Episode Summary
Growing up in a conservative evangelical bubble, Aaron’s early realisation of being gay sparked a profound internal conflict within the rigid doctrines of his faith. From his childhood filled with love and support despite restrictive beliefs. To his tumultuous journey as a pastor grappling with his sexuality. Aaron’s story is a testament to resilience and the quest for authenticity. Join us on this emotional and thought-provoking episode as Aaron reflects on his upbringing and the painful yet formative experiences that shaped his path.
We journey through Aaron’s struggles with religious expectations, including coerced conversion practices. The pursuit of a heteronormative life that only deepened his internal turmoil. His candid anecdotes display the covert nature of harmful teachings within the church and the personal cost of adhering to them. Through Aaron’s story, we see the exclusionary practices that drove him to question his faith. Which ultimately lead him to a more inclusive and accepting understanding of spirituality.
Who Is Aaron?
Aaron Kelly, a gay man living in Naarm, grew up in conservative evangelical circles and spent his adult life deeply involved in church leadership. He realised he was gay at 12 but was taught to view his sexuality as sinful. He endured harmful conversion practices during his teens and twenties, leaving lasting emotional scars. As a Pentecostal Pastor with the Australian Christian Churches, Aaron and his then-wife founded Fresh Church in 2015, a vibrant and diverse community. However, when LGBTQIA+ members joined, Aaron faced a conflict with the ACC’s constitution, which prohibited LGBTQIA+ individuals from leadership roles. After two years of studying biblical interpretations of sexuality, Aaron rejected the notion that homosexuality was a sin.
In 2020, Aaron came out as gay. Resulting in the loss of his pastoral credentials and his termination as pastor of Fresh Church. He and his wife, though still close friends, separated shortly after. Since then, Aaron has focused on healing and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in religious settings. His story was featured in a 2024 interview on Channel 10’s “The Project,” helping pass a NSW bill banning conversion practices. Aaron is now working on a book about his journey from pastor to proud gay man, continuing his efforts to promote understanding and diversity in religious contexts.
Connect With Us!
- To connect with Sam on Instagram – @anchoredcounsellingservices
- Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
If you enjoyed this episode of “Beyond the Surface,” make sure to check out our other episodes for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions.
Don’t forget to follow our show so you never miss an update, and if you found our conversations meaningful, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps more people discover the show and join our community of listeners.
Thank you for your support!