Jeffrey McCall, 30, lived as a gay prostitute and transwoman for 15 years and went by the name of "Scarlet" but he left this life behind after finding Jesus Christ.
Now, McCall has organized The Freedom March in Washington D.C. The event, which took place on May 5, brought together people who used to identify as members of the LGBTQ community to speak up and share how their faith changed the course of their lives.
McCall spoke with The Christian Post about his own experiences as a transwoman and gay prostitute who had a change of heart and direction. He confessed that he used to be a promiscuous person who "prostituted" his body. He also did alcohol and drugs to the point of addiction.
The change came when he listened to Pastor Jentezen Franklin of the Free Chapel, whose programs were accessible on YouTube. For a while, McCall also attended Franklin's church in Georgia and said that he felt the strong presence of the Holy Spirit there, yet he still continued with his life as Scarlet.
One day in March 2016, however, McCall had a chance to speak with God as he experienced an inner struggle. He wondered if he would ever have a proper relationship with Him and he heard God speak, "Yes, you will live for me." That started his renewal.
McCall said the change hadn't been an easy journey and he still makes mistakes and feels temptations. He, however, turns to the Gospel or prayer to resist sin and move forward.
The former transwoman also has a response to people who don't believe that gays or trans people can change.
"It's not about conversion therapy," McCall said. "It's about following the Holy Spirit. And as I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, I changed."
He also hopes that churches will embrace members of the LGBTQ community in order to help them on the right path.
"It is time to let them know that they are redeemable," McCall said. "Jesus Christ can redeem you in a second by putting your faith in Him."
