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Opinion
Coming out wasn't losing my faith—I was living it
On National Coming Out Day, Shelley Washington reflects on coming out, stepping into the light, and discovering that what was waiting for her the most was grace.
Oct 11, 2025
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Shelley Washington
Reverend Shelley Washington is a faith leader, community advocate, and visionary founder dedicated to justice, healing, and belonging. She serves as the Campus Pastor of St. Peter United Church of Christ in Houston, where she uplifts a radically inclusive spiritual community rooted in love, liberation, and service. Rev. Washington also leads as the Services Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, a nonprofit organization that centers the needs of Black LGBTQ+ people through direct services, advocacy, and empowerment.
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