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I think I'm gay. Should I get involved
with Evergreen? Evergreen International is an organization for gay Mormons who want to be celibate or heterosexually married. Evergreen claims that individuals can diminish same-sex attraction, and they want to "help" you to do so. Some people who have participated in Evergreen but who have since left say that Evergreen was a positive experience in the sense that it gave them a place where they could first begin to talk about sexual orientation and come to terms with their gayness. Other gay Mormons are convinced that Evergreen is dangerous because it offers false hope and false teachings about sexual orientation. Some gay Mormons even believe Evergreen to be hypocritical and deceptive. Before getting involved with Evergreen, be aware of the following misconceptions taught by Evergreen: Misconception #1. You are not gay—you are just “struggling” with “same-sex attraction.” Fact: Many gay and lesbian individuals attest that sexual orientation is a fundamental part of who they are. Like heterosexual attraction, homosexual attraction involves emotional bonding and deep, personal investment in others' lives. Just as many people define themselves in terms of their heterosexuality (wife, husband, father, mother), so many gay and lesbian people regard their homosexuality as fundamental to their sense of who they are. Misconception #2: Evergreen will help “cure” you of homosexuality. Fact: Homosexuality is not something that needs to be “cured” in the first place. The majority of mental health professionals (as represented by the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the National Association of Social Workers) have concluded that homosexuality is not a mental illness or disorder and that there is no credible evidence a person's sexual orientation can change. Misconception #3: Homosexuality will make you unhappy. Fact: Accepting yourself for who you are will make you much happier than living in denial. Gay and lesbian people can live happy and productive lives. They can enjoy monogamous, long-term relationships and start their own families. In many countries they can marry or become legal partners and can even adopt children. Misconception #4: Evergreen will help you “heal” spiritually. Fact: Evergreen wants you to believe that by repressing your sexual orientation you will be pleasing our Heavenly Father. However, scores of gays and lesbians attest that by accepting their homosexuality they became happier people, grew spiritually, and drew closer to God. See also:  Evergreen Pages |
www.affirmation.org