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If you are having difficulty with this coming out process, this is the page for you. Do your beliefs about homosexuality
collide with your care for the person coming out? Does your confusion about lgbtq life leave you struggling at this time?
Widen your sense and see the world differently. Help is here.
Begin by educating yourself. If you approach this with an open mind you'll learn more, find relief and be less likely
to impose your fears and biases on your newly out person. And...you just may find a whole new world of understanding for
yourself as you confront your prejudices.
Start with PFLAG, click the link and find a local chapter and go to a meeting and learn how others are managing. You'll
meet PFLAG members who also struggled in the beginning. PFLAG will be a great resource, providing support and ideas for navigating
in this new world.
Find a therapist, but not just any therapist. Interview on the phone by asking questions about experience, education
and beliefs about lgbtq issues and people. You don't necessarily need an lgbtq therapist but you need one that is lgbtq friendly
and wise. Ask around. Ask for a free in person interview session. If you sense a lack of comfort or familiarity, go elsewhere.
Maybe this time of coming out seems to bring losses for you. Talk to someone who understands lgbtq issues so that you
can work through those losses and experience the good that will come.
Maybe you are afraid for your newly out person, for yourself. Talk, read, learn about this world. You'll feel better.
Often, the underlying source of discomfort comes from the religious world and particular biblical interpretations (not
shared by all churches or all denominations) and beliefs where power, politics and God are often confused. Use the resources
here to ease your fears as you understand how some religious people address these issues. Learn about religion and the lgbtq
world; you may be surprised by your discoveries.
As you expand your understanding of biblical references to homosexuality you may want to find churches that are "open
and welcoming", "inclusive" and lgbtq friendly. These links can help you find those churches and spiritual
groups.
Help yourself, so that you will be free to enjoy your relationship with your newly out person.
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PFLAG
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PFLAG, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays, is your first stop, a national non-profit organization with
over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates. See especially the PFLAG guide for Straight Allies and the links
to local chapters.
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Seattle First Baptist
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From Seattle's First Baptist Church comes an essay on Social Justice titled, "What does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality?"
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American Friends Service Committee
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Discussions about lgbt issues in a religious context, including marriage.
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My Child Is Gay, Now What Do I Do?
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A website aimed entirely to confused and bewildered parents. Questions, answers and supportive information.
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Pacific School of Religion
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This Pacific School of Religion department seeks to advance the well-being of lgbt people.
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Trans Faith Online
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The trans world explored from a faith perspective. Resources, education and support, all with an awareness of the need for
inclusivity.
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