u/hgclyde

I'm going to join a Gay Men group at the Local LGBTQ center. I'm newly out and my psychologist suggested meeting other LGBTQ folks and I agree. I'm a moderate to conservative gay Christian black man and I am wondering how I keep my views while making new friends who are likely liberal to progressive / socialist? Do I blindly agree with them so I don't upset the apple cart and get kicked out of the group. Any ideas? Thanks guys in advance!

I just read this article on deconstruction grief. I recognize some things in me. A sense of community, people who you can talk to. Ask for prayers. Getting a word from God. But the irony in that is because being a person who is Gay Christian the word wouldn't be what I (or you) want to hear, or a prayer to make you straight. Feel condemned from the people who you once you trusted. Do y'all feel that way too?

Second Adolescent is that a thing that affects all LGBTQ Christians

Recently I confessed that I have never been to a gay community because of fear from my Mom and the church. Well with encouragement my psychologist encouraged me to go and I did this past Thursday June 18, 2024 I did it I visited the community in Long Beach CA in the Bluffs districts of Long Beach (Bluff Heights, Bluff Park and Carroll Park in East Long Beach. I visited The Center Long Beach where I got info on the services they provided information on the programs that they have . The staff are kind and very helpful to me. Afterwards I visited the neighborhoods and walked to the beach.

I was happy that I went. I broke free of fear and internal homophobia. I was equally pissed at my late mother, the conservative church filling me with fear and self hate. I'm pissed off at myself for receiving, believing and accepting as truth. It robbed me of my life. It was worth the trip. I can't wait to visit other LGBTQ communities when possible.

I wonder why it seems to me that LGBTQ Christian sex is separated from life. In the straight world it's treated as a part of life. Is purity culture in conservative Christianity the problem. For example when I see a shirtless guy I try not to look for two reasons; a) avoid being tuned on and 2) worrying If I am going to be attacked if the guy is straight.

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To be honest when I was a young man in freshman year in college in 1986 I was taking a shower after weight training class (I wished that I had kept that up I'd be healthier and in better shape)I had an erection and a guy threatened me for I might have glanced at him. I wonder if that did a number on me.

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3)The insisted celibacy of the LGBTQ Christian community by conservative Christian churches. That has affected some LGBTQ Christian lives like mine

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Is this common among LGBTQ Christian? I feel like I'm the only one.

June is Pride Month and every year Major League Baseball (MLB)host Pride night or Pride day in the 15 years or so Christian players use the day to place Bible scriptures on caps as a protest. And the LGBTQ Community was upset about the incident obviously since many Christians don't believe that LGBTQ people are Christians and reject us. I feel sad and frustrated. How do you feel about it since we embrace the biblical meaning of the rainbow and the LGBTQ Pride flag?

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Today, during my therapy session today I came to the realization that I was attracted to the guys at churches that I attended I was attracted to. Starting when I was in high school in the 1980s. Some of the guys including The Pastor's son. (He fell in love with high school and church sweetheart and married her until he passed away in 2009). Now in retrospect I was attracted to guys but I had to push it down. Now I'm can be myself. I wish I knew back then. Ha anyone had that happen to you?

When l was a teenager my Mom scared me that if in to show she said they would turn me out (turn me Gay. Ha the jokes on you ma I am gay) I avoid gay places and living in Los Angeles area I went to apply at KCOP-TV for the News writer position the station which is on the border of Hollywood and the city of West Hollywood in 1994 and 1996It scares me. I was worried that I would be hit on.

The fear came back when I visited Oakland with my brother. We took a side trip to San Francisco in 2010. I was scared to visit the Castro District capital of the LGBTQ world. I never went there but I was nervous.

Nearby is the Alamitos Heights district Long Beach CA's own LGBTQ community just East of Downtown Long Beach. I have been by it again the fear comes up when go through it. Here I am nearly 60 years old and I am apprehensive because I am a Gay Christian man I worried people would be offended by me.

Has anyone had this problem of a fear going to the LGBTQ Community and how do you overcome it.

Does anyone know about Beloved Arise. I only know about The Trevor. So many young people come here who need support being LGBTQ Christian Youth and young adults. I have referred to the Trevor Project.