If you aren't, point out that the Bible is against all sorts of lust, and doesn't really account for most contemporary partnerships.If you are only planning on having sex within the bounds of marriage, or remaining abstinent altogether, you can offer that up as a kind of chastity the Bible supports.If your family is worried that gay love is a sin, it's up to you how much you care to share with them.If they say you are sinning, you can explain why you think you aren't, but acknowledge that it is not for you or them to judge.If they say you're confused, rebelling, or have "chosen" to identify as gay, all you can do is say that you understand why they think that, but it's not true.Listen to them respectfully, and ask them to do the same for you. If your family members or close friends are engaging you on the topic but still have reservations, go ahead and argue with them. Locate a shelter, or ask a relative or close friend if you can stay with them if you are left homeless.Īrgue if it feels worth it. If you live with homophobic family members, have a backup plan before you come out, or if you fear being outed.If you are a minor who lives at home and is financially dependent on your family, consider waiting to come out until you are able to support yourself.Direct them to websites with resources for Christian parents:.Look for materials meant to support Christians with gay family members. Reassure them that you know what you are talking about, that you have always been gay, and that you are still a Christian.This is something that has been true about me my whole life, and while I've struggled with it, I've come to accept that it is part of who I am." Say something like "I need to tell you something I know about myself that you may not know.You may want to talk to one family member first, or you may just want to talk to a few of your closest relatives as a group. Be open about your orientation to your family if you safely can. If there are no congregations near where you live, consider streaming online church services from a gay-affirming church and participating in related message boards.Ĭome out to your family.Consider finding a church with an LGBTQ pastor.Look for churches that have LGBTQ affinity groups, Gay Straight Alliances, mentoring programs for queer youth, and diversity-affirming committees.Most denominations have gay-friendly churches, but you might have luck with a UCC, Quaker, or Unitarian Universalist church.Search for churches in the Affirming Church Directory:.X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source Acceptance and affirmation has grown among most U.S. There are congregations of even the most traditionally homophobic denominations that declare themselves "Affirming" or LGBTQ friendly. Find community in a church that affirms your orientation.