Tad Hopp

I grew up in Texas where I was constantly surrounded by evangelical conservative Christians who were always telling me how being gay was a sin and that gay people go to Hell. So when I realized I was gay, I knew I couldn’t tell anyone. I knew if I did that I would be ostracized and feel lonely and isolated. So I kept those feelings locked away and didn’t feel any sort of pride in my identity. Just shame and self loathing.

It took me years before I was able to fully love myself and embrace my identity. After coming out, I followed a calling on my heart and went to seminary because I wanted to become an ordained minister and serve God’s people and be a different voice for Christianity. After graduation, I got a job as a chaplain in a hospital and that work was exhausting but powerful. After spending a few years working in churches, I opted to leave the church and Christianity behind completely.

It took me a few years to heal from the pain and hurt that the church had caused me. And I had to do that work alone with no guidance or support. That’s why I decided to become a certified life coach and help others on their own journey toward healing. Now I specialize in helping queer people heal from religious trauma, shame and abuse. I accompany others on their own healing journey because that is what I wish I had had on my journey. I bring in all my pastoral care and chaplaincy skills to this work. Because the work of healing is important, necessary and needed.