Pop singer Justin Bieber comforted a recently out fan after attending regular services at Hillsong Church.
Bieber empathized with the fan (who identifies as queer) over the sentiments of LGBTQ+ struggle, especially around being pushed out of communities such as religious ones.
"I’m trying to find a place that is like, inclusive of everybody, ’cause I came out as queer not long ago," the fan told Justin about their past experience with religion. "I’m trying to find a nice place. No one is nice. Everybody is so homophobic. I grew up Catholic and everybody is such shit."
"Yeah, that’s the sad thing about religion," Bieber replied. "It can be like that sometimes. Yeah, that breaks my heart for you. I’m so sorry. That’s not okay. If you ever want to come to any of the services, any of them would love to have you. We'd love to have you in there. You’re more than welcome to come any time. Seriously."
While Bieber's heart might be in the right place, speaking highly of Hillsong Church's progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues, the unfortunate reality is that Hillsong is actually not that LGBT-affirming, even going so far in the past as to force a gay couple to resign from their worship team, according to Towleroad.
Hopefully Beiber and his fanbase can change the minds of this particular congregation.