SelfhelpMagazine

by Gail S. Bernstein, Ph.D.

I suspect you're right about the existence of negative attitudes toward Republican and conservative religious views within many parts of our lesbian and gay communities. It is sometimes difficult for people to see that a philosophy (such as conservative Republicanism) may have positive aspects even though some of those associated with that philosophy are very anti-gay (Pat Robertson, for example).

However, I do not think the solution is to keep quiet. Our communities are diverse politically and spiritually, and we need to recognize those differences and talk about them.

It is also important for all of us to have like-minded individuals in our lives, and there are lesbians and gays who share your views. I suggest you try to find kindred spirits through some of the many gay and gay-supportive Christian churches and political organizations.

The Log Cabin Clubs are organizations for gay, lesbian and bisexual Republicans in the U.S.. For more information, call (202) 347-5306, write Log Cabin Clubs at 1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 400 Washington DC 20036-5339, or e-mail to cberle@logcabin.org.

There are two ways you may be able to meet your religious and spiritual needs. One is through the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, a federation of Christian churches founded by a gay man. Members of MCC congregations are primarily, but not exclusively, gay, lesbian and bisexual. They're at P.O. Box 1374 Abilene, TX 79604 , (310) 360-8640. They have congregations in many states.

You may also want to contact the Welcoming Churches movement, which is composed of Baptist, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, Lutheran, and United Methodist congregations that have taken a formal position welcoming lesbian, bisexual and gay people. You can reach them at 112 Laurel Street, South Bend, IN 46601, or e-mail info@chicagowelcomingchurches.org

Both the Log Cabin Republicans and the Welcoming Churches are valuable resources.

About the Author:

Gail S. Bernstein, Ph.D. is an author and psychologist. She has a psychotherapy practice in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Bernstein speaks and writes about gay, lesbian and bisexual people for both general and professional audiences, and is the author of the audiotape, NOT HETEROSEXUAL: An Educational Program About Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual People.