very powerful

Where you came from, what you do, your color, your age, you sexual orientation. He loves us all. The problem is not God, on whatever religion, prejudice comes from people not from God. I find it cool, that even tho she suffered all that stuff from religious people she still believe in a higher power in her own way. That's important. To know you're being taken care of.
=)

Very nice editing on this one! And the questions were well done too!

xox

I was drawn to Nicole's story because I was raised in a strict religious home also. I realized in high school that I was attracted to girls but because of how I was raised I chalked it up to a phase or curiosity and continued to ignore who I truly was. I only came out to my mom and about 8 or so friends about 3 months ago because of my fear. I've always been unhappy but I didn't realize how unhappy I had been until I came out. It felt like a giant weight had been pulled off of my chest and even though I still worry about the rest of family's reactions I've never been happier. It's a relief when you let that door open and start to contemplate your life as the person you are not the person you were taught to be.
But anyways, good luck Nicole. You're awesome and strong and thanks for sharing your story.

Great last question. "When you look at your future what do you see?" It must be tremendously hard to have high goals without support. But it is still important to be ambitious and strong when society pushes you down.

3 2 1 ...take off!

When I was outed to my parents about 6 or 7 years ago, it was really hard for me. My parents are conservative southern baptists. They didn't want a gay person in their house. So, I moved in with my girlfriend at the time, and then she kicked me out because i was struggling with my faith. So, i was homeless for a while. It was hard knowing that family and faith gave up on me. At this point, I gave up everything I was taught about religion and faith. And went to college as a religion/philosophy major. There I formed a new relationship with God and beliefs. A lot were the same as I was taught, except for certain things. God still loves me. I just have to reach out to Him again. He never left. At times I still struggle, but if it weren't for that, where would my strength be, right? :)

† amg1281@gmail.com †

Sad, but true. I lost faith when I came out, but then I realized, God is love, and the bible is just a book. God doesn't hate you for loving someone, he love you. I think when he looks at all the children Gay Straight Trans Bi and other, he looks at them with pride. Too bad humans aren't as compassionate as God is. This world would be a better place. Nicole. Hang in there honey. Everyone else. Keep talking to the God of your understanding to help all the children. Cause the truth is, today you are only hearing about some of the kids who made it. Not the ones who didn't.
Peace, Love and Hope people.

thank you for this sort of intimate episode. Nicole, just stay who you are, a person proud to be gay with this god with you.

And Kate, incredible pictures !!!

keep smiling

Nicole you are the bravest angel xxx

This episode really touched me, actually. Being Catholic Vs Being gay.

I used to think I had something to be ashamed of. It took me a long time to find God again. To separate the vatican and their obsession of power and real God who just said love everyone and yourself and be happy...lol

For the record, the word 'homosexuality' does not exist in the original Bible. And there are actually 3 gay couples in the Bible.

For more info see:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_bmar.htm

You've got me hooked to this documentary , Its incredible. I always thought I had it hard but this really shows how hard it is for some people to just feel accepted and to be accepted , because of this documentary I'm starting a GLBT youth support group here in shanghai China or at least I'm trying to. The government here can be very un-corruptive.

Thanks for doing this kate!
your truly amazing
and also thanks to the director Gigi Nicolas and the rest of the crew.

Raven

This installment is the best one yet. And I think that, not only because it is my story, but because so many of us identify with this young lady. My religous upbringing has always been the number 1 thing that has held me back from coming out.
Kate, I can not begin to express how much respect & admiration I have for you for bringing this problem to light. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Can't wait to see the rest.

Oh yeah, thanks a whole bunch Kate for even doing something like this. I know that you already have and will continue to help so many gay youth. Again, thank you Kate!

Ms.Dee a.k.a. Daddy'sGirl

homosexuality and religion is such an interesting subject 2 me. eye grew up in a religious family as well. as a kid, eye went 2 catholic school, church every sunday, the whole 9 yards. in my teens, eye realized eye was gay. everyone who has ever told me that god condemns me bcuz of who eye am defends their assertation the same way: the bible says so. "the bible is very clear about homosexuality," they'll argue. eye'm older and wiser now. the minute anyone uses the bible 2 defend hate a warning light goes off. similar arguments have been used by racists, anti-semites and sexists the world over.

eye've read the bible from cover 2 cover enuff times 2 know what it really has 2 say about homosexuality. the answer: not a whole lot. the truth is: the bible has very little 2 say on the subject. the ten commandments completely overlook it and jesus himself never mentions it. yet, "christians" continue 2 wave their "god hates fags" signs, claiming they r "fighting 4 their god." actually, all they r doing is fighting against their brothers and sisters.

"christians" will say that god created adam and eve, not adam and steve. the fact is: a race needed 2 b started and perpetuated. so, god created man and woman and he required both 4 procreation. the story of creation is merely the beginning of mankind, not the end, not the xtent. relationships solely 4 the purpose of procreation r no longer necessary. consider friendship. consider celibacy. consider the single state. no stigma is attached 2 any of these. celibates r not condemned. singles r not labeled "sick." yet, gay people r reminded daily of our "doomed fate." such selective interpretation of the word is abuse of scripture.

the story of sodom and gomorrah is often cited 2 support god's stance against homosexuality. many "christians" will say god destroyed sodom bcuz it was a city full of sin, and that sin was homosexuality. if the bible was read without one's own hateful agenda, it would b apparent that sodom was destroyed bcuz its citizens were xtremely inhospitable. their intent 2 rape the angels who came 2 visit their city characterized them as wicked. thus, sodom earned its destruction NOT bcuz its people displayed same sex affection, but bcuz they displayed NO affection at all.

leviticus 18:22 says: "thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." in most cases in the bible where the word "abomination" is used the reference is 2 something that is ritually impure as opposed 2 something inherently evil like child abuse, rape or murder. homosexuality is no more abominable than working on the sabbath, having sex with a woman during her period, having a clean-shaven face, eating pork or shellfish, having a tattoo or wearing clothes that r made from a blend of textiles. all of these things were considered "abominations" as they went against the ritual beliefs of israel at that time. show me one "christian" who has worked on the weekend, eaten a hot dog, gotten a tattoo, worn polyester-cotten blends or shaved and eye'll show u a hypocrite.

in paul's letter 2 the romans he seems 2 b condemning homosexual acts. but, what xactly was he referring 2? was he talking about pederasty? was he talking about homosexual acts committed with slaves? was he talking about homosexual acts connected with idolatry? we simply do not know. he seemed 2 think homosexuality was synonymous with avarice, lust, and xploitation. what he failed 2 realize tho was that homosexual relationships did xist that involved monogamy, respect, honor and love. rape, abuse and murder r not unheard of in heterosexual marriages or relationships. 2 judge all heterosexuals based upon what we c on the 11 o'clock news is just as ridiculous as judging all homosexuals based on paul's limited xperience some 2000 years ago.

many "christians" will continue 2 use the bible 2 support their own hatred of homosexuals/homosexuality. the bible is not the problem. the problem lies with the "christians" who r reading it. "a new commandment eye give un2 u, that ye love one another; as eye have loved u, that ye also love one another. by this shall all men know that ye r my disciples, if ye have love one 2 another." ironically, instead of being synonymous with love, hate has become the most common word associated with the "christian right" 2day.

it's time 4 us 2 look at one another and perceive love. we r all in this 2gether. when asked outright about the greatest commandment, jesus simply said: "thou shalt love the lord thy god with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. this is the first and great commandment. and the second is like un2 it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." he did not say "hate thy neighbor" or "condemn" or "judge" or "shun" or even "tolerate" him. he said "LOVE."

and on that note, eye'd like 2 say: nicole, if u're out there reading this: u r a beautiful child of god. stand strong and proud. god LOVES u... and so do eye!

This is an amazing project. I think that it is important to show others what some gay youth go through and their struggles. It makes me greatful for the family and friends that I have that accepted me for who I am. I couldn't imagine living on the streets because of my sexuality. My heart goes out not only to those kids, but to anybody that is afraid to be who they are.

Especially got to me because I am fairly religious and struggled with a lot of the issues involved with the church and God when things were first happening with she and I. I asked myself many of the same questions. Like how is it that God loves everyone, but hates me for this one thing. How can God love molesters and killers and those people are able to be forgiven, but just because I'm gay God hate me no matter what. Makes no sense.

http://www.hrc.org

These episodes have really made me aware of a growing epidemic that I guess I was blind to before. I wish more people could see these kids. Thanks Kate (assuming you read this) for opening our eyes to a truly tragic problem. I'm a little low on money right now, but I just donated to the LBGT fund and I think everyone else should too... every little bit counts.

I hope that Nicole gets her faith back. Religion is not about living by a book (written by a man) it is about believing in a higher power. The church changes every so often to suit the people. Rules that were made by the church years ago have now been changed to suit the people of today. Nicole should feel that God is always on her side. He is inside her. Christians believe that God created the world, man and animals. All species of animals interact sexually with male and females of the species. It's how they were created. So why do people belive that it is wrong for humans to interact this way. Do they believe that God created us all but will discriminate against humans for doing this when he created animals to do the same thing. For me it's people and not God who has the problem with this. I hope Nicole realises how strong she is.

i detest religion. how many people have to go through this torture? and for what? it's the most absurd thing ever.

She is amazing and yet giving!! I am really glad when I see famous people do something positive in the world. Not just put their faces and give money but actually physically and mentally get involved with such an amazing project.
Thanks Kate!!
xoxo

this episode left me sad bc of the situation i'm in.

i dunno what else to write.

This is ... powerful, important and needs more attention.
I just have no words at the moment. I would like to see this these episodes as a DVD and with a thirty dollar donation to HMI maybe we could get one :)
Just an idea :)
hugs