u/Realistic-Health-657

Hello everyone, I hope that posting this here is not offensive or harmful, as that is not at all my intent. I just figured that if any subreddit would have true insight into my question, it would be yall.

I am a 20F lesbian who really wants a partnership and family in my future. I am also seriously considering becoming catholic, which would prevent me from being with women. I do not mean to imply that anyone is sinful, just that that may be my framework that I will have to live within. I am honestly completely ok with the fact that I am a lesbian and have had female interactions, but I want my life to feel purposeful and have direction, and Catholicism seems to be the truth to me personally, though I totally understand if you disagree. Catholics I have talked to have almost all told me that celibacy and singleness are the most I can expect, and to find parenthood in other ways, but I don't want to live like that.

The idea of having a family with a gay man or even a straight man ok with the situation, sounds ideal to me. Obviously, I would be completely honest about who I am and what I can and cannot feel. The thought of having a male partner, although not in a traditional sense, does not repulse me, and in many ways appeals to me. I have met many religious men, particularly gay or asexual men, who have shared similar sentiments, so I feel there could be an opportunity for this to happen.

With that context out of the way, I am asking yall if you think two people could enter into. a mixed orientation marriage, aware of the discrepancy, and still have a fulfilling life together. Any insights are appreciated, again sorry if this does not belong here.

Hello everyone - I have been drawn to Catholicism as long as I can remember, despite being a long-time atheist. Recently, this pull has been particularly strong, but there is one thing that has always held me back. I am a 20-year-old female, and since I was 13 I have been aware of being attracted to other girls, which, looking back, I probably have been since I was 5.

My dilemma is that I really feel that I am called to be a mother in a loving home, but I simply am not sexually attracted to men. I can enjoy their company and form emotional attachments, although I wouldn't classify them as romantic, more like admiration and deep care. I definitely do not have a sexual attraction to them. I am not repulsed by some aspects of heterosexual intercourse, but I don't really yearn for it, nor do I know if I could fulfill all of a man's sexual needs. Additionally, I'm not super butch, but I don't wear dresses, makeup, or feminine clothing, which I figure would be an obstacle.

Attraction to girls feels so natural to me, romantically and sexually. Every time I do something with a girl, it feels so vulnerable and real that I worry I might never be able to handle it. In that way, I think being with guys might actually be better, because I can care for them without feeling it so deeply.

Anyway, the point of my rant is that I feel very conflicted about this issue, which is keeping me from the church. I want a family, and I understand that in this faith, I would have to have a husband to do that. I don't believe in conversion therapy because it has been proven harmful and ineffective time and time again. I was just wondering if anyone had insight into how someone same sex attracted may navigate these conflicting desires in the church.