Summary
Highlights
Diego, originally from Peru, describes a childhood marked by his father's death and a religious upbringing that lacked a true relationship with God. He recounts a traumatic experience of sexual abuse at age seven, which planted seeds of confusion about his identity and sexuality.
As a teenager, Diego's attraction to men led him to believe that being a woman was the only way to gain their attention. He began dressing as a girl in secret and created a fake online persona to connect with a boy he liked, leading to public humiliation when his identity was exposed. This event caused deep shame and suicidal thoughts.
Moving to the United States at 17, Diego initially sought to live as a man but quickly encountered the LGBTQ+ community. Influenced by their acceptance and access to resources, he began hormone therapy to transition, believing it would bring happiness. His mother tolerated his decision, while his sister observed his changes.
Diego explains the physical and emotional changes of hormone therapy, including severe side effects he wasn't warned about. Despite undergoing breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures, he found himself in unfulfilling relationships and experienced deep depression and self-hate. He felt like a 'disguised man' and an 'abomination.'
In Miami, Diego entered a relationship with a wealthy older man, which provided financial security but further entangled him in a life of emptiness, casual sex, and drug abuse. He describes this period as a 'golden cage,' where he had everything but freedom and happiness. Despite 6 years of living as trans, he found no fulfillment.
A harrowing experience with hallucinogenic mushrooms, where he and his friends visually experienced demonic presences, shook Diego deeply. Soon after, his sister, who had found Christ, shared her testimony, planting a seed of hope. Despite initial reluctance, a series of events, including an unexpected job loss, led him to his sister's home.
At his sister's house, Diego attended church, initially with skepticism. A profound moment of prayer with his sister unlocked painful childhood memories and revealed God's prophetic words for his life. During a walk in the park, as he cried out to God, he experienced a powerful divine encounter that made him see his trans identity as a costume. This led him to detransition, cutting his hair, removing breast implants, and embracing his identity as a man in Christ. He highlights the ongoing spiritual journey and the support he found in the Christian community.
Diego offers valuable advice to the church, urging them to approach the LGBTQ+ community with love, wisdom, and patience, rather than judgment. He emphasizes that showing kindness, building relationships, and demonstrating Christ's love through actions can be more impactful than simply preaching. He advocates for creating a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can feel connected and experience familial love within the church.