I was raised in a conservative, Evangelical, fundamentalist Christian household. At a young age, I understood that I was queer, but my faith and unsupportive family complicated this realization. Toward adulthood, I came to accept myself. Unfortunately, my parents depend on the financial support of a faith establishment that is far from embracing LGBTQ people, and it often seems they will never come around to offer me the acceptance and support my siblings receive.

For a few years, I was a progressive Christian, and many of my friends and mentors today are Christians. At this point in my life, though, I am uncomfortable with aspects of Christianity. I go to church on occasion, and support various church ministries, but I do not identify as a Christian. For some time, I practiced Zen Buddhism alongside my Christian faith, so now that I am not a Christian, my only formal religious practice is Zen. This school of Buddhism presents no conflicts with the religious naturalist worldview I have begun to hold in the last year.

I have been an active duty member of the United States Air Force since May of 2020. Essays here reflect my perspectives and not those of the military. As Buddhism has become a more central part of my life, it has changed the way I see war, and pushed me to seek separation as a conscientious objector, which is an ongoing process as of August, 2022.

I was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and love that area. Lake Michigan and the forests have a special place in my heart. I now live in Minot, North Dakota, with my boyfriend and my cat, Hiero. I read a whole lot, try to write everything by hand before typing anything, and go on walks when it’s not sub-zero outside.

My favorite movie is Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) and my favorite book is People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn.

To contact me, email levipont@gmail.com.

This was last updated 18 Aug 22.