What happens when the beliefs you grew up with leave you questioning whether you can be yourself and still belong?

In Season 3, Episode 14 of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward welcomes singer-songwriter Gary Lynn Floyd for a personal conversation about growing up gay in a Southern Baptist community, navigating religious shame, and finding a path toward self-acceptance, spiritual connection, and healing.

Gary shares how childhood bullying, abuse, and secrecy shaped his early life—and how being outed disrupted the Christian music career he had envisioned. An unexpected opportunity at a Dallas cabaret helped him continue making music and discover connection within a new community.

Together, TJ and Gary explore the deeper work of questioning inherited beliefs, acknowledging painful experiences, and reconnecting with a sense of worth beyond achievement or approval.

Gary also shares a recent shift toward “presence over performance”: slowing down, enjoying ordinary routines, and recognizing the urge to continually prove that he has something to offer.

In this episode, we explore:

• Growing up LGBTQ+ within a conservative religious environment

• The emotional weight of shame, secrecy, and hiding your identity

• Music, creativity, and community as sources of connection

• Finding an affirming spiritual path

• Moving beyond positive thinking to acknowledge deeper pain

• Everyday mindfulness inspired by The Miracle of Mindfulness

• Choosing presence over performance

• Gary’s practice: “Orbit, return, rinse, and repeat” If you’ve ever felt pressure to hide who you are or earn your worth through what you do, this conversation offers an invitation to pause, get curious, and return to yourself.

🔗 Learn more:

Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com

Gary Lynn Floyd: https://www.garylynnfloyd.music/