What (and What Not) to Say to Someone Experiencing Same-Sex Attraction

Homosexuality is a sensitive and complex issue, which can make talking about it difficult. Believing Latter-day Saints who experience same-sex attraction often feel caught in between two worlds—the Latter-day Saint community who, while most often well-intentioned, can say insensitive or hurtful things, and the LGBT-identified community who will often judge them as not being “true to themselves.”

Here are some things you can say and do (and some things to avoid) to help those who experience same-sex attraction.

What to Say (and Do):

Listen to them and let them set the tone. Sometimes people are very serious about coming out. Other people like to have a lighter or more casual mood. It’s their story that they want to share, so let them set the tone. While this may be new or difficult information for you, they’re the one taking the greatest risk here, so do your best to help them feel comfortable.

“Thank you for trusting me.” Every single time that someone opens up to another person, they are taking a huge emotional and social risk. If someone opens up to you, they are showing you that they trust you. Remember to thank them for having such a firm trust in you. And don’t forget that you must continue to be worthy of their trust.

Read the full article on LDSliving.com.