Mike Maeshiro shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Mike, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What battle are you avoiding?
Being an advocate for the queer community has meant drawing clear lines and making no excuses for the bigotry and harm enacted on people like me, especially from the Christian right in America. The more I do this work, the more I feel compelled to build bridges and humanize the kinds of people perceived as our oppressors and abusers. I know many queer people are ready to misunderstand peacemaking efforts because it feels too close to the gaslighting and manipulation we’ve had to navigate for too long. There is so much nuance to sort through; it’s not simple or easy, but it’s the right thing to do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of Numa, an organization I created to support people recovering from religious toxicity, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay man who grew up in the church and spent years in ministry, I draw from my own story to share insights about faith, identity, and what it means to heal.
In the past, I taught at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, where I was known for my class on Discerning of Spirits. These days, my focus is on emotional health and what I call redemptive deconstruction. I work as a consultant and coach for gay men who are transitioning away from evangelicalism, and I lead a team of coaches who help others navigate faith shifts of their own.
Beyond my coaching and advocacy, I also show up as a social media voice and thought leader, using those platforms to highlight the power of living authentically and reclaiming spirituality in ways that affirm who we really are. You can find me on Instagram @mikemaeshiro or on my website at mikemaeshiro.com
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe I was a broken, nasty human because of who I was attracted to. I believed I was unacceptable and learned to hate myself because I couldn’t change. I now no longer believe that. It was a long, hard-fought journey, but now I wake up and instead of thinking “What did I do yesterday that might expose me?” or “Who will I see today that I need to perform for?” I think, “Wow, I’m hungry. I need to pee.” I now feel safe in my own body and get to live in the present.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
On February 1st, 2020, I watched a Taylor Swift documentary where she cried about gay rights and what people like me deserved while I was still closeted. That set me on a trajectory to wake up and realize that I was on the wrong side of history and suffering for it. On February 1st, 2022, I came out as gay on all my platforms while I still had a largely evangelical following. I was clear, direct, and unapologetic about the error and harm the evangelical church was doing to people like me, and finally condemned it outright. I had done the work, I was armed with knowledge and experience, and it was finally time for me to be brave. I now help queer people recovering from religious harm put their lives back together.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe there is a Divine presence behind all that exists and within each living thing. I believe that presence is love itself.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When have you had to bet the company?
When I came out, I didn’t know if we would have any customers left, get any new customers, or have enough revenue to pay me or my team. But I knew I had to do it and believed it would be worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mikemaeshiro.com
- Instagram: @mikemaeshiro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikemaeshiro3965
- Other: https://mikemaeshiro.substack.com/
