J.J. Peterson has been many things in his life. From a missionary kid who grew up in Africa to working in production on the Blossom Reunion Special, J.J.’s life has never been dull. Currently he is a speaker, author and consultant who splits his time between Los Angeles and New York. He has a hunger for helping people understand the story of God and what part people play in that story. He has traveled the world, working in Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, and the US, sharing the gospel story through pastoral training, preaching and even touring as an improv comic. He is a film maker, a story teller, and passionate about all things art. J.J. has studied CS Lewis in Oxford, debated theology with film makers at the Sundance Film Festival, directed a documentary, had small parts in various television shows and film, but his favorite thing is being called Uncle J.J.
After decades of walking alone, at age 38, J.J. decided to finally be honest with himself and others and come out of the closet as a gay man. While the road has not been easy or always clear, his path has been lit by his faith and his family. His journey has helped him find peace and discover "God loves me, I have people who love me, and I'm going to be OK." He shares that same message with audiences everywhere he goes.
He speaks around the country, sharing his story and helping others to walk through this difficult and often dividing discussion on faith and sexuality. He says, "My job is not always to tell people the answers, but to try to help them walk the road of questions better. The destination is always Jesus, but I think God cares just as much about how we walk the path as where we are going."
You can follow him on Twitter at jjpeterson75