‘Morality and Homosexuality’

Ronald Gold’s column “Morality and Homosexuality” (Editorial Page, Jan. 14) hit the nail on the head. As one who was raised Catholic, attended both Catholic and Protestant churches all through high school, joined endless Bible studies, was a Christian camp counselor for several years, and eventually a Christian leader of some repute, I also was gay. That was all my consuming dilemma, a truth about myself I was never allowed to act upon. Every moment of my thoughts and all of my prayers were consumed by this “sin.”

I watched as my straight friends fell in love, married, and enjoyed the support and encouragement of the church and the benefits of the government for their sanctioned sexual relationships. Of course, I was supposed to remain single and not give in to my “sinful nature.” I was to be forever denied intimacy with another human being. Oh, I could marry a woman and live out my life in a mock relationship (how moral to live a lie and involve an innocent partner) and the church would be all for it.

Realizing love is a good thing, I followed my natural feelings and discovered a wonderful and obvious truth. Morality and love exist in gay relationships, too. My partner and I have been together for over six years in a relationship that I’m certain will last as long as we do. The only difference I’ve been able to discern between our relationship and those of our straight friends is that we get no tax and insurance benefits, and are summarily condemned by most Christians.

How ironic that in order to become a moral person I had to leave the church.

BRIAN P. McENTEE

Altadena