Jamie Bruesehoff (she/they) is an award-winning writer, speaker, and advocate. She is an openly queer woman married to a Lutheran pastor and mom to three spirited children, including a fifteen year old transgender daughter. She is passionate about sharing her family’s story, because she believes our stories are bridges to understanding, compassion, and celebration.

Jamie writes and speaks about LGBTQ identities, policies and practices, inclusion, advocacy, anti-bullying, parenting and faith. Jamie strives to live and lead with love, grace, and courage. If you are interested in working with Jamie or having her speak at your event, please fill out the contact form.

Jamie’s had the honor of working with or being featured by these organizations:

What People Are Saying…

“Working as an advocate for the LGBTQ community, I have seen many parents of transgender youth step up, not only for their own children, but for the community as a whole. First among them has been Jamie Bruesehoff. She has been a steadfast leader, organizing and developing other parent advocates at the local, state, and national level, and providing transformative trainings and education to school teachers and other youth serving professionals. Her activism has helped shape law and policy changes in NJ, and has, I am certain, changed hearts and minds as well.”

— Aaron Potenza, Policy Director, Garden State Equality

“It’s always fun to work with people who are passionate about their story. This is Jamie. She is passionate about sharing her and her family’s stories, educating others and spreading love. Jamie was delightful to work with. She was eager and open to hear feedback and take direction. Taking the stage in front of 36,000 teens and adults can be quite intimidating. Jamie never wavered.  Her family’s story was powerful and inspiring.”

— Molly Beck Dean, Director, ELCA Youth Gathering

“Over 100 staff members selected Ms. Bruesehoff's Professional Development session over the many other alternatives offered on our in-service day. The feedback was tremendous. Her story resonated and her suggestions have helped us build a more inclusive environment for all of our students.”

— Michael Hinman, Ed. D., Director of Curriculum, New Jersey Public School District

“Jamie is a genuine story-teller, who is able to communicate the human heart of her message in ways that disarm prejudice and create connection. She is passionate about inclusion and justice, and she is able to convey that passion in ways that connect people to their own need to be seen, recognized, and loved for who they really are. She pairs concrete information with thoughtful analysis, and through it all her mother’s heart is the drum beat of her teaching. As one of my church members shared with me after hearing Jamie speak, ‘she was informative, clarified my misconceptions, and opened my eyes.’ I enthusiastically recommend Jamie as a guide for any faith community seeking deeper understanding of how to better love the LGBTQ+ community, or really just how to better live into love.”

— Rev. Serena Rice, ELCA Pastor

“Jamie Bruesehoff is wise, caring, fierce and compassionate. Jamie is a storyteller, and the story she tells is compelling; It reminds us what it means to be a child of God…to be human…and to love unconditionally.  Jamie is vulnerable and honest.  Every time I hear her speak, whether it’s to a group of 20 or a group of 36,000, I learn something new about the world in which I live, and about the role I am called to play within it.

After Jamie finished speaking at our event, the conversation about her story continued as the group processed what she had said (and the conversation continued online well after the event was over!) She was thoughtful, intentional and provocative, and our group appreciated how she challenged us to think differently.  She was great to work with, has a wonderful, approachable nature and spoke from her heart.”

Rev. Todd Buegler, Executive Director of ELCA Youth Ministry Network

“Jamie Bruesehoff is someone who cares deeply and passionately for the safety and inclusion and celebration of all people.  She is a LGBTQ+ networker extraordinaire:  she knows and works with young people, parents, faith community leaders, advocates, medical professionals, community activities, organizational leaders, and more.  She is a fierce, passionately kind story-teller and world-changer and mother and spouse.  I’ve watched Jamie speak to a single parent and a queer teen, in an overflowing workshop room, and to a stadium packed with 30,000+ teens and adults.  Her wisdom, keen mind, loving heart, and experience as a parent changes hearts, opens minds, and brings healing. I’ve loved working with her in the Lutheran church realm. I can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.”

— Jason Reed, New Jersey Synod Youth Ministry Specialist