Imagine this: You’re one of millions of LGBT Americans, and questioning whether or not you are loved by God. (Some would settle for just being liked by God.) Some are so hurt by religion that they want nothing to do with God.  Where do you see yourself?

Some 31 years ago, it was time for me to come out. It wasn’t by choice. Against the odds, I happen to be a gay man with a straight twin brother. Because people had begun to see me coming out of gay bars, and thought it was my twin, I had the proverbial “come to Jesus meeting” with my family. Fortunately, we grew up in an environment where it was okay to be open about our lives.

So what does God have to do with this? I always prayed to God that my family would understand who I was created to be, or at the very least to not let me go through what so many must endure: Being thrown out, alienated—all those terrible things you can’t imagine actually happening to human beings.  My prayer was answered.

In 1990, I put my family through another test of my faith and time. (Coming out was a piece of cake compared to what came next.) I had built a relationship with my God, and wanted to carry it further: I wanted to practice a whole different religion. That year, I converted from Judaism to being baptized a Christian. Don’t get me wrong, part of me will always be Jewish, it’s my heritage.  But I have added to that. Being in church gave me a different kind of inner peace, and a sense of where I belong.  But that was only the beginning.

Over the next few years, I took on roles in church leadership. One day, my mom asked me, “Just how involved are you?” After a deep breath, I reached into my pocket and handed her a business card which stated my title as “Worship Coordinator.” I can’t even explain the look I got.  I told her she needed to get used to it, since one day I would be wearing a clergy collar.  Both my mom and twin brother now accept it, and they have even attended church services in which I have participated.

In March 2005, I was ordained a Deacon, ceremony attended by my twin brother and sister-in-law.  Although my mother lives in another state and therefore wasn’t present, I had her blessings.  In June 2011, I was ordained a Reverend.  I continue my ministry and passion for pastoral care, including hospital and home visits, memorial services, baptisms, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and unions.

So, what’s God got to do with it?  A lot. Despite what you might have grown up with or hear today, you can be LGBT and have a relationship with God, and can be ordained to do God’s work.  You can be loved and blessed by God. Don’t fear God: He created us and loves us to be who we are, LGBT and proud.

Rev. Joel S. Slotnick is an ordained minister, LGBT community activist, and former Secretary-Treasurer for Pride of South Florida. He lives in Fort Lauderdale.