I grew up Catholic. This has always been a big part of me. Faith was my first language. Before I could read, I already knew how to pray. I knew how to kneel and make the sign of the cross.

I loved everything about it. I loved the church songs. I loved the incense smell in the air. I loved the priest's gentle voice. These things gave me comfort and peace.

But I am also queer. For many years, those two parts fought each other. The Church often says queerness is wrong. That message hurt me deeply. I felt alone and confused for years.

Still, I could not abandon my faith. It was too important to me. I started asking difficult questions. Does God really not love me because I am queer? I did not believe that.

I began reading about queer Catholics. I found communities like me. They were queer and deeply faithful too. They showed me something important. God's love is not limited. It does not exclude people.

Many LGBTQ+ people struggle with religion. Some leave their faith completely. That is valid and understandable. But for me, staying was also valid. My queerness and faith both belong to me.

Today, I still attend church. I still pray. I still feel that childhood peace. But now I feel it as my whole self. I am queer. I am Catholic. And I believe God loves me.

This is not always easy. Some church members still reject LGBTQ+ people. That is painful and wrong. But I hold a bigger faith vision. One with room for everyone. One built on love.

My story is not unique. Many queer people of faith share this journey. We deserve to be seen, welcomed, and loved in our communities and churches.