How do I explain to my stubborn friends that I’m who I am and that I’m still me and that there is nothing wrong with gays,lesbians and Ext.
Question:
Hello. Well today at school my friend asked me if there was a girl and she had the kind of personality that I like, “would I date her” I said yes, now I think I might lose my friends. Everyone in my class knows this except my teacher. But I’m afraid that they would find out and give me a lecture. I go to a very small Roman Catholic school and the catholic church does not allow this. Most of my friends always say that Gays,Lesbians and ext. are nasty and wrong. It gets me pissed off! I always tell them that there is nothing wrong with them,and that they are human. But they say other wise, and they always say WELL THE BIBLE SAYS THIS, I know that! But the bible says treat other like you would be treated! What I would like to ask is, “How do I explain to my stubborn friends that I’m who I am and that I’m still me and that there is nothing wrong with gays,lesbians and Ext.?”
Gabriella
Letter submitted by:
Answer:
Hi Gabriella,
In reading your letter I can’t help but think that you are an amazing young lady. You are open minded and brave. You should be proud of that.
You are definitely in a tough environment where opinions and beliefs are set and expected to be followed. I can understand your frustration. Despite what your friends may have been taught it is important for them (and you) to know that there is nothing wrong with being Gay, Lesbian, etc and it is completely natural and normal. There are many, many Gay and Lesbian people who practice Catholicism and continue to attend religious services. It might also help you to know that though some people may believe and teach that homosexuality is against the Bible, and that you cant be a good Catholic and be gay, there are many religious leaders and members of religious communities who teach love, acceptance and equality for all people and are supportive of LGBT people. You might want to check out a website called http://www.soulforce.org. Another helpful website is http://www.welcomingresources.org.
In terms of your friends, and their acceptance of your sexuality, be patient and give them time to adapt. But dont allow them to make you feel less than normal. You are perfect the way you are. Help them to understand that you are the same person they have always known. A persons sexuality does not define them. It is not who you are, it is simply who you are attracted to and who you might like to date.
One more thing I would like to suggest is that you visit http://www.trevorspace.org. It is the Trevor Projects safe, online social networking site for LGBTQ young people. It is a great supportive community where you can connect with others who might have had or are having the same questions that you are having.
Hang in there, Gabriella. Know that you are not alone. Stay strong. Keep that wonderful open mind and heart that I think you already have!
Take Care,
Trevor Staff
Hi Gabriella,
In reading your letter I can’t help but think that you are an amazing young lady. You are open minded and brave. You should be proud of that.
You are definitely in a tough environment where opinions and beliefs are set and expected to be followed. I can understand your frustration. Despite what your friends may have been taught it is important for them (and you) to know that there is nothing wrong with being Gay, Lesbian, etc and it is completely natural and normal. There are many, many Gay and Lesbian people who practice Catholicism and continue to attend religious services. It might also help you to know that though some people may believe and teach that homosexuality is against the Bible, and that you cant be a good Catholic and be gay, there are many religious leaders and members of religious communities who teach love, acceptance and equality for all people and are supportive of LGBT people. You might want to check out a website called www.soulforce.org. Another helpful website is www.welcomingresources.org.
In terms of your friends, and their acceptance of your sexuality, be patient and give them time to adapt. But dont allow them to make you feel less than normal. You are perfect the way you are. Help them to understand that you are the same person they have always known. A persons sexuality does not define them. It is not who you are, it is simply who you are attracted to and who you might like to date.
One more thing I would like to suggest is that you visit www.trevorspace.org. It is the Trevor Projects safe, online social networking site for LGBTQ young people. It is a great supportive community where you can connect with others who might have had or are having the same questions that you are having.
Hang in there, Gabriella. Know that you are not alone. Stay strong. Keep that wonderful open mind and heart that I think you already have!
Take Care,
The Trevor Project149