Yesterday I announced to the world via my personal Facebook that I no longer believe what I used to.

I was a little nervous.

Until last month I had been working as a church youth worker, and had only been open with those closest to me.

1/

Before I made the announcement publicly, I made sure to speak to my closest friends, to let them in on my journey and the process I had been going through.

I was aware that some may feel hurt if they first heard about it from a Facebook post rather than from me directly.

2/

Though not the focus of the post, it was also the first time that I had mentioned publicly that I was gay. For many of my friends this was old news, but for others it was the first they’d heard of it.

3/

I’d written out my post around a month ago, and spent much time since then redrafting it. I wanted to be clear, but also kind. I wanted to be open, but I didn’t want to cause arguments or conflict.

And then I clicked ‘post’.

4/

I was a little overwhelmed by the response. My friends were incredibly gracious, loving and supportive. They assured me that they still loved me and cared for me.

5/

I also received messages from people who have been in a similar position and treading a similar journey.

This is one of the reasons that I wanted to post publicly in the first place, to break the taboo and open up the conversation.

6/

I’m still working my way through many of the messages, and the past 24 hours have felt quite draining, emotionally and physically.

But I’m so glad I did it.

7/

However, what breaks my heart is realising how many people are not as fortunate as I am. The loving support from my community has put in stark contrast those who have received the opposite response.

8/

Since joining Twitter a few months back, I’ve become aware of many for whom leaving their faith has meant social ostracism and abandonment by family and friends. If not active abuse.

9/

If I did not have support from my friends and family, I’m not sure how I would have made it through this process. But many have had no choice.

10/

I have the highest respect for those who have been able to leave behind their faith despite the negative repercussions. It takes an incredibly strong person to do that.

But I still lament that this has had to be the case. It shouldn’t be.

11/

For me, coming out of the faith has revealed the best of humanity, for others, they’ve seen only the darker side.

To those who are experiencing this, please just remember, you are brilliant. You are so strong, and so incredibly brave. I don’t know if I could do that.

12/

And if for these reasons you’ve not been able to be public, or even speak to close friends or family, please feel no shame at all in that. You need to prioritise your safety and wellbeing.

13/

But known that you are not alone. So many people are on your side and are experiencing the same as you.

Whatever your situation with those around you, honesty with yourself is the most important thing.

14/

Above all, be true to yourself, and keep being who you are.

People have changed the world that way.

End/