England, and the director of Living Out, a ministry that seeks to encourage Christians, equip churches, and engage the world with God’s plan for sexuality and identity. He is also an accomplished writer, and his latest book is titled, Purposeful Sexuality: A Short Christian Introduction. Ed loves his family and friends, his church and city, and music and books.
Sean McDowell: Scripture Is Very Clear About God’s Design for Sexuality
Dr. Sean McDowell is an associate professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He is a gifted communicator who is passionate about equipping the church to make the case for the Christian faith. Sean is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement, and he has written several books, including Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture.
Rachel Gilson: How Jesus Helps Me Say No to My Same-Sex Desires
Rachel Gilson serves on the leadership team for Theological Development and Culture at Cru. She is a graduate of Yale, earned her Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing her doctorate. Rachel is the author of “Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next.” Rachel has been married to Andrew for 12 years and they have one daughter.
Caleb Kaltenbach: Do You See the LGBTQ Community Through God’s Eyes?
Caleb Kaltenbach is the executive director of the Messy Grace Group and the author of Messy Truth: How to Foster Community without Sacrificing Conviction, God of Tomorrow and Messy Grace. Through The Messy Grace Group, he helps leaders, Christian organizations, and churches develop influence with LGBTQ individuals without sacrificing theological convictions. He’s a graduate of Ozark Christian College, Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, and received his doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary.
*Note - if you would like to watch the four video sessions from Messy Grace - please email me and request a link to the content.
Preston Sprinkle: Jesus Left the 99 to Pursue the One—And That Means Trans People
Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a biblical scholar and international speaker who serves as the president of the Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender. He is a New York Times best-selling author who has written numerous books including, “People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue” and his latest, “Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say.”
Laurence Koo: A Call for the American Church to Welcome Single (LGBTQ) Believers
Laurence Koo was born and raised in the Netherlands and studied dentistry in Amsterdam. While in college, he met the Navigators and became involved as a student leader. After graduation, Laurence served on staff with the Dutch Navigators and in January 2017 moved to the U.S. to join the missions department of the U.S. Navigators in Colorado Springs, Colo. He now serves the director of iEdge, a program that sends out teams of young adults into the nations to do cross-cultural discipleship ministry. Laurence is also an international speaker and consultant on the topic of sexuality.
Two additional video episodes from the Clearly podcast with Jimmy and Kelly Needham ... Homosexuality and the Bible and LGBT Q&A. In addition, Jimmy preached a message you can watch entitled Gender In Genesis.
Ask NT Wright Anything #162 Questions on sexuality and LGBT ... In this replay podcast from 2019 Tom answered listener questions on how to have better conversations on sexuality in the church, co-habitation, whether the New Testament understanding of homosexuality was different to today and his thoughts on Transgender following a letter he wrote to The Times newspaper. First broadcast in 2019.
Books & Videos
The Center For Faith, Sexuality, and Gender has created many resources for pastors, churches, parents, and people and it's available here. One resource to consider if you're in a leadership role making decisions is found on that website ... Guidance For Churches on Membership, Baptism, Communion, Leadership, and Service written by Joshua Ryan Butler.
Here are some books that we are aware of that just begin to scratch the surface of what has been written about this subject matter:
7 Myths about Singleness by Sam Allberry
A War of Loves: The Unexpected Story of a Gay Activist Discovering Jesus by David Bennett
Messy Grace: How a Pastor with Gay Parents Learned to Love Others Without Sacrificing Conviction by Caleb Kaltenbach
Messy Truth: How to Foster Community Without Sacrificing Conviction by Caleb Kaltenbach
Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been by Jackie Hill Perry
Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston Sprinkle
People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue by Preston Sprinkle
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
God and the Transgender Debate: What does the Bible actually say about gender identity? by Andrew T. Walker
Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books) by Mark A. Yarhouse
Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministry by Mark A. Yarhouse
Here are some books that we are aware of that just begin to scratch the surface of what has been written about this subject matter:
7 Myths about Singleness by Sam Allberry
A War of Loves: The Unexpected Story of a Gay Activist Discovering Jesus by David Bennett
Messy Grace: How a Pastor with Gay Parents Learned to Love Others Without Sacrificing Conviction by Caleb Kaltenbach
Messy Truth: How to Foster Community Without Sacrificing Conviction by Caleb Kaltenbach
Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been by Jackie Hill Perry
Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston Sprinkle
People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue by Preston Sprinkle
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
God and the Transgender Debate: What does the Bible actually say about gender identity? by Andrew T. Walker
Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books) by Mark A. Yarhouse
Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministry by Mark A. Yarhouse
UNDERSTANDING DEFINITIONS, DIFFERENTIATIONS, AND PEOPLE
Beginning to earn influence involves learning about who people are. Gaining insight about others isn’t merely relying on our opinions. Hearing their stories, discovering how they relate to life, listening to their hopes and fears, and more helps us discern their self-perception. Remaining ignorant as to how individuals perceive themselves ensures that we’ll have limited influence with them. Simply put, we cannot acknowledge another person’s view of reality if we’re clueless about who they are and how they interpret reality.
We can treat people well even if we don’t know them, but we can treat them extremely well the more we know them.
Regarding the definitions of the following terms, I am not saying that I agree with the wording or that each one is accurate. It could be that by the time you read this, terms, definitions, and words deemed appropriate and inappropriate by society will have changed. The following definitions are short and intended to give you a snapshot of terms used in society. I do not intend to offend anyone, so if I do, I sincerely apologize in advance. My goal is really to show how varied the experiences and identities are of those in the LGBTQ community.
homosexual—sexually attracted to one’s own biological sex (now more of an umbrella word)
gender neutrality—not referring to people by male or female sex but with neutral language
sexual orientation—how someone is attracted and to whom
mixed-orientation marriage—a marriage consisting of two people with differing sexual orientations
gender—a synonym with biological sex, and there are times when the word gender is used to refer to social roles and constructs
gender identity—the way an individual views and/or senses their personal gender
gender expression—how a person’s traits, outward image, and actions are associated with gender in a cultural context and regarding gender roles
gay—usually refers to men who are attracted to men, but can be an umbrella word
lesbian—a woman who is attracted to women
bisexual—attracted to people regardless of their gender (or how they see their gender)
gender dysphoria—emotional stress experienced from perceived misalignment between a person’s gender identity and biological sex
transgender—someone who perceives misalignment between their gender identity and biological sex
trans woman (transgender woman)—a woman biologically born as male, who might experience gender dysphoria and/or decide to transition (hormone therapy and sex-reassignment surgery)
trans man (transgender man)—a man biologically born as female, who might experience gender dysphoria and/or decide to transition (hormone therapy and sex-reassignment surgery)
ally/friends and family—a straight person who supports the LGBTQ community
asexual—experiences little or no sexual attraction to people
questioning—people who are unsure of their orientation and/or gender and may or may not be exploring
queer—can refer to people who are not heterosexual or cisgender and can also be used as a synonym for questioning
intersex—born with both male and female biological and physical characteristics
pansexual/gender blind—attracted to people despite their sex or gender
demisexual—experiences attraction when a significant emotional bond emerges
two spirit—used by Native Americans to describe people who have both male and female spirits (sometimes the words soul and spirit are used)
kink—enjoying sexual expression outside what is considered the traditional expression of sexuality
sex-reassignment surgery—an operation, usually combined with hormones, that a person undergoes to switch sexes
cisgender—people who believe their gender aligns with their biological sex
nonbinary/genderqueer/pangender—those who believe their gender is neither male nor female
gender fluid—shifts between masculine and feminine
gender nonconforming—sees gender identity as outside traditional masculinity and femininity
transvestite—someone who likes to wear opposite-sex clothing (can be synonymous with cross-dressing but not synonymous with transgender)
affirming—theological agreement with both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages
non-affirming—theological agreement with only opposite-sex marriage and sees sex outside of opposite-sex marriage as sin
Side A—a same-sex-attracted person who believes God blesses both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages (some believe the Bible’s words on sex and sexuality are not binding for today)
Side B—a same-sex-attracted person who believes God blesses only opposite-sex marriage and that Christians relating as LGBTQ should remain celibate (some use the title gay Christian to relate with those who have similar life experiences)
Side X—a same-sex-attracted person who believes Christians must fight to change their attraction to the same sex and thinks experiencing same-sex attraction is sinful or lightweight obedience
Again, some terms and definitions may not be worded as some people would prefer. They may not be as up to date as other lists, but you get an idea of the LGBTQ reality. Understanding where people are, who they are, and even the distinction of how people experience, think about, relate to, or identify with sexuality helps us acknowledge their reality and love them where they are.
No two people have the exact same thoughts, have made precisely the same decisions, or share identical experiences in any community. Likewise, not everyone relates as LGBTQ in the same way.
Kaltenbach, Caleb. Messy Truth (pp. 101-105). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Beginning to earn influence involves learning about who people are. Gaining insight about others isn’t merely relying on our opinions. Hearing their stories, discovering how they relate to life, listening to their hopes and fears, and more helps us discern their self-perception. Remaining ignorant as to how individuals perceive themselves ensures that we’ll have limited influence with them. Simply put, we cannot acknowledge another person’s view of reality if we’re clueless about who they are and how they interpret reality.
We can treat people well even if we don’t know them, but we can treat them extremely well the more we know them.
Regarding the definitions of the following terms, I am not saying that I agree with the wording or that each one is accurate. It could be that by the time you read this, terms, definitions, and words deemed appropriate and inappropriate by society will have changed. The following definitions are short and intended to give you a snapshot of terms used in society. I do not intend to offend anyone, so if I do, I sincerely apologize in advance. My goal is really to show how varied the experiences and identities are of those in the LGBTQ community.
homosexual—sexually attracted to one’s own biological sex (now more of an umbrella word)
gender neutrality—not referring to people by male or female sex but with neutral language
sexual orientation—how someone is attracted and to whom
mixed-orientation marriage—a marriage consisting of two people with differing sexual orientations
gender—a synonym with biological sex, and there are times when the word gender is used to refer to social roles and constructs
gender identity—the way an individual views and/or senses their personal gender
gender expression—how a person’s traits, outward image, and actions are associated with gender in a cultural context and regarding gender roles
gay—usually refers to men who are attracted to men, but can be an umbrella word
lesbian—a woman who is attracted to women
bisexual—attracted to people regardless of their gender (or how they see their gender)
gender dysphoria—emotional stress experienced from perceived misalignment between a person’s gender identity and biological sex
transgender—someone who perceives misalignment between their gender identity and biological sex
trans woman (transgender woman)—a woman biologically born as male, who might experience gender dysphoria and/or decide to transition (hormone therapy and sex-reassignment surgery)
trans man (transgender man)—a man biologically born as female, who might experience gender dysphoria and/or decide to transition (hormone therapy and sex-reassignment surgery)
ally/friends and family—a straight person who supports the LGBTQ community
asexual—experiences little or no sexual attraction to people
questioning—people who are unsure of their orientation and/or gender and may or may not be exploring
queer—can refer to people who are not heterosexual or cisgender and can also be used as a synonym for questioning
intersex—born with both male and female biological and physical characteristics
pansexual/gender blind—attracted to people despite their sex or gender
demisexual—experiences attraction when a significant emotional bond emerges
two spirit—used by Native Americans to describe people who have both male and female spirits (sometimes the words soul and spirit are used)
kink—enjoying sexual expression outside what is considered the traditional expression of sexuality
sex-reassignment surgery—an operation, usually combined with hormones, that a person undergoes to switch sexes
cisgender—people who believe their gender aligns with their biological sex
nonbinary/genderqueer/pangender—those who believe their gender is neither male nor female
gender fluid—shifts between masculine and feminine
gender nonconforming—sees gender identity as outside traditional masculinity and femininity
transvestite—someone who likes to wear opposite-sex clothing (can be synonymous with cross-dressing but not synonymous with transgender)
affirming—theological agreement with both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages
non-affirming—theological agreement with only opposite-sex marriage and sees sex outside of opposite-sex marriage as sin
Side A—a same-sex-attracted person who believes God blesses both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages (some believe the Bible’s words on sex and sexuality are not binding for today)
Side B—a same-sex-attracted person who believes God blesses only opposite-sex marriage and that Christians relating as LGBTQ should remain celibate (some use the title gay Christian to relate with those who have similar life experiences)
Side X—a same-sex-attracted person who believes Christians must fight to change their attraction to the same sex and thinks experiencing same-sex attraction is sinful or lightweight obedience
Again, some terms and definitions may not be worded as some people would prefer. They may not be as up to date as other lists, but you get an idea of the LGBTQ reality. Understanding where people are, who they are, and even the distinction of how people experience, think about, relate to, or identify with sexuality helps us acknowledge their reality and love them where they are.
No two people have the exact same thoughts, have made precisely the same decisions, or share identical experiences in any community. Likewise, not everyone relates as LGBTQ in the same way.
Kaltenbach, Caleb. Messy Truth (pp. 101-105). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.