I (17m) am a queer neurodivergent person. Two years back I was an attention seeker and I have matured but they still exclude me, especially cause they probably already know. I told them on time about my autism and sexuality.
To start off, at a youth conference last year, I was given my own room because I didn’t have a chaperone, in fact I wasn’t even on the roster so I didn’t get a name tag either. The members of the church who are my age don’t sit next to me or hesitate. Either way, it’s always a discussion when the chaperones tell them to sit next to me.
What should I do. I tried to not go one time but My brother (32m) told my aunt to tell me to go. I’m so scared because I hate the constant ostracization and exclusion but I got baptized at that church. And the adults aren’t any better tbh. They dont acknowledge me unless it’s to say hi or they treat me like a child (one of them even makes weird faces at me for some reason????) I feel so excluded and I don’t want to be there anymore. I already talked it over with my grandma and she said I don’t have to go but I’m worried about how my brother is going to feel.
Comments
If a church excludes you for being queer and neurodivergent, it’s not holy, it’s hostile. You’re not leaving God by walking away, you’re leaving people who forgot how to love.
I left the church I grew up in when I was 16, the pastor heard I was leaving and decided to preach a sermon about how leaving “the church” is a sin. “The Church” isn’t the building. And you SHOULD find somewhere accepting. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Being raised in the Bible Belt it’s something I’ve seen so many times, and I’m saddened everytime i see it. I no longer attend church. I do not relate most of the people I’ve met in the various churches I’ve been to, and I’ve been hurt by too many leaders/attendees. I hope the best for you OP!
If you are still interested in a faith community, it would be worth it to switch churches. This might appease your brother as well. This list is not limited to- but Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Unitarian Universalists all have accepting congregations within their umbrella (though ofc worth checking out individual congregations – some can be more queer friendly than others.)
Come and join us at the Unitarian Universalist church! I know it’s hard to leave your community but you’ll build a new one, being the real you!!
Just stop going Don’t listen to your family find a new church