I have a question about something that’s going on in my life. I’m gay and have always heard that being gay is a sin but I’m having extreme difficulty understanding why it is thought to be so wrong. I’m a Christian, but I am also gay. I didn’t choose to be gay, I just naturally feel attracted to guys. I talk to God about it so much and it never fails, I always still find myself thinking about or looking at other guys! I personally feel as if my being gay is NOT, I repeat, IS NOT A CHOICE. It feels like it’s just who I am and it frustrates me so badly because I enjoy being gay. I personally don’t have a problem with my sexuality. But I don’t like that it feels as if the Lord is turning me away, like God doesn’t favor me as much. How can a Christian, a child of God, be loved by the Lord and also find peace with this issue? I hope this is only temporary discomfort that I’m feeling.

Thanks you Soooooo much for taking the time to read my letter. It means a lot to me!
Signed,
Jordon, 16, Kernersville NC
Obviously, there are many people in the world who consider themselves Christians and who believe that homosexuality is a sin. But there are many, many other people of faith (including Christians) as well as many religious institutions that believe otherwise; are supportive and accepting of gay people. There are also gay-oriented Christian institutions (the Metropolitan Community Church, for example). Unfortunately, it sounds as if you have been taught by the “gay is sin” Christians—but theirs is not the only way to understand God’s teachings. If there was only one way to be a Christian, there would only be one Christian denomination — but you know that is not the case!

Despite what you have been taught, it sounds as if you know that down deep, you are not a bad person simply because you are attracted to other guys. I would encourage you to seek out people of faith who are more accepting. They ARE out there! Almost every major religion and Christian denomination has an organization of gay followers that have banded together to address the exact same issues that you are currently examining. Call our helpline at 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) and ask for religion-based resources in your area that are gay-affirming.