“Gay” does not accurately define and depict life for many, possibly most, same-sex attracted men and women.

Initially, “happy, care-free, or lighthearted” defined ‘gay’ but ultimately became a widely accepted and adopted word referencing homosexuality, especially among homosexual men.

Speaking as one once a member of the gay community for 17 years, I can personally witness to the fact and reality that ‘gay’ offers a far more positive connotation than homosexual.

Today, especially, when one says, “I’m gay,” they are usually stating or meaning “I’m proud of my being same-sex attracted.”

How very different the use and reference of ‘gay’ is for many others. “Oh, that guy over there is gay,” or “He’s a gay man,” or “That was a gay pride parade,” coupled with distinct voice tone and body language indicates an individual that does not approve of homosexuality.

Today, with every closet under the sun having been completely emptied, a Christian man who still holds to the truth and authority of Scripture regarding homosexual practice but experiences homosexual temptations or inclinations may be much more inclined to refer to himself as ‘gay,’ indicating acceptance and approval of those leanings. Hence, “I am a gay Christian.”

Ultimately, then, the likelihood of him referring to himself as homosexual is slim, embracing and preferring the more positive, self-affirming term ‘gay.’

Just as the word ‘gay’ is conveniently and frequently tossed around and misused incorrectly, so it is with same-sex practice as a whole.

Many men, me included, awoke and realized that to call homosexuality gay equals an ultimate contradiction. Tragically and regrettably, we, me too, we did not know we had an option, an alternative.

During my 17 years living as a gay-identified man, I never once had a well-meaning Christian approach me and say, “You know, Phillip, there is another way.” I do not offer this fact as an indictment on the Christian Community but rather to illustrate how shameful and tragic not knowing I had an option.

To be clear, I am not referencing a doctrine, theology, not even a church, but a relationship with a living and loving Savior.

Today, there is no question that a goal of the gay liberation movement is to achieve a worldwide ban on counseling, which includes Biblical discipleship, for individuals with same-sex attraction claiming, “change is not possible” and to say that it is “too harmful.”

Too harmful?

The harm I witnessed in many lives and personally experienced as well, did not occur as a result of attempting to work through our unwanted issue of same-sex attraction but rather over and through our celebration of “gay.”

In my view, there continues to be relentless social pressure to protect “gays” from discrimination, but also from any form of disagreement, which from personal experience, is tragically promoting a dangerous philosophy.

I find this cause to be even more than intriguing since there is great diversity and disagreement in the gay community over fundamental basics such as “what it means to be gay or lesbian.”

The gay community is hardly a unified front as many would have us believe.

While I personally deplore any and all forms of “gay-bashing” and other hate crimes against homosexuals, the extreme medical risks and the fundamental psychological problems often associated with homosexual practice cannot be undermined or dismissed.

That said, today, whether homosexual or heterosexual, the relationship between sexual promiscuity and high-risk sexual behavior are joined at the hip. This is not judgment but rather a fact of life.

In America, very little is being offered which promotes the truth about homosexuality and the general public has slowly but certainly bought into the many untruths with regard to the topic of homosexuality. This did not happen by accident.

So much for an individual’s right of self-determination to address their unwanted homosexual feelings and behavior.

In America and around the world, in the name of tolerance, diversity, and equality, often the truth has and continues to be suppressed regarding homosexuality. We can and we must reverse the current trend through education, awareness, and understanding.

Yes, because of very real discrimination, homosexual activists created a brilliant strategic plan to gain across-the-board acceptance. Yet their plan was based on a flawed paradigm to persuade people they were born with same-gender attraction and that change is not possible.

It is an undeniable fact this strategy has worked, in spite of no scientific or Bible evidence to support the opinion, notion, or theory.

We as Christians have to be concerned – no, committed – under the imperatives of the Bible to minister and offer Biblical discipleship to men and women and their families impacted by unwanted same-sex attraction. Ultimately, your willingness and participation can make a difference in the lives and the eternal destinies of a multitude.

Jesus Christ preached the Gospel and showed compassion to the wounded, hurting and broken. That’s all of us, folks.

We, the Christian Community must respond by following His example.

Again, personally speaking, homosexual temptations are discovered, but declaring “I’m gay” is a choice.

We do not tell God what sacrifice is, He tells us.

All dedicated followers of Christ Jesus are called daily to die to the desires of the flesh. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”

The Bible does not call us to a heterosexual or homosexual life, but to a holy life.

I pray you will know God intimately and reflect His holiness, that you will live a life that pleases Him and glorifies Him, and that you will live a life of holiness unto Him.

A life of holiness is progressive and lived one day at a time.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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