Susan Cottrell's Blog

Right now, across the U.S., politicians are working overtime to convince the public that gender diversity is something new—a dangerous “trend” or a threat to society. We hear it in school board meetings, on the campaign trail, and in legislation that seeks to erase transgender and nonbinary people from public life. But let’s be clear: […]

In today’s political climate, gender diversity has become one of the most hotly debated—and misunderstood—topics. Politicians are using fear-driven narratives to target transgender and nonbinary people, especially youth, with harmful legislation. We hear the same tired arguments over and over, presented as “truth,” when they are nothing more than myths. It’s time to set the […]

In 1984, a group of artists gathered to raise awareness and funds for the starving in Africa with the haunting question: “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” It was powerful, convicting, and unforgettable. Forty years later, we find ourselves asking a different question: “Do Christians Know It’s Christmastime At All?” Because when we look around at […]

In today’s political climate, transgender people are being used as pawns in a dangerous game of fear and power. Politicians and pundits have made transgender rights their favorite wedge issue, fueling headlines and legislation meant to divide, distract, and control. Bills banning gender-affirming care, restricting bathroom access, and policing pronouns are flooding state legislatures. Leaders […]

It seems that every time there’s a debate about transgender rights, someone pulls out a Bible verse and claims that God is against transgender people. We hear it from pulpits, politicians, and even family members: “The Bible says…” as if that settles the argument. But here’s the truth—the Bible doesn’t say what many claim it […]

At FreedHearts, our mission has always been clear: to free hearts to love and be loved. For over a decade, we’ve walked alongside LGBTQ+ people and the families who love them, offering encouragement, support, and resources to help dismantle shame and embrace unconditional love. Today, we are making a huge change. ✨ From this moment […]

The phrase “family values” gets thrown around like a badge of honor by the religious right. It’s plastered across political speeches, church billboards, and campaign slogans. But let’s be honest: the way they use “family values” has little to do with actual families—and even less to do with values. When they talk about family values, […]

When we strip away the noise and fear-based interpretations and false teachings, the Bible becomes a living, breathing message of love and inclusion. Contrary to what some might tell you, Scripture does NOT condemn transgender people—in fact, its deepest truths support them. Here are five Bible passages that speak directly to God’s heart for inclusion, […]

Ah, the delicious irony: Kim Davis—the former Kentucky county clerk who’s currently petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges and rescind marriage equality—has a personal history that looks more like a soap opera than a “biblical marriage” manifesto. Brace yourself: She’s been married four times to three different men. And get this—her […]

If you’ve been around evangelical spaces for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “The Bible defines marriage as one man and one woman.”It’s repeated like it came straight from the mouth of God, carved in stone. But here’s the thing—it’s simply not true. The Bible contains many examples of marriage, and very […]