In this conversation, Nic Flores and Bill White explore the complexities of faith, identity, and community in the context of LGBTQ+ issues and religious conservatism. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, and the impact of personal journeys on faith perspectives. The conversation highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and inclusivity within religious communities, especially for those who have experienced trauma or exclusion. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of theological interpretations, particularly regarding LGBTQ issues within the church. They explore the historical context of scripture, the diversity of theological perspectives, and the importance of humility and curiosity in bridging divides. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating church dynamics, personal growth, and the need for safe spaces in faith communities.

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Follow on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/collisionpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Keywords

christian podcast, faith, LGBTQ+, religious trauma, community, inclusivity, personal journey, church, identity, dialogue, LGBTQ, church, theology, inclusion, community, understanding, diversity, faith, politics, trans issues

In this episode of Collision, host Nic Flores returns to discuss his journey and the decision to continue the podcast. He welcomes Flamy Grant, a drag queen and activist, who shares their experiences in the music industry, their reflections on the recent election, and the importance of activism through art. The conversation delves into the challenges of online engagement, the significance of local community involvement, and Flamy's song 'Revenge,' which addresses personal trauma and healing. They also explore cultural trends and Flamy's support for the Trans Youth Emergency Project, highlighting the need for advocacy and support for marginalized communities.

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Award-winning and Billboard-charting artist Flamy Grant is a shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen from western North Carolina. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian Chart (the first drag performer to achieve this feat), was nominated for Best Pop Album at the San Diego Music Awards, and was named one of the Top Ten Queer Country Albums of 2023 by Rainbow Rodeo Magazine. Her single “Good Day” also debuted at #20 on the Billboard Christian digital sales chart, while her recently released sophomore album “CHURCH” has already reached #8 on the iTunes Country Chart. Flamy is a winner of the 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition and a 2023 QueerX Award nominee for Best Drag Artist and has been featured in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, People, and more. Her music has over 1.2 million streams on digital platforms. A powerhouse vocalist and intrepid songwriter who blends country, folk, gospel, and roots music, Flamy delivers a theatrical, therapeutic, and wholly original storytelling experience, all shared through the evocative art of drag.

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Follow on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/collisionpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Keywords: Christianity, Drag, Drag Performer, Drag Artist, Drag Music, Christian Drag Artist, Flamy Grant, Deconstruction, Activism, Trans Lives Matter, Trans Lives, Drag queen, music, LGBTQ+, community, mental health, Christian Rap, Christian Musician

Melody Winderweedle shares her journey from growing up in a conservative charismatic church to becoming the lead pastor of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship. She discusses her experiences with witnessing exorcisms as a child and the anxiety it caused her. Melody talks about her desire to lead and pastor people, which was sparked by seeing a female leader in college. She shares the challenges she faced as a woman in ministry, including pushback from congregants and an elder board. Melody also discusses the church split that occurred when she and her husband became affirming and the importance of fostering inclusive and curious conversations in the church. Melody Winderweedle discusses the importance of creating a community that values everyone's presence and giftings, and how her church has flattened the hierarchical structure to achieve this. She emphasizes the need to be curious, foster conversations, and bring healing to one another. Melody also shares her experience of crossing unspoken boundaries as a woman pastor and the importance of self-awareness. She talks about her journey of deconstruction and how she has fallen back in love with the Bible, offering alternative ways of thinking about scripture and the Christian faith. Melody encourages listeners to embrace their authenticity and know that they are enough. Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/collisionpodcast⁠⁠⁠ Keywords: Christianity, conservative charismatic, exorcisms, anxiety, leadership, women in ministry, church split, affirming, inclusive, curious conversations, community, presence, giftings, hierarchical structure, curiosity, conversations, healing, boundaries, woman pastor, deconstruction, Bible, alternative ways of thinking, authenticity