Former Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry instructor, Mike Maeshiro, shares his journey to being an out gay man. Topics include cultural identity, navigating evangelical beliefs, personal and spiritual journey, coming out, deconstructing beliefs, mental health impacts of coming out, allyship, diversifying reading, and casual movie chat.
Prioritize safety when coming out in unsupportive environments, seek support outside home.
Maintain a balance between past regrets and present authenticity when coming out.
Limit exposure to unsupportive parents for emotional well-being, prioritize mental health.
Deep dives
Advice for Young Individuals in Unsupportive Environments
For young individuals living in unsupportive environments, it is advisable not to come out to parents who may react negatively or harmfully. Safety is paramount, so it's better to wait until you are in a safer and supportive space before revealing your true self. Seek connections and support outside your home environment and plan to transition out of that situation once it is feasible and safe.
Acknowledging Impact of Deconstructing and Coming Out
Deconstructing and coming out can lead to a myriad of emotions including regret for the time lost while hiding one's true self. It's vital to find a balance between acknowledging the pain and anger of lost time and focusing on living authentically in the present. While anger has its place, it is crucial to not let it consume you and instead focus on moving forward positively.
Navigating Relationships with Unsuitable Parents
In relationships with unsupportive and bigoted parents, it's essential to prioritize your emotional well-being. If parents are exhibiting harmful behaviors or rhetoric, consider limiting exposure to maintain your mental health. Seek validation and support from external sources, plan for independence and know that you do not owe your parents anything that may compromise your self-worth and authenticity.
Challenges of Addressing Harmful Beliefs
Addressing harmful beliefs, especially in conservative or evangelical settings, can be met with denial or defensiveness from those who upheld such beliefs. It can be frustrating when individuals double down on harmful ideologies instead of considering their impact. This can lead to a feeling of powerlessness when trying to confront and dismantle harmful beliefs.
Impact of Evangelical Purity Culture
Rejecting the harmful effects of evangelical purity culture is crucial. Encouraging individuals to confront their past experiences, acknowledge their pain, and actively divest from harmful systems by speaking out and advocating against purity culture promotes healing and genuine protest against the damaging ideologies.
Allyship and Advocacy in Diverse Spaces
Promoting allyship involves actively listening to marginalized voices, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Allies are urged to challenge systemic biases, support queer individuals in creating safe environments, and engage in uncomfortable conversations to promote inclusivity. Advocacy through actions like mindful voting, intentional social media curation, and fostering diverse relationships demonstrates a commitment to justice and equality in various spheres.
PRIDE is over. But that doesn't mean we're done listening to people who survived evangelicalism and are now thriving as out LGBT people. Listen in on Karen's conversation with Mike Maeshiro, a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry and his journey to being an out gay man.
Find out more about him at https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/ and watch his roundtable conversation mentioned on the podcast HERE.
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