A major new survey just revealed that most LGBTQ youth in the US South face rejection by family and faith communities – and that negative experiences are more prevalent among younger queer people in the South than among older queer people.

In other words, data show that Christians in the South are more judgmental toward trans and gay adolescents today than they were a generation ago.

Whether or not that data reflects an actual increase in negativity or just increased reporting is hard to know, but one thing is clear:

Christianity as it is practiced in the US South is driving hatred and bullying.

I just interviewed a kid who tried to kill himself in the face of family and community rejection. I wrote his story to try to put a face on the numbers.

I wish more Christians would listen and actually practice the faith they say they believe in.