A young gay Christian friend reached out to me last night. He just needed to talk with someone who understands. He's alienated from his evangelical parents, who say they love him but "can't support his lifestyle."

It was a heavy, sad conversation. See, I can listen to him, really see and hear him. I can pray with him. I can speak the truth to him: That God made him, that God loves his beautiful queerness, that the Body of Christ is broken and incomplete without our presence.

I can be a loving parental presence on FaceTime for 30 minutes. And I'm so happy to. I'm so glad I can be encouraging and supportive.

But I'm not his dad. I'm not his mom or his brothers. I'm not the church family he was born into, surrounded by for most of his life.

He needs them to step up.

Do better, parents and families. Do better, Church. You are causing incredible damage. For God's sake, do better.