Haley Furst grew up in a Christian family but spent her early adulthood identifying as male. She created a considerable online presence advocating for transgender rights, abortion, and other progressive causes.
However, her faith re-emerged powerfully, offering her healing and hope.
In a recent episode of “Relatable,” Haley shares her transformative story.
During her childhood, Haley didn’t question her gender, but by her teenage years, she found herself confused, influenced by social media. Secret doubts about God’s vision for marriage and gender crept in.
At just 16, her life took a tragic turn when she was sexually assaulted.
“It made me feel uncomfortable in my own skin. I started dressing to feel protected—cutting my hair short and opting for clothing typically associated with men,” she recounted.
Although she didn’t aim to identify as male, teachers began to support her new look, inquiring about her preferred name and pronouns.
Haley recalled being influenced by content creators she admired, many of whom had navigated challenging pasts themselves. “People were saying, ‘This seems to be your path too,’ and I began to believe it,” she shared.
She later identified as non-binary, using they/them pronouns. “It felt welcoming and made me feel a sense of belonging. I found friends and became involved in the LGBTQ club at school—finally being part of something,” she explained.
At 17, she informed her parents she was transitioning to male, and her remaining time at home was intense. Once she turned 18, she moved in with her boyfriend and started hormone therapy, later undergoing a hysterectomy.
Throughout her transition, she documented her experiences, gathering a community around her journey. “I shared videos about coming out, especially to Christian families. It resonated with many who connected and supported each other against what we saw as ‘oppressive’ Christian values,” she elaborated.
As her ties to Christianity weakened, she increasingly endorsed progressive issues like abortion rights, Black Lives Matter, and even touched on anarcho-communism.
However, a difficult breakup plunged her into deep depression while working as a barista at Starbucks. Surprisingly, despite the pressure of her LGBTQ+ environment, she found colleagues who had converted to Christianity.
One evening, a coworker read the Bible to her. He shared Romans 8, particularly verse 38, which struck a chord within her, reminding her of her youth.
“I felt like Jesus was what I needed, but as someone left-wing and transgender, I thought I couldn’t be a Christian,” Haley admitted. “I felt stuck in anger, but I couldn’t ignore my longing to follow Him.”
“I prayed, ‘Christ, if you still want me, come into my heart.’ I was overwhelmed by His presence and fell to my knees in tears,” she recalled.
The experience of Christ’s love made her mourn the years spent away from it. “I knew then I couldn’t live without it,” she reflected.
Even with her renewed faith, she hesitated to de-transition. Instead, she went further in her male presentation to blend in with her new church community.
This hidden life grew increasingly consuming. One day, during a moment of extreme anxiety, she confided in her pastor, who committed to walking alongside her in faith.
“No one had ever asked me about my transgender identity before,” she admitted.
Yet, God kept nudging her heart. “I wondered if I would meet Jesus as a man. I thought He would recognize me as the girl He created, named by my parents, not the name I chose,” she stated.
Then, she decided to stop taking testosterone, grow her hair out, and embrace her femininity once more.
“At one point, I believed I’d never get married or serve. I thought what the enemy had taken could never be restored. But God has not only redeemed my life but given me even more than I lost,” she expressed joyfully.
To hear more of Hayley’s journey and what she’s currently experiencing, check out the episode.
