British Christian songwriter and theologian Vicky Beeching shocked evangelicals around the world when she came out as a lesbian. Vicky has since been made a U.N. advisor on LGBT equality and religion and has made headlines around the world for her comments on LGBT equality. She even took on noted homophobe Scott Lively, who is currently being prosecuted for crimes against humanity for his involvement with Ugandan anti-LGBT laws, in an on air debate over the sinfulness of same-sex relationships.

I caught up with Vicky at the Gay Christian Network conference where she was the Saturday Keynote speaker. We talked about life after coming out and the trajectory of change in the LGBT movement.

EC: What have been the biggest changes, personally and professionally, after coming out?

VB: Coming out was one of the best decisions of my life. I have absolutely no regrets about doing so and just wish I’d done it much sooner. It’s brought me a huge amount of joy, but also a sense of grief for the years I ‘lost’ by not being fully myself. Some things I’ve had to let go of — my Christian music career for one. I’m now considered ‘un-bookable’ for mega-church conferences.

I’ve also lost some dear friends; people who didn’t want to know me anymore solely because I am gay. But I’ve gained so much — a huge army of loving, inclusive people from all faiths and none who’ve gathered around me online and offline. Most excitingly, I’ve met an incredible woman and we are now dating, so that’s a huge source of happiness for me. When I think back to a year ago, I could not have imagined how happy I’d be today. It’s proof that when you step into full authenticity, life starts to flow better and you feel a renewed sense of energy and hope.

EC: What are you excited about in the year ahead?

VB: I’m working on my first book. The book is about my journey with faith, sexuality, Christian culture and identity. It’ll also have some content in it about my take on what the Bible does — and doesn’t — say about LGBT sexuality.

During 2015 I’ll be speaking at a variety of events both in the U.K. and U.S.A. There’s a great deal of meaningful work I can get involved with in the States (Beeching has spent the last month in Washington, D.C.).  Many people still sing my songs in mega-churches yet hold non-inclusive views. So I feel a sense of vocation to help bring positive change there.

I’m actually going back to the Bible-Belt several times this year to do events with human rights organizations — some Christian, some mainstream. Going to such conservative, anti-gay parts of the U.S.  does scare me a little in terms of personal safety​, and I’ll be looking over my shoulder a bit I’m sure​, but it seems important to go and tell my story to try to change minds and hearts.

EC: What was your experience like at the Gay Christian Network conference in Portland? Why were you friendly to the Westboro Baptist Church protesters there?

VB: I loved GCN. It was a conference filled with tangible love, grace and acceptance.

The year before, I’d watched GCN’s Twitter feed avidly as I longed to be out of the closet and at an event like that one. So it was incredibly meaningful to get to attend and to speak there this year. During my keynote I was really moved by the attendees love and support — I could literally feel it as I spoke. Almost 1300 people were in attendance and although they did not all agree entirely on their theology, they modeled what it means to love unconditionally, which shows a huge level of maturity and kindness. We need more of that in the church globally.

Westboro Baptist Church’s protest was the least pleasant part of the event for me. It was somewhat creepy to be singled out and named on their website. Although I know they’ve never been violent, it still made me feel vulnerable to have to face them right before my keynote. I chose to be friendly to them and told them God loved them and so did all of us at GCN. Amazingly, a huge rainbow came out over the top of their “God hates fags” picket signs, so that lightened the mood a little.

EC: The Church of England just consecrated their first ever female Bishop. Do you think this means that they are one step closer to changing their theology on marriage equality?

VB: I’m delighted about Bishop Libby Lane and loved seeing the photos of her consecration online. It’s certainly a historic move for the Church of England, although many critics would say it’s about time and shake their heads at the fact it’s taken this long. Now, there’s no doubt the next issue to address is LGBT sexuality. The Church of England is officially having two years of guided conversations across the country to assess theology and practice around human sexuality. I deeply hope this process will result in a more inclusive church. It needs to happen much faster than women bishops, as I don’t think we have the luxury of moving so slowly this time.

Younger worshipers are few in number already, and tend to have a worldview that is naturally inclusive. Many of them are perplexed and disheartened that the church seems so unwelcoming to LGBT people. It’s great that lots of LGBT Christians are coming out and raising their voices so the church can see this isn’t just about people outside their walls – it’s also about lots of us inside who want to be able to hold onto our faith and our sexuality.

I am certain that LGBT equality is reaching a tipping point in society and that the church will follow that trajectory. We live in historic times as we see these huge shifts take place. I’m looking forward to doing all I can with my remaining days and years to be a voice for equality, to challenge the status quo, and to encourage LGBT people that God loves us just the way we are.

Watch Vicky’s Keynote at the Gay Christian Network Conference below:

This interview was edited for length and clarity. Follow my Twitter and Facebook for all things #FaithfullyLGBT.