Am I a Brainwashed Celibate Gay Man Following Jesus?

My readers, listeners, and viewers who've reached out over the years have been largely supportive; occasionally, though, I've received the so-called "negative" emails. Including this one that assumed my religious brainwashing.
I actually enjoyed receiving this particularly thoughtful email, as it allowed me the opportunity to reflect on the "why" of my faith - not just why I follow this road of singleness and celibacy within my sexuality, but why I find this Jesus so compelling and why I choose Him, over and over.
"People to Be Loved" by Preston Sprinkle: www.amazon.com/People-Be-Love...
[video re-uploaded due to editing errors]
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[@bjanurse]

Well said. I am gay celibate christian as well. Happy and love God. People need to stop thinking we are sad and miserable. Far from it. Inspiring video ❤

[@jameshasapoint7628]

Tom, I appreciate your video. I, too, am gay, but like you I choose The Lord over sexuality. I get told I am brainwashed all the time too. Folks don't realize that having Jesus is so beautiful. I will admit I have my moments and struggle, but He helps me daily, and so I keep the good struggle up. Thank you for your good example at how to be with those who oppose us.

[@thomasmarkz]

Aw thanks for the support, James. Supporting you too from afar!

[@piinkcherub]

wow. this is amazing and just so powerful...i’m so happy for you. i hope you never look back

[@johnandsheilaalderson]

Thank you for loving Jesus more than your own self. We are all called to crucify our flesh, no matter what our idol is that draws us away from our Savior. So many people cannot carry their cross, that is why the Bible says the road is narrow and few find it. Bless you for choosing Jesus above your flesh, may we all do that no matter what draws or tempts us away from God's best for us.

[@aclem8246]

Easy to judge as a straight person with a wife or husband, a fulfilling sex life and family around you.

[@guyweale5014]

So thankful to have found your channel and this video. Tonight has been a struggle but it was such a blessing to hear someone that understands and chooses to walk with God despite its being difficult sometimes. I have often had others tell me that im not living authentically. I always respond by saying that the bible tells me that i was created to glorify God and walk in relationship with Jesus. To willfully disobey what His word tells me is true and best for me would prove that i dont really see Him as my sovereign and dont trust that He knows best. To want to walk in relationship with Christ yet pursue something that will break the fellowship between us is to me illogical and inauthentic. I dont tell others how to live but know that for me Jesus is the only way.

[@thomasmarkz]

Thanks for the lovely words. You are certainly not alone. Be blessed on this journey!

[@roberthegwood3031]

Dear Mark, you might find inspiration in the life of Fr Seraphim Rose. He was a linguistic prodigy and very out in the mid 50s. His lover took him to church where he met a living Saint. From that moment on his life began to change. His lover left after he chose celibacy and Fr Seraphim undertook a life of holiness and asceticism. He and a friend soon became monks in the Russian Orthodox Church, built a skete off the grid in the wilderness of Northern California, and established a publishing house. He learned Russian and translated and preserved many classics of Russian orthodox spirituality. His works were a lifeline in communist times. Today many in Eastern Europe and in America as well regard him as a Saint. Check him out. Stay strong.

[@shadix365]

One thing I've noticed about a lot of these channels where people are gay and celibate is that they usually were brought up in a christian house, meaning that their sexuality likely presented tension with their identity in their community and family growing up. Often too I see people reconvert after a serious breakup or life circumstance. Those moments where people are at their lowest and need community/are trying to find themselves. Its not uncommon to see them say something to the effect of "I was rebelling from mom and dad and now i understand they were right all along". It makes me a little suspicious myself and I think that might be why people could be emailing you saying you might be "brainwashed". I converted in as a gay atheist in my adulthood and discovered a lot of this stuff later in life. I love God. I could quote the gospel all day. That said, my understanding of my sexuality was already matured and completely different from what I guess is the norm in christian spaces these days. There seems like there is an entire ideology around what being gay even is that is at odds with the way the scientific community understands it, and that has always been the hardest part to work with. I even did the celibate thing for a while, I was even discerning joining a brotherhood, but... I just. Man it hurts my head to even put myself back in that headspace. I have panic attacks and I had to step back because it got so bad that I was starting to have really dark depression. It seemed like the more I conformed myself to God and what the church community expected me to be the worse this internal tension got. Nobody really even did anything overtly wrong either. They were kind, loving people. I've read so much literature on the topic, pro and con. I've had well-meaning people try to "pray the gay away". "dont place limits on god". Etc. I dont really date. I want to find my way back but it can't be like it was. I would love to talk to you and learn more about how you've found peace with this lifestyle, if you're open to it. I'm currently about the age you were when you made this video.

[@thomasmarkz]

Thanks for sharing and being real. Feel free to email me any time! tom[at]thomasmarkz[dot]com

[@davidterry4952]

I’ve been a celibate straight man all my life. Can’t go wrong following Jesus.

[@thomasmarkz]

Awesome!

[@davidterry4952]

Believe it or not...the chicks love it. Four of them made a homemade meal for me last year for my birthday.

[@PeterJohnJnb]

Hey man, not that I need to say this but for what it's worth: you are NOT brainwashed. I was just recently convicted to choose celibacy as a way to connect with my identity in Christ. It's not to me to tell other gay/bi/+ people what they have to do with their walk (or not to do, for that matter), but when one has chosen to sacrifice the flesh for a deeper spiritual connection, that's not for the faint of heart. I also understand what it feels like having to reconcile the idea with oneself and then with everyone else. But more power to you for speaking out so publicly and according to your conviction. Your video made it onto my recommended list at just the right time, thank you and man, more power to you. Much love, from Cape Town.

[@alanweber6805]

Your amazing keep up the faith god bless and take care

[@downhillracer4012]

Hi Tom, I’m certain I’m not the first person to ask, but how do you find fellowship with others who share your beliefs seeing as the celibate gay Christian feels like a subgroup of a subgroup of a subgr... In the last few years I’ve read ‘Single, Gay, Christian’ by Gregory Coles and ‘A War of Loves’ by David Bennett which convinced me (along with a lot of prayer) that this is the path for my life. When I come across videos, like this one, I have this 💡 moment and remember that I’m not alone in this journey! But when I start looking for forums/resources/fellowship, I’m left with much to be desired.

[@thomasmarkz]

Hey DR! Thanks for your comment. I used to feel quite alone in this journey; now, not so much by the grace of God. Five years ago I actually cofounded an awesome community for men wrestling with issues of faith, sexuality, and masculinity. It's called Your Other Brothers. We have a blog, podcast, and pretty stellar Patreon community. Check it out if you'd like! Blessings to you on this road, brother. Thanks for watching and responding. yourotherbrothers.com

[@ronsmith2241]

Good video. I am 77 and gay, medically proven. I was a Baptist minister and missionary. Married to my accepting wife for 51 years and cared for her with MS for 26 years before she passed. A heterosexual marriage does NOT make you straight, no matter what people claim. Both my kids are accepting. I strongly support gay marriage and I know several gay Christian couples. Their deep love for each other is something God Himself has done. Not a doubt. All the best for your future. I understand. Take care.

[@adammooney3158]

It's a hard path ...God bless you sir.

[@thomasmarkz]

Thanks Adam! Blessings right back.

[@Fkreisler]

Very well done my brother, your message was spot on, of course I agree with you completely, two things I would like to say. I believe that it is not so much that he sees you as miserable or sad etc (not living life to the fullest) - I think the core reason is that your life, your existence (following The Savior Jesus) confronts them. They don't feel validated, even more considering the man that sent the email has lived his whole life in a completely different way, people dislike us not validating their life choices. (John 15:19). - Have you been brainwashed? (with disapproving tone). I've received the same type of question, and not exclusively for celibacy, but even for worldly actions like not going out and getting drunk at least every weekend. Again people in general dislike when one does not validate their worldly every day choices, sometimes will becomes worse if they later get to realize you are happier, healthier, fulfilled etcetera. They can feel rejected by your lifestyle - commitment to the Lord, which is why I believe it is important to approach them with kindness and love, just like you did here, well done!

[@thomasmarkz]

Appreciate the kind words. We all come at this from different sides, and I never want to promote my way as "best" though I do feel convicted in my soul to follow this path. That's a choice everyone must make for him/herself, and I wish this particular viewer all the best in his journey.

[@ericalba5756]

Just don't be gaslighted by either side. Each of us knows ourselves better than anyone else can, so you do you, and you do you, and so on.

[@shadix365]

I related to this hard.

[@Ma1nguy]

I too am a celibate gay man. Sadly the heterosexual Christian thinks I can somehow become a lusting heterosexual when I wake up in the morning. They seem to see it as a choice. Well I can't conjure up lust feelings for a woman that's not there although I enjoy female company, I don't feel sexual towards them..........However, I'm safe for those women who want male company for dinner date and a show without feeling at the end of the evening they're obligated to share their bed when I've spent $200-400 on this date; many of them have to work in the morning.

[@thomasmarkz]

Thanks for sharing, brother. You are not alone. :)

[@onexonesie]

Why can't 2 gay celibate men be together? You can have a powerful platonic relationship.

[@hoanganh9769]

@@onexonesie Kinda agree with this since sodomy means any type of sex that doesn't procreate not being romantically attracted to the same sex tho.

[@dgbx6]

Thank you for offering your story here. I'm also gay and had a tough conservative Christian upbringing. I'm now out of the church and I'm glad I share my life married with another guy. But I know where you are coming from, and if you are approaching your relationship with God in a healthy way, as you seem to be doing, all the more power to you. I like to think the evangelical/gay culture war is over, and that people are now able to consider for themselves how they should be in relationship to God. I wish you all the best. I wish you didn't have to be clobbered by Jerimiah's who have no church background and have no idea what it's like to grow up in a Christian world. You are articulate, and don't push your views as being better than others. Who could ask for more. All the best with your journey.

[@thomasmarkz]

Man, such an encouraging comment. Thank you! Much love to you in 2021. Thanks for watching and responding as I wish many in the church would!

[@BrockJamesStory]

You can’t be married to someone of the same sex in Gods eyes

[@shadix365]

@@BrockJamesStory people like you are the reason why people think people assume gay christians are brainwashed if they go the celibate route.

[@indosiar1]

I can so relate with you, the same age and the same journey ahead with decision to be celibate goong forward, if we can connect and share stories more, would be great

[@thomasmarkz]

Thanks for commenting! Am always down to trade some stories. Feel free to email me: [e-mail]. Much love!

[@johanneshendrikslabbert8185]

How do a single guy deal with celibacy, can you please help me to understand

[@mitchellmelton5132]

In your opening statement, what the 68-year-old gay man gave you some advice, This rings with me very much so. I'm 65 and I have struggled all my life with being a single gay man and came to the Lord Jesus back when I was about 12 years old and was Baptized but nothing in my life really changed. If Jesus loved us so much that God gave his only begotten Son to die for our past and future sins, we are his creations, and he should love us all equally. If he loves us so much why is the way to salvation so narrow. would he not want all of his creatures to be happy whatever they do. here is a dream I had, it starts with me standing on a white pillar by an old white bridge next to the beach, I jump into this clear pool of fresh water, crystal clear. I emerge and a friend is standing there with me but I know who he is, We Walk up the side of the bridge to get to the top. I see way off in the distance to the right a large group of men walking towards us like one in front and the rest following. I then look to the left and see other guys standing on other pilings doing the same thing I was jumping into the clear water. Then I saw these creatures that looked like the creature in the movie " Jeepers Creeper's" and they were flying down and grabbing the men by the shoulders and taking them away, I said to my friend, "lets crab the long spears" and ran to them and crabbed a whole bunch of them and turned around, all of a sudden the spears were gone and this guy was standing before me, he was Jesus he was weeing a very beautiful white robe he had long brown hair just past his shoulders, he was standing just as tall as I was. I looked into his eyes deeply and could see the color of his eys they were green. Then Jesus sat down, and my friend sat down on the left side of God. Jesus padded the seat to his right motioning me to sit down next to him. As soon as I sat down, I was like a little kid, I looked up at him and the only question I had for him was about my homosexuality. He then got up and walked away without saying anything to me. I woke up and started crying for about an hour or two. it was so real and I have been trying to seek the interpretation of this dream ever since.

[@coolfix948]

You are not alone

[@joelbedulla4]

Hey is it me or this version is longer than the Instagram video?

[@thomasmarkz]

Yeah Instagram can only take 10-minute long videos, so this is the full version!

[@Davidipac]

This video is a revelation to me. I am in the generation of 'Jeremiah' and my boyfriend is your age. I have evolved as a Catholic having trained for the priesthood in the 80's. The organization of religion is its own downfall and historically has caused so much harm. The protestant churches have been initially liberating beginning with Luther but in the last hundred years, fundamentalism has encroached on civil libertarian and forced many young people; particularly, homosexuals to be ostracized and damned. My boyfriend was brought up in such a Baptist church and has been so hurt that all Christian religions are amalgamated as tyrannical. In the face of this, I do not try to convince or console. I reveal my belief in the personality and good works of Jesus as the moral code that guides my life. Since Pope Francis stated, in reference to homosexuality, "I am not here to judge", the flood gates have been opened in reuniting Ostracized Catholics to find solace in a more welcoming community. There is a long way to go and I believe we, as humanity, should ditch formal religious identities and seek common ground with the life and teachings of Jesus. In so doing, we can expunge notions of sin and instead seek to emulate kindness, sincerity, and love for our brothers and sisters irrespective of how that love is defined. Thank you to my Cherokee man from my Irish heritage. 'Kindred Spirits'

[@OscarANM]

This is a real question for gay guys... do you consider having a partner, even legally marrying him, is it ok as long as you don't have sex with him? Like I want to obey, but at the same time I don't want to spend the last days of my life alone... and it would be great to have someone to love and to hug at night. What do you think?

[@vikb5832]

It's what I've been dreaming about, just to find someone to spend the days and nights with, a companion of sorts, because the loneliness is really getting to me. I can live without sex, I've barely had any either way, I just want to fall asleep next to someone and not wake up alone.

[@thomasmarkz]

Good questions! Even if I believe a certain way about sex and marriage, that still leaves a huge open area for other forms of companionship, even intimacy. I don't believe for a second that God wants anyone to spend their lives utterly alone and disconnected. The older I get, the more I want to lean into the open areas while holding true to my convictions.

[@coolfix948]

I'm also same sex attracted guy born and brought up in Methodist family.I'm born again Christian.Since the day I understood about myself these attractions I tried hard to change them through gay conversion therapy offered by Exodus international and naarth.My attractions never changed and in 2016 I became depressed (major depression) and started thinking about suicide. Then God worked(he had been working all the time) in my heart brought my attention to unconditional love and free gift of righteousness. God told me in my heart that heterosexuality is also not his design. Our culture has cheated us saying homosexuality is sin but never told us that God considers heterosexuality also as sin (I'm not talking about attractions but actions ). The problem is natural human loneliness and the desire to be loved. Heterosexuals have avenues like marriage but homosexuals have nothing like that. This creates the incredible injustice for people like me because I can't express my love and attractions to somebody within a legitimate setting like marriage. In my case I don't want to marry a guy I want to marry a girl but I want to tell her before we go further in dating. I don't want to use her to cure my attractions. I just want to share the rest of my life with a woman. And I know my same sex attractions will not go away ever. And I would like to tell her that before even she develops interest in me. I don't want to use scriptures I don't want to manipulate her in any way. If she wants to marry me I will marry her if doesn't want to then that's OK for me. My attractions are not going to go away just like any heterosexual's attractions don't go away after his or her marriage. Instead of extreme approach we need a common sense approach here. Some gay (as well as straight men) men wants to remain celibate, it's OK. We as a church should not consider them as any inferior to married couple in any way because everybody's life is different and God leads them in his own way we are just helpers. The church should stop preaching that heterosexuality is normal and homosexuality is abnormal. Both are abnormal from God's original plan for Adam and Eve before the curse. The only truth is Jesus Christ not culture not traditions not trends not the church (there is no church or marriage in heaven or in next life). Jesus said look above he never said look down or look around but to LOOK ABOVE. As far as gay marriage is concerned I don't have any opinions. But one thing is clear to me that sexual immorality and sexual attractions are different things. A person can be heterosexual or homosexual but being sexual immoral is a sin. If two gay men decide to get married and be loyal to each other till the end then I honestly don't know what to say. We are under the covenant of mercy.The church should humble itself and genuinely ask guidance from Holy Spirit. BEING HONEST AND LOYAL IS THE BASE OF ANY RELATIONSHIP.

[@floridaman318]

Absolutely ridiculous.

[@philipabraham4613]

I think it's terrific that you, as a Christian, are called to live a celibate life and i fully affirm your calling from afar. Myself, i am gay and currently single and doubt that i will be in a sacred partnership -- a marriage -- in the future, but i totally believe that G-d does call many gay Christians into a committed, convenental, monogomous, sacred partnership. We have Christian families in our church, the parents of which were married in our church. As a side note, i very much expect the Catholic church to eventually join the Orthodox churches (because of the massive shortage of priests today) and allow married priests to be ordained to the priesthood. But i hope that the Church's tradition of vocations of celibacy is kept in place, i.e. i hope that there remains a visible tradition of celebate religious and non-religious in the Church, blessed, ordained and treasured in the Church as is the case today. Whether we are called to marriage or celibacy, that is an issue to be discerned by an individual Christian in the context of Christian community--in the process of spiritual discernment. Otherwise, i wish you peace and blessings in your walk with Christ in Christian community. With few exceptions, we cannot walk successfully with Christ, on our own, alone. (Some few are called to live in hermitage, like the Carthusians, but it is rare.) All of us need to be grounded in Eucharistic community, as spiritual and physical members of the Body of Christ.

[@Backcountryhiker]

Wow, very surprised how many other gay men are celibate because they love Jesus more than everything else! I am the same and hey, there is no comparison between this earth and God. God bless you!

[@tobipiano976]

Thank you God for creating men who love men😊🙏🌈 Gods creation is beyond our knowledge and I am glad to be a gay christian

[@joshjohnson8066]

"Gay Christian?"

[@tobipiano976]

@@joshjohnson8066 yass🌈❤️

[@joshjohnson8066]

@@tobipiano976 Hey there. So you don't believe homosexual behavior and desire is sinful?

[@tobipiano976]

@@joshjohnson8066 its just love..❤️

[@BrockJamesStory]

That’s not Jesus that your talking about

[@empressatheism5146]

Not brainwashed, not holy. Just a choice.

[@newman777able]

I want to be celibate at this point and put God first ,the questions I usually have I always have vague answers,I want to I love Jesus but my thoughts I think of relationships not actions ,

[@thomasmarkz]

I'd like to think that if our primary aim is to love Jesus above all else, despite the questions and vagueness of life, He works them out in His time. As slow as it often feels. Blessings!

[@user-wg9rh1xh5y]

My God gave me free will and the Holy Spirit to help guide me thru life. I have to agree with alot of your readers. Stay away from organized religion. I am a very spiritual person and I deeply believe religion is man made. We as humans are spiritual beings and we are very natural beings. If it works for u, it is good. Sending blessings to u always.

[@romanticandperky]

My name is also Thomas. Here's a little bit of my background: My father is Jewish, my mother is German. She is also a Phelps, and so am I; and thus, we are also related to the folks of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Ks. That reminds me: Remember the scene from 'The Wizard Of Oz', where she goes-"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore". I once met Judy Garland. She was talking to talk show host Dick Cavett, and she was going through the verses of the E. Y. Harburg lyrics to 'The Wizard', when I walked up to her; at which point, she turned to me and said-'what do you want?' Okay, what was the question? Are you brainwashed? Well, that depends: do you have a brain? Which also reminds me: Remember when they finally get to Oz; and when they get inside they get all washed up?

[@romanticandperky]

Everything I've posted here is true. I don't make this stuff up. When people say they were 'born this way' or 'born that way', I always say-"I don't know about that". I'm reminded of the scene in 'The Wizard Of Oz' where 'Dorothy' meets The Scarecrow for the first time. My parents, being of such diverse backgrounds, avoided the topic of faith altogether; so, if I had a brain, it certainly wasn't 'religiously washed'. Of a few things, I'm certain: Jesus is King, and we all need to be saved under His dominion; what the apostle Thomas said to Jesus in John 14:5. "We know not where you're going; how can we know the way?" I'm also certain of this: "Straight is the way, and narrow is the gate"; there is no such thing as a 'gay' Christian, and even the inclination ('attraction') for same-sex is a sin. Celibacy is biblical, and a fine sacrifice to make for The Lord, but you can't be at all 'gay' and truly be a Christian. Even whatever feelings you may have for it must be laid down before The Cross. Btw, I've always been glad that I was born with the name 'Thomas'.

[@L-mo]

I think faith is a very personal thing (or it should be). So it's not really ok for someone else to tell you how to think, believe or live. Having a faith can definitely be hugely positive for many individuals. I am a professional scientist from a Christian background, I'm also gay. I don't follow Christianity, or any religion, but I know scientists and gay people of different faiths who are lovely people living very happy lives.

[@kennethbailey9853]

What are You talking about? Well Jesus please Be With You. ❤

[@johanneshendrikslabbert8185]

Religion has more to do with things we do. I believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Yes, I get very emotional about Jesus, if I think, what Jesus has done for me. Yes I do sin, lust being the major challenge, but I do it once in a while, still it is wrong. The day I die, I want to be with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in Heaven

[@tjames6427]

I too have left gay lust and Idolatry behind. I'm 30 but I truly think I will remain celibate until I can find a suitable wife. Stay strong in your Faith and acceptance of God's grace brother because I believe you will be rewarded. This world is made with intelligent design so hard to ignore with logic and the bible was ahead of its Time. I'm so grateful for creation and accept the humility of life now because we all shit ourselves when we die so we all get humbled in the end.

[@DavidTraini-rx5uc]

You do you, I disagree completely, but ultimately it is your life. As long as you don't push you agenda or tell someone they are wrong for not doing as you do, then live and let live.

[@monkeyjones5721]

If I’m a gay Christian in a same-sex relationship, but we choose to be celibate going forward, will we inherit God’s kingdom?

[@thomasmarkz]

Man, just keep following Jesus and you'll find life.

[@robertrobbob3384]

I was delivered from Homosexuality last March. I've been in the lifestyle for 43 years. Homosexuality is Homosexuality regardless of how you paint it. Being in a relationship with a man is against God's word. Including or excluding sexual desires.

[@gachamansama3703]

​@@robertrobbob3384 could you talk more about your experiences? 43 years is a long time to be practicing homosexual behavior and then just suddenly change

[@user-un2qi4eo9n]

Once you're saved you're always saved brother, no matter what you do you cannot change that, once you believe and put your faith in Jesus Christ he saves you forever not until you sin again, Even telling one lie makes you not good enough for heaven, we are only made good enough through the blood of jesus, and if you have that, I can believe in the blood, then you're safe no matter what the hell you have done, or you may do it again

[@gabrielabsouza4497]

What does it mean in practice? How should we live?

[@E-Nigma_]

This is patently false. Unrepentant sin removes salvation. You can’t continue to commit a sin you understand as sin, knowingly. Doing so will give you over to a reprobate mind. The goal is to strive to cease from sin. Gaining greater control of your flesh over time. Yeah, we’ll sin until we die. But those sins we come across are supposed to conquered and we do our best not to repeat them. I agree that god will not abandon you in your walk. He will keep calling. But if you’re not truly striving in your heart to let go of sin, how can you claim to be saved?

[@onexonesie]

Why can't 2 celibate gay men be together in a strong platonic relationship? Seems like the best scenario. 2 men living together, building wealth and a home while supporting each other being gay and celibate. Why don't people just open their minds? Life is what you make it.

[@thomasmarkz]

I'd be up for it. Would prefer 3 or 4 guys together as I'm more wired toward brotherhood with a group than single pairings. But yeah I'd definitely be open for such a platonic situation, especially the older I get.

[@anisothmen3712]

When I wanted to get away from religion and started dating , I got a fistula . So I couldn't bottom . So i went back to god . Sure god has his own plans hhhh

[@manputty4u]

Just live your life. And there is nothing wrong with sex

[@kevinjanghj]

You aren't brainwashed, nor are you a religious freak or nutcase. I don't vouch to understand your sexuality, but on my own end, celibacy is immensely more fruitful than going out to sleep with anyone, guy or girl, or being in a relationship. I grew up in the evangelical church since my teens, despite being in a Catholic school, and eventually moved to Eastern Orthodoxy. The practice of Christian faith is not just rich but also liberating from the mores of the world!

[@thomasmarkz]

Aw thanks for the support. Appreciate your watching. All best to you in this journey!

[@Chancey388]

Awww that's too bad you're so smart and handsome. You deserve to be happy with someone you're sexually attracted to... but I also see your point, & I might do the same.

[@thomasmarkz]

Appreciate your watching, Chance! I'd say I'm mostly pretty happy living the single/celibate life. Some are more geared toward marriage and partnership, and I honestly don't feel that strong a pull to it, beliefs/convictions aside. Grateful to have a strong network of friends/family in the meantime!

[@Chancey388]

​@@thomasmarkzIts three years later and I still feel the same.. I can be happy for long periods of time being celibate/single, but there are times where I feel like having some kind of romantic/sex life will make me happier.. but when I try to have a sex life I quickly realize that it will not satisfy me/ doesn't even feel right...

[@thomasmarkz]

Aw thanks for sharing,@@Chancey388​

[@charleskock5026]

You can be gay and love Jesus/ God.

[@thomasmarkz]

Agreed!

[@lookingup333]

Aren't most priests gay and celibate? It's the Christian way!!! 😊

[@anton2188]

No shade just being honest it’s a boring life, it’s a ok to have a healthy sexual relationship with that person you are in a committed relationship Jesus never said that gay men can not have sex, he never even mentioned homosexuality in the Bible, yes I can just scroll but your putting it out there that God is condoning some part of you, it’s not about sad or any negativity, for me, it’s that your putting it out that your celibate for Jesus and choose to not have a sexual healthy relationship with a man that you love or maybe it it’s 1 or 2 partners but as long there’s an understanding and protection, ITS OK! It is ok

[@thomasmarkz]

Thanks for your thoughts, but I'm actually in the asexual camp and don't desire sex with anyone, men included. This aside, though, God has blessed me with incredible friendships through the years. I don't believe a life of celibacy necessarily equates a lack or "boring" life. Friendship is awesome. I believe He is using my singleness to focus on the love of friendship and build those bonds. Hope that adds more dimension to my story for you. :)

[@ddrse]

Is it a sin for two men to have sex?

[@joelbedulla4]

The Bible says it is.

[@ddrse]

@@joelbedulla4 I'm not asking about what the Bible says. I'm asking what he thinks.

[@joelbedulla4]

@@ddrse i don't wanna answer for him but I'm replying here because the answer is obvious. Just check the posts on yourotherbrothers.com & you'll clearly see his stance on gay sex.

[@ddrse]

@@joelbedulla4 so it's not a sin

[@thomasmarkz]

I do live my life under the belief that sex outside of male-female marriage is beyond God's bounds for human sexuality.