How to know if your friend is gay

Someone who is coming out feels close enough to you and trusts you sufficiently to be honest and risk losing you as a confidant. It can be complicated to know what to say and what to do to be a supportive friend to someone who has “come out” to you. Below are some suggestions you may wish to follow.

• Express gratitude your friend for having the courage to narrate you. Choosing to reveal you means that they have a great deal of respect and believe for you.
• Don’t judge your friend. If you have strong religious or other beliefs about LGBTIQ communitites, keep them to yourself for now. There will be plenty of time in the future for you to think and talk about your beliefs in glow of your friend’s self.
• Respect your friend’s confidentiality. Allow them the integrity to share what they want, when and how they want to.
• Tell your buddy that you still tend about them, no matter what. Be the comrade you have always been. The main fear for people coming out is that their friends and family will reject them.
• Don’t be too serious. Sensitively worded humor may ease the tension you are both probably feeling.
• Ask questions you may have, but understand that your companion

  by Fred Penzel, PhD

  This article was initially published in the Winter 2007 edition of the OCD Newsletter. 

  OCD, as we know, is largely about experiencing grave and unrelenting doubt. It can cause you to doubt even the most basic things about yourself – even your sexual orientation. A 1998 research published in the Journal of Sex Research create that among a community of 171 college students, 84% reported the occurrence of sexual intrusive thoughts (Byers, et al. 1998). In order to possess doubts about one’s sexual identity, a sufferer necessitate not ever have had a homo- or heterosexual experience, or any type of sexual experience at all. I have observed this symptom in youthful children, adolescents, and adults as well. Interestingly Swedo, et al., 1989, found that approximately 4% of children with OCD experience obsessions concerned with forbidden hostile or perverse sexual thoughts.

  Although doubts about one’s control sexual identity might come across pretty straightforward as a symptom, there are actually a number of variations. The most obvious create is where a sufferer experiences the thought that they might be of a different sexual orientation than they formerly believed. If the su

  How Do I Help My Gay Friend?

  by D’Ann Davis

  “How do I help my gay friend?”  This is a question we overhear constantly in the Living Hope office, when out speaking at events, or from friends and church members from around the world.  Twenty years ago few Christians asked this question, for few knew any same gender attracted people, or if they did know them, they were ignorant to their friend’s struggles.  Today almost everyone knows of someone who identifies as queer or deals with a measure of same gender attractions.  Even if a Christian finds himself in a season of animation where he does not personally know of a same gender attracted (SGA) person in his sphere of influence, this scrutinize is of utmost importance in light of the change of our society and the growing willingness of Christians dealing with SGA to openly chat about their issues.  So how does one aid a gay-identified friend or SGA friend?

  The first response I typically give to this question is actually another question.  “Does your friend know Jesus?”  This is a vital first question any believer must tackle before attempting to help a friend deal with her sexual attractions.  This is because there are two different ro

  Understanding the Situation

  Sexual orientation is a personal matter, and unless your friend explicitly tells you, you can never be 100% sure. However, if you’re wondering whether your friend might be gay, either because you suspect they’re struggling with their identity or you think they might have feelings for you, it’s important to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect.

  Here are some common signs that might indicate your friend is gay and how to navigate the situation without making assumptions or making them uncomfortable.

  1. They Shun Talking About Their Romance Life

  If your friend dodges conversations about crushes or relationships but is cozy talking about every other aspect of their being, it might be because they’re not ready to discuss their sexual orientation.

  Examples:

  • They change the subject when someone asks about their dating life.
  • They rarely state any romantic interests.
  • They appear uncomfortable when discussing relationships with the opposite gender.

  This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re gay, some people are just private, but if combined with other signs, it might be a clue.

  2. They Show a Strong Interest in Diverse Topics

  .