YOB ConvoCast 075: Tom & Matt are Making “Side A” Friends!YOB2 December 2023
It’s our post-Thanksgiving episode! Matt returns to share how he celebrates Thanksgiving with his Navajo family, including which food takes the central place of the traditional American turkey. He also educates us with a Native American fact to help us commemorate Native American Heritage Month. For the rest of our conversation, Matt and Tom discuss the topic of “Side A” friendship — that is, friendships with gay believers with an affirming theology or an acceptance of same-sex relationships. Matt mentions a new Side A friend, and Tom discusses his own recent experience with a Side A person, comparing it with a stilted interaction from over a decade ago. Has there been growth, and what does connection despite differing beliefs look like?
I’m YOB’s cofounder and editor, and I also host our two podcasts. I’ve written a couple books as Thomas Mark Zuniga, including a 2013 memoir in which I first came out. Once upon another universe I anonymously blogged about my faith and sexuality under the Xanga username, twoBeckonings. I’m an INFJ, Enneagram 4w5, and my spirit animal is the buffalo. I love to travel, and my favorite place in the world is the one where coffee and vulnerability meet. When I’m not wandering, I live in Asheville, North Carolina – the Jewel of the Blue Ridge.
Hey y’all! Just an SSA, full-blooded Native American, ESTJ, Enneagram 8 here. I’m a very blunt person but know when people can’t handle the whole truth. My job here is to tell you guys my story which is set up like a typical coffee shop, one-on-one talk. I’m here to challenge the way you think and encourage you spiritually. Hope you guys are ready!