Conversion Therapy Dropout with Timothy Shraeder Rodriguez

Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez (@timothy.s.rodriguez) joins Brian on pod this week to discuss his debut memoir, "Conversion Therapy Dropout,"  and his journey through eight years of conversion therapy, evangelical megachurch culture, sobriety, and spiritual reconstruction. Tim spent almost a decade in gay conversion therapy- all while working behind the scenes at some of the most influential Evangelical Christian megachurches. After embracing his identity as a gay Christian and stepping away from church work, he co-founded Church Clarity, an organization that helps queer people find affirming faith communities. Born in the Midwest, he now calls New York City home, where he continues his work as a writer, digital strategist, and advocate for queer people of faith. In this conversation, Tim shares how he was drawn into the ex-gay movement, the hidden realities of conversion therapy today, and the challenges of navigating faith, sexuality, and belonging. He talks about the lasting impact of religious shame, the connection between queer identity and recovery, the search for affirming spiritual community, and the ongoing fight against Christian nationalism and anti-LGBTQ theology. Brian and Tim reflect on resilience, chosen family, the transformative power of queer community, and why no one should have to choose between their faith and who they are.   Resources: Order "Conversion Therapy Dropout" at https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798889835431/Conversion-Therapy-Dropout Church Clarity Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/