Tate grew up in small-town, Bible-belt Texas before attending “the absolute worst of the worst” of the “too liberal or too secular" universities. We (David and TJ) talk with Tate about his story of coming out, growing in faith, and being a bridge between different communities. We appreciated Tate’s reflection on how the words we use to describe sexuality (such as gay, same-sex attracted, homosexual, etc.), can mean different things to different communities.
Note: This episode includes content suitable for adult audiences; listener discretion is advised.
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Timestamps
0:55 - Tate’s background
7:35 - The language of being gay, coming out
16:55 - Community perceptions of homosexuality in language and activity
25:10 - College: taking faith seriously, being gay at a “liberal” university
33:00 - Conversations on sexuality with campus ministers vs. Gen Z classmates
38:45 - Speaking and consulting on Christianity and same-sex sexuality
48:35 - “My understanding of sin changed when I left home”
50:45 - How does/should the Christian church relate to queer people?
55:15 - How do you think about your attractions, your sexuality?
1:00:00 - Christian views on homosexuality: what categories did/do you use?
1:05:00 - Why are you not “Side A” (affirming of same-sex marriage/sexual relationships)?
1:07:10 - How can queer/same-sex attracted/LGBT people fit in the church? What are the positive gifts or strengths of being queer/same-sex attracted/LGBT?
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Links and References
Tate’s blog: tate.fyi
Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality (2010) by Wesley Hill
Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church (2016)—contributors: William Loader, Megan K. DeFranza, Wesley Hill, Stephen R. Holmes; edited by Preston Sprinkle
“Being gay is like a drop of ink in a glass of water”—referenced in a Spiritual Friendship blog post by Wesley Hill: https://spiritualfriendship.org/2016/03/10/will-i-be-gay-in-the-resurrection/
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#21 - Tate's Story: Growing Up Gay in Texas