From Rapture Nightmares to a Transmasc Glow-up: Theo's Story

TW: Rapture anxiety, hell imagery, exorcism, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harmTheo (they/he) grew up Pentecostal in rural southeastern Kentucky, where church meant all-day services, speaking in tongues, and constant warnings about the rapture. As a kid, they went to bed terrified that a blood-red moon meant Jesus was coming back and leaving them behind.In this episode, Theo shares how fear-based faith, “journey through hell” church events, and even a nearly staged exorcism shaped their early understanding of God, self, and mental health.We talk about questioning a God who sends most people to hell, being told depression was a demon, and discovering as an adult that they are likely intersex, a secret their family never intended to name.Theo also shares what it has been like to embrace their transmasculine identity, start testosterone, cut off the hair everyone else loved, and navigate a rocky relationship with a mom who insists it is all “made up.”From small-town surveillance and public school prayer circles to online queer community, walkable New York streets, and building chosen family in Louisville, Theo reflects on what real healing has looked like for them and what they would say to baby Theo now: keep being unapologetically you.