In a previous article, I wrote about being a preacher's kid. In this article, I am writing about why despite being of religious background, I consider myself to be an LGBT ally.

Growing up in a religious household, I learned that being gay, bisexual or transgender was a sin. Learning that at a young age is supposed to shape the way you see these people for the rest of your life--or so I thought.

As I became a teenager, I learned how to see people who they are despite their flaws. When you grow up as a Girl Scout, you learn how to be accepting. It teaches you how to be open- minded. That open-mindedness allowed me to learn about others.

As I became an adult, I found it to be unproductive for me as a Christian to drop a gay person as a friend strictly because they are gay. For biblical reasons explained here, I thought that demonizing every LGBTQ person I saw made no sense.

Another thing that influenced me was education. I've educated myself on transgender bathroom rights, and to do that I've had to educate myself on what it means to be transgender because as it turns out, it's not just cross- dressing and drag.

RuPaul did an interview on The Real, where he explained the difference between being in drag and a transgendered individual. I'll never forget him explaining that transgender is more about identity than drag, and it makes sense.

Then, there's the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity. You've probably heard it already, but just in case, here it is again: gender identity is who you go to bed as, and sexual orientation is who you go to bed with. Example: my gender identity is female (I go by she/her), my sexual orientation is straight. Simple.

I think the bullying of the LGBTQ community in schools, on the job, at church, and just in everyday life really made me angry. The false stereotypes about the transgender community out to sexually assault kids turns out to be a big lie. Luckily, by the time I heard this, I had written this article.

I believe that sexuality is not a deciding factor in who I associate with. I also believe that sexuality or gender identity is no reason to suddenly get upset with someone. Everyone deserves rights and in my view, everyone deserves to live happily. It's okay to be gay. Transgender is valid.

There is no biblical reason for why I support the LGBTQ community, it's just common sense: do not put a vendetta out on someone that has not harmed you. Honestly, it does not go any further than that. Happy Pride.