We were lucky to catch up with Larissa Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Larissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’m a video producer and director, creating a documentary titled “Othered,” which focuses on LGBTQ, mental health, and the church. I worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for 16 years and had to make a change when I came out and got married to my wife, Kim Honeycutt. After leaving, I went freelance and started my production company, 21 Media. The mission of this documentary is extremely important to me personally. Here is the log-line from the documentary: “A revealing exploration by a married Christian lesbian couple, ‘Othered’ delves into how oppressive church systems affect LGBTQ individuals, exposing the deep-seated religious trauma and its impact on mental health.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always loved film and television and decided to major in it at Lee University. After college, I worked at NBC News Channel for a few years before starting at The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. I had a lot of great career opportunities at BGEA, and I traveled the world working on everything from documentaries to music videos to commercials with them. I loved the work and the people I worked with, but I was struggling internally with my sexuality. I knew I had to reconcile my faith with who I was to have any peace, so I took a deep dive into various theological studies on homosexuality. I really wanted to find out what God was saying to me, not what some preacher was telling me God told him to tell me. I finally reconciled my faith with my sexuality and knew I needed to leave BGEA as they are not affirming. It was a really tough but necessary decision for my spiritual and mental health. I started my production company 21 Media, and have worked with some amazing clients on various projects. I am now emotionally ready to make my documentary, “Othered.” It’s such a personal and vulnerable project, so I needed some time to process all my life changes before embarking on it. I’m excited and also nervous about the backlash that I’m sure I’ll receive for making it. I’m in the beginning stages, working on funding and creating the pitch trailer. I also have my first expert interview with Brian McLaren scheduled for later this month (Jan 21st).

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to share with other LGBTQ people who are struggling like I was to know that they can be a Christian and LGBTQ. Here is the film’s description “In ‘Othered,’ journey alongside Larissa Miller, a former Director/Producer at The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and her wife, Kim Honeycutt, a trauma-informed therapist, as they unveil the hidden torment faced by LGBTQ individuals within conservative church systems. It shares the inspiring stories of those who have overcome mental health adversity, including survivors of conversion therapy and individuals who’ve wrestled with thoughts of suicide. ‘Othered’ sheds light on the path toward a more compassionate and inclusive society.”

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had to change jobs when I came out. I left before coming out because I knew their stance on LGBTQ and Gay Marriage. It was a huge change. I started working there when I was 24 and left when I was 40, so most of my adult life was at BGEA. When I left, everything changed, and It was bittersweet. I was in love and getting married, and yet I was losing a job I loved, various friends because of their beliefs, and had people telling me I was going to hell. Holding such opposite and yet extreme emotions is tough. I had so much joy and so much grief all at the same time. It was necessary and now, being on the other side, I’m so thankful and glad I could finally be who God created me to be. I’ve also had great support from my wife, friends, and family, my affirming church, and in my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.21.media
• Instagram: @21.media
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/21MediaCLT?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Toni Lovejoy Lauren Thomas