Attraction to same gender
Same-Sex Attraction
Same-sex attraction refers to emotional, physical, or sexual attraction to a person of the identical gender. The intended meaning of gender in the family proclamation is biological sex at birth. The experience of same-sex attraction is not the matching for everyone. Some people may sense exclusively attracted to the same gender, while others may feel attracted to both genders.
The Church distinguishes between queer attraction and lesbian behavior. People who experience same-sex attraction or identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual can create and keep covenants with God and fully and worthily participate in the Church. Identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual or experiencing same-sex attraction is not a sin and does not prohibit one from participating in the Church, holding callings, or attending the temple.
Sexual purity is an essential part of God’s design for our happiness. Sexual relations are reserved for a man and girl who are married and promise accomplish loyalty to each other. Sexual relations between a guy and woman who are not married, or between people of the equal sex, violate one of our Father in Heaven’s most important laws and get in the way of our
I often hear Christians say that the phrase “gay Christian” is an oxymoron. To be a Christian is to not be gay, they say. Or, even if you still struggle with being gay, it’s just that—a struggle, not an identity. “I don’t call myself a lustful Christian or an adulterous Christian,” the argument goes. “Why would any real Christian say they’re a gay Christian?”
Should Christians who believe in a historically Christian sexual ethic call themselves gay? Is the term gay too loaded, too secular, too unchristian to be a helpful identity? If our identity is in Christ, then why should anyone ever identify as gay? Shouldn’t we just say we battle with same-sex attraction? Is using a gay identity just a slippery slope toward affirming same-sex attracted marriage in the church? God doesn’t identify us by our sexual desires or temptations, so why should we?
These are all good questions. (Well, some of them are good; others are quite tone-deaf to the conversation people are actually having about these terms and identities.) And Christians are divided over how to answer them. Some Christians are adamant that using the term “gay Christian” is an affront to the gospel—even when gay Christians believe in
What if I’m Homosexual Attracted?
- If you are questioning your sexual orientation, you are not alone. It is not unusual to question your sexual orientation as an oncoming grown-up only to have it become settled as you mature.
- Many people who exposure same-sex attraction wonder why their attraction is as it is. Studies are not conclusive on this matter. Biological as good as societal aspects appear to have influence on this area.
- Terminology is essential when we discuss sexual orientation. Here is a brief accounting of key terms. It should be understood that nuances and uses of these terms vary. Furthermore, the interpretation of the terms can change over time. Below each term is linked to its definition as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary or The Free Dictionary by Farlex.
Two popular terms that are important to understand are binary and non-binary. As it concerns sexuality conversation, binary is a standpoint that recognizes two genders. Non-binary is a designation that describes the view that gender is on a spectrum. Binary viewpoints are framed in the following: homosexuality, heterosexuality, lgbtq+, lesbian, and bisexual. Agender viewpoints are f
“Helping Those Who Battle with Same-Gender Attraction,” Ensign, Oct. 2007, 42–45
A pleasant childish man in his early 20s sat across from me. He had an engaging smile, although he didn’t smirk often during our talk. What drew me in was the pain in his eyes.
“I don’t know if I should remain a member of the Church,” he said. “I don’t reflect I’m worthy.”
“Why wouldn’t you be worthy?” I asked.
“I’m gay.”
I suppose he mind I would be startled. I wasn’t. “And … ?” I inquired.
A flicker of relief crossed his confront as he sensed my continued interest. “I’m not attracted to women. I’m attracted to men. I’ve tried to ignore these feelings or change them, but …”
He sighed. “Why am I this way? The feelings are very real.”
I paused, then said, “I need a little more data before advising you. You see, same-gender attraction is not a sin, but acting on those feelings is—just as it would be with heterosexual feelings. Do you violate the law of chastity?”
He shook his head. “No, I don’t.”
This time I was relieved. “Thank you for wanting to deal with this,” I said. “It takes courage to talk about it, and I honor you for keeping yourself clean.
“As for why you feel as you do,