"Growing up in a religious household meant I held pretty negative views about homosexuality.
I remember being in youth group on a Friday evening and being told to boycott Pump water bottles because they were a sponsor of the Hero Parade. Gay people were to be avoided, pitied. Even after leaving the church, it took me decades to untangle the internalised homophobia and rigid view of sexuality that I’d grown up with.
Some aspects of Christianity and Bible teachings have helped to shape positive characteristics in me, like my belief in the importance of charity and the power of collectivism.
But I was also made to feel shame, confusion, and denial about parts of myself that I came to realise are inherent – and a source of joy. "
