Any queer Christians here? I'm lesbian/bisexual...

[elshiva]

Thinking of coming out to my therapist who is an Anglican and I am an Episcopalian myself. She seems sweet, but nowadays too often Anglican=conservative/homophobic. Worried because she's the sweetest one I've had for a while. Thanks!

[Kire]

1. GayChristian.net

Hi! I'm Justin, Executive Director of GayChristian.Net.

Many Christians don't accept gay people, and many gays want nothing to do with the church. When I came out, I wanted to find a place where I could fellowship with other serious, committed Christians who would accept me for who I am. That's why I founded GCN, a place where we can be Christians first and foremost, and where our sexual identity is secondary.

Today, GCN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the spiritual lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Christians of every denomination. Our site includes an internet radio show, a message board, and numerous articles and resources.

http://www.gaychristian.net/

I haven't been there in a while, but this is a thread of me introducing myself (after being active there a year):

http://tinyurl.com/bllg3

Edit: Be warned, there are as many conservatives as there are liberals on that board.

[RevCheesehead]

2. Hi, el -

Though I'm not gay, I would certainly hope that you would be able to be free and open with your therapist. You might be surprised to find out she already suspected you might be. Therapists are funny that way, they seem to know much about us that we're not aware of.

Good luck to you, and peace. I'm here if you need to talk.

[elshiva]

3. Thanks this is probably true, though!

[FreedomAngel82]

16. I agree

If you're not able to be open with your thearpist without them freaking out on you then they shouldn't be your therapist and I'd leave them. A thearpist, to me, is someone who you should be able to talk to without judgements. There's enough of that in the world.

[realisticphish]

4. Therapists

have to deal with MANY things that would be shocking or at least different from their own beliefs. If she is any kind of a good therapist, she will look past that, and will accept what you are and what you believe without much trouble. Good luck!

[elshiva]

5. Thanks, hon! She was nice about it today.

[intheflow]

6. Almost all the Anglicans and Episcopalians at my seminary

are either gay themselves (closeted, though), or supportive of gay rights. So it's certainly not a foregone conclusion that her faith would make her inherently "against" GBLTs.

On the other hand, if she cannot separate her profession (therapy) from her religious views (if conservative), then it may be time to find another therapist. I know that can be hard if you've built up a relationship and trust her, but who needs rejection from someone you're paying to help you through the tough parts of life? If she rejects you, save yourself some pain and find someone who accepts and affirms the wonderful person you show yourself to be here on DU.

Take care of yourself, elshiva. :hug:

[elshiva]

7. She is supportive! Where do you go to seminary?

[intheflow]

8. Iliff School of Theology.

In Denver: http://www.iliff.edu

It's a small Methodist seminary, but considering it's the only liberal seminary between Chicago and California, we have a great faith mix. I'm UU, and we make up about 5% of the student body. I'd guess it's 5-10% Anglican. Maybe 10% UCC. Maybe 10% Presbyterian. Then another 5-10% of Jews, Catholics and even a Muslim this year. Our New Testament classes are team taught by an Anglican and a Jew. Maybe as much as 15% of the student body is GLBTQ. I absolutely love it there.

I'm glad to hear your therapist is supportive. I'm sure she'll affirm who you are, the whole of you. God made us to be sexual beings, and despite what *some* Christians would say, Jesus never said squat about how that sexuality had to express itself.

[elshiva]

9. Thanks I never heard of that place!

Just thanks!

[kwassa]

10. I know many gay Episcopal clergy

which is why I find this battle over Eugene Robinson somewhat bizarre. The rector of my former church is a lesbian, and many of the seminarians that came through our church are gay.

[elshiva]

11. It is true that many of the best clergy are gay.

[GOPBasher]

12. Anglican/Episcopalian is a pretty liberal denomination.

I think that if any Christian denomination would be more liberal and gay-friendly, it would be that. At any rate, you should really be comfortable saying anything to your therapist; or else perhaps you should find a new one. :-)

I don't know, just my opinion. Your sexual orientation is a big part of who you are, I would think. :-)

[elshiva]

13. Thanks, hon!

[Dorian Gray]

14. She's a therapist.

I'm sure that she's dealt with homosexuality issues before. You should definitely come out to her. I don't know how she could help you with any issues unless she knows all there is to know about you.

I'm also sure that she will be very helpful. :) Good luck!

[Name removed]

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