James Powell

This Little Light of Mine - LGBTQ, Christianity, religious trauma, mental health

James Powell / Bonnie Violet

  • Pray FOR

Pray FOR

Wednesday 27th October 2021

James Powell and Bonnie Violet discuss 'Pray Away', conversion therapy, and the need for acceptance over changing identities on 'This Little Light of Mine'.
60 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Non-judgmental

About this podcast

This Little Light of Mine - LGBTQ, Christianity, religious trauma, mental health
Author:
James Powell
Overview:
Categories:
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Religion & Spirituality
Healing Relationships
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
51 (View all)
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Pray FOR: Embracing Authenticity Over Conversion

Don't pray for me not to be trans. Don't pray for me not to be gay. Pray for me.
What if we lived in a world where people didn't have to change who they are to be accepted? In this episode of 'This Little Light of Mine', James Powell sits down with Bonnie Violet, a trans femme genderqueer spiritual drag artist and digital chaplain, to dive into the Netflix documentary 'Pray Away'. This documentary sheds light on the painful reality of conversion therapy and its devastating impact on LGBTQ+ individuals.
James and Bonnie dissect the documentary, sharing what they found helpful and hurtful, and pondering what they hope for in a potential sequel. Bonnie's poignant words resonate deeply: 'Don't pray for me not to be trans. Don't pray for me not to be gay. Pray for me to get closer to God.' This simple yet profound statement challenges the notion of praying away someone's identity and instead advocates for spiritual growth and acceptance.
The conversation also delves into Bonnie's personal experiences with the church and the trauma she endured as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. They tackle the myths surrounding being transgender and discuss the barriers individuals face in accessing healthcare. Through their discussion, James and Bonnie highlight the importance of spirituality as a means to connect with others, rather than a tool to enforce conformity.
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, the harms of conversion therapy, and the power of acceptance. Whether you're directly affected by these issues or simply want to understand more about them, this episode offers valuable insights and a call for a more compassionate world.