Help for Those who
Struggle
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What is Same-sex Attraction?Same-sex attraction is an intense interest in others of the same gender. This interest may include desires for their attention, friendship, intimacy, and/or a fascination with their bodies and other gender traits. It may also include erotic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors directed toward the same gender. The psychological community uses the term homosexuality to refer to the entire complex that includes attractions, feelings, desires, sexual behavior, identity, and all its associated aspects, such as problems with masculinity, self-perception, emotional dependencies, and relationship issues. A person who experiences same-sex attraction may experience emotional and sexual feelings or attractions, and may or may not engage in sexual behavior. Same-sex attraction cannot be identified simply by the presence or absence of outward sexual behavior. Read a more complete description of what is same-sex attraction.
What Causes Same-sex Attraction?Many factors contribute to the development of homosexual attractions. Same-sex attraction is the result of a complex interaction of personality, biological inheritance, and developmental experiences. People do not choose to have same-sex feelings. These attractions usually develop because social and emotional needs were not met in the developmental years. Men do not develop same-sex attraction because they are afraid of women. Women do not develop same-sex attraction because they are afraid of men. In reality, relationships with the opposite gender usually have little to do with same-sex attraction; instead, they have to do with relationships with the same gender. Read a more complete description of what causes same-sex attraction.
Can People Resolve Same-sex Attractions?There are many people who were previously conflicted by same-sex attractions and the desires to act on them, but now have diminished the feelings and attractions, eliminated homosexual behavior, and are now much happier and at greater peace. Read a more about resolving same-sex attraction.
More information:
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What causes same-sex attraction?
How many people experience same-sex attraction?
Can people resolve same-sex attractions?
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Books
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Resolving Homosexual Problems: A Guide for LDS Men by Jason Park. Written to Christian men who want to resolve their homosexual feelings. It provides practical solutions to resolve the personal problems they face. |
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Helping LDS Men Resolve their Homosexual Problems: A Guide for Family, Friends, and Church Leaders by Jason Park. This book gives family, friends, and priesthood leaders ideas on supporting someone they love. |
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Understanding Male Homosexual Problems: An Introduction by Jason Park. For a quick overview, get this 48-page booklet that summarizes the information from the other two books. |
Resources
Century Publishing. Publishes books on same-sex attraction and related issues. P O Box 11307, Salt Lake City, UT 84147, e-mail: info@centurypubl.com Internet: www.centurypubl.com
Courage An organization for Roman Catholics who wish to follow the teachings of the church about homosexuality. They offer support groups and counseling services. www.couragerc.net
Exodus International This network of interdenominational Christian ministries offers support to men and women seeking to overcome same-sex attraction. Exodus maintains a referral list of ministries, churches, and individuals. It also publishes a newsletter and sponsors conferences. Call or write for an introductory packet of information. P.O. Box 77652, Seattle, WA 98177-0652, phone 206/784–7799, http://www.exodus-international.org
Evergreen International This nonprofit organization provides direction and support to Latter-day Saint (Mormon) men and women who want to diminish their same-sex attraction and free themselves from homosexual behavior. It is also a resource to family and friends, professional counselors, religious leaders, and all others who wish to help individuals who desire to change. The organization refers people to affiliated support groups and therapists, publishes manuals and newsletters, sells books by mail, and sponsors conferences. Call or write for a list of publications or information on a support group near you. 307 West 200 South, Suite 4006, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, phone 800/391-1000. www.evergreeninternational.org, e-mail: info@evergreeninternational.org.
Homosexuals Anonymous A nondenominational Christian organization that uses a modified twelve–step program modeled on that of Alcoholics Anonymous. The organization publishes a newsletter and other publications. P. O. Box 7881, Reading, PA 19603, phone 800/253-3000 or 610/376–1146.
International Healing Foundation A non-profit organization offering healing seminars, teleconferencing classes, speaking engagements, consultations, supervision, resource materials, and referral services. The director, Richard Cohen, M.A., is a prominent therapist in the field of sexual reorientation who has overcome same-sex attraction himself. P.O. Box 901 Bowie, MD 20718, phone: 301/805-6111, fax: 301/805-5155, www.gaytostraight.org, e-mail: IHF90@aol.com
Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality (JONAH) An umbrella organization for those of the Jewish faith which assists strugglers and concerned parents, spouses and friends. It seeks to educate the Jewish world that change from a homosexual to a heterosexual orientation is possible. P.O. Box 313, Jersey City, NJ 07303, phone: 201/433-3444, www.jonahweb.org
National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) An educational organization dedicated to the research, therapy and prevention of homosexuality. 16542 Ventura Blvd., Suite 416, Encino, CA 91436, phone 818/789–4440. Internet: www.narth.com
Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays (P-FOX) A Christian organization of parents, spouses, family members and friends concerned about their loved one's same-sex attraction. Affiliated with the Family Research Council. P.O. Box 561, Belvoir, VA 22060, phone: 703/360-2225, www.pfox.org
People Can Change A comprehensive Web site of invaluable information for people who want to overcome same-sex attraction. www.peoplecanchange.com
Same-Gender Attraction An extensive resource for people who experience unwanted same-sex attractions. Provides options to accepting a gay identity. www.samegenderattraction.org