We recently had the chance to connect with Caitlyn Mims and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Caitlyn, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For a long time, I was afraid to speak about my sexuality. I kept it quiet, buried beneath the shame that came from growing up in a place where women loving women was seen as something wrong. Years of denying who I was turned into self-hate. But today, I’m proud of who I am. I’ve found a beautiful, affirming community of people like me, and for the first time, I don’t feel the need to shrink myself or hide parts of my life to make others comfortable. I feel safe. I feel normal.
I remember what it was like before that. I felt numb, disconnected from the world, and watched my mental health slowly unravel as I tried to suppress my truth in the name of honoring God. Looking back, nothing about that suppression felt holy.
I didn’t just study Christian theology in college. I built my life around it. My career, my relationships, and my community. It wasn’t until I stumbled onto TikTok that I finally saw queer people who looked like me, lived like me, and loved like me. I’m not sure I would have come out if I hadn’t first felt seen by them.
Now, I feel called to creating a queer-centered channel so others can feel that same sense of belonging. A space where people can see themselves, celebrate their identity, and learn about the vibrant culture so many have tried to erase. I am also in the works of a book that goes over the theological debate over homosexuality, and how it is not as black and white as people assume. No matter how loud a voice gets on a topic, does not raise its accuracy as well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Caitlyn Mims, co-creator of Queer Theory TV, a YouTube channel dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices through bold, creative, and culture-shifting content. We’re building a space where queer stories are not just told, but celebrated—whether through interviews with emerging artists, experimental social videos, or original series that reflect the humor, heart, and complexity of our community.
What makes Queer Theory TV unique is our blend of entertainment and intention. We’re not just creating content, we’re creating connection. Our goal is to reflect the diversity and depth of queer experience while making space for joy, truth, and representation in media. Whether you’re here to laugh, cry, learn, or just feel seen, we’re here for you, and we’re just getting started.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that because I wasn’t feminine in the way girls were expected to be, something about me was broken. I thought I had to soften myself, walk a certain way, dress a certain way, or speak in a higher voice just to be accepted. I believed that to be loved, I had to perform a version of girlhood that never felt natural to me.
Now, I’ve learned that there’s nothing wrong with the way I naturally am. I don’t feel the need to force myself into a version of femininity that never fit me. I’m comfortable in my skin and proud of how I carry myself. Letting go of that old belief gave me peace, and the confidence to be honest about who I am.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
When I was in the process of learning to accept that being gay was okay, I remember one friend in particular who made a real difference. She was straight, but she loved me deeply. Instead of shutting me down, she asked thoughtful questions and genuinely listened as I explained why I was starting to believe it could be okay. With her, I felt seen and heard,. This was something I rarely experienced during that time.
Most others responded by quickly defending their idea of God, as if I were attacking Him. But I wasn’t. What I was questioning wasn’t God himself, but the way humans choose to interpret scripture and how those interpretations are shaped more by culture and fear than by truth or love.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Finally, yes. I will never put another aspect of myself in the closet. Never again.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Hopefully I will build such a great channel and team that my customers miss nothing but my legacy when I leave. That means I built something that lives longer than my existence, and that is the goal.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @camziegler and @queertheorytv
- Youtube: @caitlynmims and @queertheorytv
Image Credits
chase peplin took the one where I am throwing up a peace sign
