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In this hilarious yet heartfelt episode of Transcending Humanity, host Vanessa welcomes guest host Kate Bridal (Hannibal Lecter's Girlfriend) and special guest Chloe Anna Milligan for an in-depth exploration of the challenges and triumphs at the intersection of faith, identity, and queerness. Titled "Too Queer to be Christian... too Christian to be Queer," the episode dives into burnout, religion, and identity, highlighting the personal journeys of Chloe, an English professor and media studies researcher, as well as a trans leftist Christian parent navigating life, family, faith and belonging.

The Trio kick off the discussion with a look at microphone settings before moving on to the meat of the conversation: the complex interplay of religion and belief systems. Chloe shares her perspective on being a queer Christian, dealing with job insecurity, and the often fraught journey of coming out as transgender. Chloe’s story shines a light on the societal issues surrounding job security and identity, while Kate brings in her experiences as a seasoned podcast interviewer, legal expert and remarkable gift of insight. Vanessa is just Vanessa.

From funny anecdotes to poignant reflections, this episode is packed with moments that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even shed a tear. Chloe’s recounting of her upbringing in a Catholic Lutheran community, her embarrassing encounters, and her journey away from fundamentalist faith all add rich layers to the conversation. Kate’s insights as a cis Ally, the impact of the #MeToo movement, and finding a truly inclusive church provide additional depth. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions, learning, and the ultimate message of love and authenticity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
12:56 Coming Out and the Impact on Faith
21:35 Navigating Fundamentalist Upbringing and Political Shifts
29:40 Family Relationships and Acceptance
36:31 Challenges with In-Laws and Support Systems
40:24 Navigating Relationships and Coming Out
49:01 The Challenges of Finding an Affirming Church
52:26 The Importance of Community in Combating Burnout
58:30 The Complexities of Being Queer and Christian
01:04:13 The Messy Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

Follow Chloe on Instagram @camilligal

Follow Kate on Instagram and TikTok @bridalpartyof5 and @thelegalburnouts 

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Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

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