“JR” is the Director of LGBTQ+ Ministry for the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, and the Executive Director of Fortunate Families. He travels speaking about LGBTQ+ intentional welcome and ministry within the Catholic Church. At a young age, he was inspired by the Franciscans to help rebuild the church and went to work in music ministry at a Church. Over the years he grew in confidence and was able to come out as a gay man while being part of a groundbreaking movement, catering to those patients marginalized with HIV and AIDS through the Church. From that tremendous learning experience, he has continued to help the Church bring dignity to those in peril. “JR” reminds us that by answering the tug at our hearts to love others we are in turn loving God.