Letters from Readers

I pray that these letters are an encouragement to everyone as they have been to me!
Friends, what's plainly obvious here is that WE ARE NOT ALONE!

I am a16-year old gay student attending Stewart County High School in Tennessee . For years now, I must say ever since first grade, I always new I was different. I NEVER got involved with chasing girls, I NEVER found interest in girls, and I NEVER dated girls until my 6th grade year. I only did this because I had feelings for guys.

I was raised in a Southern Baptist church all my life, and all my life I was taught it was a sin. That if I was this way, I would be preparing a place for me in the pits of HELL. Now you see why I "dated" girls. I put dated in quotations because I really can't call it dating. I went out with 3 girls, all lasted about 4 days or less, and there was nothing there. No love, No compassion, and even though guys started going out with girls because they were "HOT", there was no attraction. I just did it to fit in.

I even had people noticing this lack in enthusiasm. There was only one person I wanted to date, and I sure as Hell could not do it, because it was a guy. Morally Sinful right? Well, around my 8th grade year, I started feeling depressed. I started seeing a Psychiatrist, but I still overate. It was a symptom of depression, but I think I made a pretty good actor. No one knew about my problems.

I felt that when I was saved at 7 years old, I was not truly saved. I went to my pastor at the time, and was "saved" again in front of the search. Oh, this time, I KNEW I was saved, but my feelings for guys kept on coming full steam. That day I was saved I nailed a stake in my backyard, so I can remember when I was saved. Even though I still struggled with my feelings, I was OK.

All the thoughts kept rushing back to me while I was walking through the hallways, seeing all the hot guys. I would immediately chastise myself for thinking homosexual thoughts. I prayed for God to take these feelings away, and prayed, and prayed, and then (I must not be a Christian, because I still felt like this) I was "saved" again.

My feelings still did not go away. The pain got so unbearable that I was ready to take my life. My dad always said "Fags should all die". I wondered what he would have done to see my lying in my bed with my veins split up my arm. "You did it to yourself". I even had the razors ready, this next part is why I truly believe… God was watching over me.

One of my lesbian friends, Felicia, called me. She wanted me to come pick her up for church. I did and we went to Youth services that night, but she had one of those school project babies, and she had to leave, and I followed her. That night, she asked me how i could be gay and a Christian, because she was struggling also.

She told me it was obvious I was gay, but she could tell I was a genuine Christian. That blessed me so much to here that. I knew once and for all, I was truly saved. I still struggled with feelings. I knew so many gay people in my life, and they weren't bad, sexed-up crazed individuals that many churches give you the impression of. Then it was my Junior year.

God sent me another angel in my life. Her name was Jessica. And boy, she was the poster child for "Out and Proud"! I found a safe haven in her and a couple other friends that were gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Jessi invited me to come to her church, which I did, and that is where I learned of Clarksville Pride.

It sounded like fun, so when the day came, I went. Seeing the people there, GLBT or not, gave me so much pride in who I was, and going to this church where the GLBT were accepted (very nice people in the church), gave me the strength to tell my parents.

I am writing this 2 nights after telling them. They do treat me differently, but they will eventually get used to it. I have the church's prayers behind me, and a colorful future before me. I want to thank the Christian Community Church of Clarksville, David Shelton, Curtis, Jerri and Jerry, and all those angels God gave to me in this life. You have truly saved this life!

i am a 22 year old gay student from India. I happened to come across your article on www.comingoutstories.com. and once i started reading your story it was indeed difficult to leave it in the middle. it doesn't need mention that i finished reading it in one breath, and having done that i was absolutely blank. this is thekind of feeling that i have when i have come acrosssomething that has moved me tremendously.

i read it not only as one sharing your sexual orientation, but more as a fellow human being. the trials and tribulations that you have faced in your life reminds me of my own... that i have faced and am facing every passing day. your dignified approach to life is something i cannot help but look up to. i respect you for the choices that you have made in your life and i wish i am as strong when my moment arrives.

i would love to keep in touch with you and continuously drawing inspiration from your actions and choices.

Letters from Readers

I pray that these letters are an encouragement to everyone as they have been to me! Friends, what's plainly obvious here is that WE ARE NOT ALONE!

I pray that these letters are an encouragement to everyone as they have been to me!
Friends, what's plainly obvious here is that WE ARE NOT ALONE!