Contributors
Regular Contributors
Tom Zuniga
tom@yourotherfamily.org • Read Tom’s Blogs
I’m the director of Your Other Brothers, as well as the pending executive director of our in-process nonprofit ministry, Your Other Family. I’m an author of two memoirs, and I write and edit YOB’s blogs. I also love podcasting with the boyz! I’m an INFJ, Enneagram 4, and my spirit animal is the buffalo. I love traveling, and one of my greatest joys is anticipating the next big escapade. When I’m not wandering, I live in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina – the Jewel of the Blue Ridge. My favorite place in the world is the one where coffee and vulnerability meet.
Ryan
Reporting LIVE from the tension between hope and reality, between longing and obedience: inveterate single, complete cheeseball, total nerd, bewildered homeowner, serial relaxer, and long-time Jesus-needer. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I am a software developer by trade. My passion is helping non-straight followers of Jesus discover their place in the body of Christ. All my “comfort music” is about being far from home and/or returning home. I’m an Enneagram 9 if you’re into that sort of thing. I have recently started reading poetry for fun; please send me your recommendations!
Matt
board@yourotherfamily.org • Read Matt’s Blogs • Listen to Matt’s YOBcasts | ConvoCasts
I’m the board chair of our nonprofit ministry, Your Other Family. I have a slight southern accent, an addiction to sweet tea, and a smile on my face every time I hear James Taylor sing about “going to Carolina.” The older I get, I find myself resonating more and more with that old “Footprints in the Sand” poem. And I love reflecting and writing about all the whens and the ways God has carried me.
Eugene
eugene@yourotherfamily.org • Read Eugene’s Blogs | Listen to Eugene’s ConvoCasts
I’m a 30-something still trying to find my way in the world. Lover of all things creative, I am a drawer with an intuitive mind while also a deep thinker. I can be a person of extreme opposites: one moment a lone wolf, the next a social butterfly; one moment joyful and optimistic, yet sad and melancholic the next. As I came to terms with my SSA I met fellow SSA Christians and formed deep, intimate bonds. I’ve always longed for brotherhood and, at last, I have found it after years of social isolation. I am glad to be part of this community of bloggers and share my stories and struggles, joys and sorrows, dreams and longings.
Michael
michael@yourotherfamily.org • Read Michael’s Blogs | Listen to Michael’s ConvoCasts
For years, I distanced myself from God and the Bible, feeling hurt, confused, and rejected by the Church and Christians whenever I sought support with my sexuality. After four decades as a Christian, I now understand it’s time to embrace the path God has for me, rather than resist it. I’m sharing my journey here with openness, honesty, and vulnerability as I reflect on my ongoing pursuit of faith and connection with God. I hope my words will inspire and bless you as I navigate this transformative chapter of my spiritual journey with authenticity and courage.
Alex
alex@yourotherfamily.org • Read Alex’s Blogs | Listen to Alex’s ConvoCasts
Calling in from Los Angeles, the City of Angels! Originally from a quiet town in Georgia, I answered God’s call to leave the green forests of my youth. I am a bi, Thai-American Christian with an itch for adventure, a knack for writing, a forever gamer, and a love of all things 80’s (primarily music and movies). After coming to terms with my sexuality in 2014, I wanted to share the story of how God walked through this journey with me. Following His lead to be an active member of the Side B Christian community, I want to create a bridge between the LGBTQ+ community and the Church, where queer people can learn about the God who loves them.
Sam
Growing up with a physical disability and then realizing I was attracted to other dudes seemed to be a recipe for disaster. While it has been a disaster at times, I tend to think the Lord has used both my disability and my “gayness” for His glory. It seems as though the Lord has blessed me with both so that He may teach more people His love through me. I may certainly share similar experiences with other disabled or SSA individuals, but I encourage you to get to know them for their own perspective.
sam@yourotherfamily.org • Read Sam’s Blogs
Seraphim
seraphim@yourotherfamily.org • Read Seraphim’s Blogs
My wife and I aspire to parent a troop of fiery children toward the Kingdom. When not putting out fires, I headbang to too much metalcore and strength train to the point of remembrance of death. As the chief of sinners, I do not have the blessing to instruct on behalf of the Orthodox Church with respect to guys who lust after other guys. However, for as long as my priest finds blogging a profitable processing tool, I pray that these pieces from a dude-loving Ortho-dad bring light and healing where they are needed most.
Aaron
Financial professional by day and SSA author by night, I have the privilege of discussing people’s most private affairs: their money and their sexuality (though typically not at the same time). When I’m not discussing people’s darkest secrets, I am a reader, gamer, and enjoyer of the outdoors. For those who care, I am an ISFP and Enneagram Type 6; for those who don’t, suffice it to say I’m easy-going and enjoy both time alone and with friends. Jesus is the author of my story, and I look forward to sharing His work in my life!
Andrew
Originally a Midwest native, I’m currently living my best life in SoCal, exploring the beauty of the world around me through poetry, prose, photography, and the eyes of others. When I’m not hanging out with the people I love, I can usually be found buying things I don’t need or gazing pensively out the nearest window. I hope my words can encourage you, wherever you are in your journey toward wholeness.
Keegan
I’ve been involved with YOB for several years now. I’m in graduate school pursuing a Master of Social Work degree, and I like spending time with people I love, reading, poetry, and running. I was raised Catholic, falling in love with Jesus when I was fourteen. My journey of faith has also had a parallel journey with sexuality. It took me quite some time to sift it all out, but I currently identify as bisexual. I’m looking forward to having you along for this journey!
Daniel
I’m East Coast born, Midwest raised, now soaking up the San Diego sun. I grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home before wandering into the world of niche Reformed denominations – fluent in both fire-and-brimstone and obscure theological jargon. As a military kid, I learned how to keep moving. These days, I’m learning how to stay – to grow roots and unravel the tangle of lines that have shaped my faith, sexuality, and masculinity. I’m an Enneagram 9, perpetually retyping with Myers-Briggs, and powered by coffee, corgis, and whatever’s simmering on the stove. I may not have all the answers, but I’ll always bring something to the table – usually food.
Noah
I’m an actor/creative living in NYC, navigating queer spaces and churched spaces, where I hope the Lord continues to bridge the two with people in my position who hold fast to a biblical, traditional ethic of sexuality. In addition to contributing here with YOB, I’ve been working on a pop “post-apocalyptic” musical that works parts of my testimony into the question, “If no one was watching, what would we choose to do with our time?”
Dawson
What I love more than anything are good stories. Regardless of what form they take, whether in conversations, books, movies, TV shows, or games, engaging with stories is my favorite pastime. I work as a SpEd teacher for middle school students, and I am passionate about kids ministry, making sure that children receive the love and care they need. I love long walks and long conversations, and I hate limits to what I can say or write (like the word count for this bio). And I enjoy watching the hallowed show, Survivor, and dissecting the strategy with friends and neighbors.
Simon
I’m one of YOB’s non-Americans – a British guy living in rural Oxfordshire, England, where I work as a writer for a Christian charity. I have an identical twin (he’s straight) and grew up as a pastor’s kid, and both of those things continue to shape me in mostly positive ways. I’ll forever be battling through British reserve and fear of emotional honesty, but bear with me. Oh, and I love cats.
Nhat
As a married man in a mixed-orientation marriage, I once felt like this was a sacrificial burden I had to carry alone. But finding YOB showed me I didn’t have to bear this cross in isolation. I now get to walk this journey with other M.O.M.s. Since joining YOB, I’ve experienced blessing, healing, and growth – not only in my own life, but also in my marriage. My wife is so grateful I have this community to lean on. This life is a gift from the Lord, and in His goodness I’ve learned to enjoy deep friendship and brotherhood without shame.
Ian
I’m a single guy in my thirties. I like to share what I’ve learned from my experiences with same-sex attraction, so I’m happy for the opportunity to contribute to this blog. I also like working out, going to the movies, making music, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends.
Other Contributors
Matthew: Blogs • YOBcasts | ConvoCasts
Marshall: Blogs • YOBcasts | ConvoCasts
Daniel: Blogs • ConvoCasts
Andy: YOBcasts | ConvoCasts
Erin: Blogs • ConvoCasts
Jesse: ConvoCasts
Harrison: ConvoCasts
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