What does freedom 2 b[e] believe in?
freedom 2 b[e] has no statement of faith. We do believe however that LGBT people are a part of the diversity of the human race and as such deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.
What does freedom 2 b[e] provide?
freedom 2 b[e] provides connection, support and dialogue through our online forum and chapter meetings, and also information through seminars and our resources section.
What is involved in a chapter meeting?
Chapter meetings are a warm, friendly, safe place where you can meet with people just like yourself. The one hour program may have a speaker, group discussion or showing a DVD. They typically happen once a month and if you choose to socialise with others after the opportunity is usually there. For details on past and future meetings, please check out the events page.
Is freedom 2 b[e] a Christian organisation?
freedom 2 b[e] is not a Christian organisation as such. We are a network of people from the same background. We have people here who are gay Christians; some have rejected their faith and others who have redefined it. All are welcome.
Will freedom 2 b[e] expect me to embrace a particular belief system or social network?
freedom 2 b[e] has no agenda except to support you on your journey to reconciliation of your faith and/or your sexuality. We are not here to make you leave your church or go back to it. These are your decisions and we respect your choices. Whether you choose to be a part of the "gay scene" or the LGBT community is also your choice.
Why is freedom 2 b[e] a "cruise free" zone?
freedom 2 b[e] is a safe space and people need to respect that. This means that our forum and chapter meetings are not the place for people to come with a sexual agenda or to find a life partner. Other sites provide those services. Predatory behaviour is not tolerated. We are not against gay and lesbian relationships; just that our space is focused on other issues and needs.
Christianity and LGBT Issues
Can I be a Christian and gay?
Simply put yes. Your sexual orientation doesn't determine your morality. They are two different things. There is a growing worldwide movement of gay and lesbian people who are not only out about their sexuality but also out about their faith.
Doesn't the bible condemn homosexuality?
No. Sexual orientation as we know it today was unknown in biblical times. There are a small number of references to same-sex behaviour in the bible but this is always in the context of rape, idolatry, temple prostitution or abusive relationships such as pederasty (older men taking young men for their sexual pleasure). To truly understand the six passages that mention same-sex activity, one must look at the historical and cultural contexts as well as the original languages. Most people are unaware that the word homosexual didn't appear in an English translation of the Bible till 1946. You'll find more in-depth information in our resources section.
Am I expected to be celibate if I am a gay Christian?
Some gay Christians choose to be celibate. Others are in long-term, committed relationships. You have to choose what is right for you.
What about so-called ex-gay Christian ministries?
Many in freedom 2 b[e] have previously tried ‘ex-gay’ ministries but no longer feel the need to change their sexual orientation. Leading mental health organisations have spoken out about the damage these reparative type ‘therapies’ cause. There is no scientific evidence which demonstrates people can change from gay to straight. There is a special section in our forum to discuss this.
Why is homosexuality such a controversial topic in the church?
Homosexuality is the current hot topic. Previously it was equality for people of colour and women. As more and more people of faith come out it challenges traditional Christian teaching. People are threatened by the possibility that they could be wrong. But history has shown that eventually sanity prevails and people realise that we are all equal no matter the colour of our skin, our gender or ethnicity or sexual orientation.
Will there be a time when LGBT people will be accepted in Pentecostal, Charismatic and Evangelical churches?
This is already happening and will continue. Many people in these churches have gay and lesbian siblings, friends, family members and work colleagues and know that the myths that LGBT people are evil and perverted, are false. Some churches are welcoming and others affirming.
Homosexuality
Is homosexuality a choice?
This question hardly warrants a response. It defies all logic to think that someone would chose to be bullied, rejected or misunderstood; which many gay and lesbian people experience. Heterosexuals don't choose to be heterosexual. Neither do gay men and lesbians choose to be attracted to the same sex; it is their natural orientation.
What does same sex orientation mean?
Orientation is different than behaviour. Orientation involves love, intimacy, affection, partnering. So if you are same-sex-oriented, your only most meaningful partnering relationships will be with people of the same sex.
What causes a homosexual/same-sex-orientation?
Since Freud there have been many theories. Up until the 70’s these theories were based solely on work done with gay men who were troubled by their sexual orientation because of societal, family and religious pressure. This meant that people attached negative causes to homosexuality, such as dysfunctional family upbringing and sexual abuse. These theories have now been proven incorrect. The most recent research points towards prenatal factors such as hormonal and genetic influences. As yet science has not discovered a gay gene as such; just as science has not found a single gene that makes a person heterosexual.
I've had some same sex experiences. Does this mean I'm gay or going through a phase?
Same-sex experiences happen for heterosexuals as well. A same sex experience can't make you gay. Many gay and lesbian people have tried to have sex with the opposite sex but it didn't make them straight.
Should I come out?
No one should pressure you to come out as each person needs to consider the individual variables relating to their situation. It has been shown that people who live openly and honestly have a higher level of mental health than those who are carrying secrets. Our forum is a good place to access what is best for you and others can help you decide if, when and how to come out.
What is the "gay lifestyle" that I often hear mentioned?
There is no such thing as a "gay lifestyle" any more than there is a straight lifestyle. People choose different ways of living but this is not determined by their sexuality. There is a subculture within the gay community which is often a part of a "gay ghetto" (a suburb or area with a high proportion of gay men and lesbians) with a higher level of sexual activity and partying. This also happens amongst heterosexuals and is not an exclusively gay or lesbian lifestyle.
What if I need further help?
Most general questions can be answered in the discussion section of our forum. If you are needing counseling or crisis help please search on the internet for your nearest gay and lesbian counseling service or organisation for specific and more immediate help.
![Celebrating Ex-gay Survivors Freedom 2 b[e] Group Mardi Gras 2010](http://www.freedom2b.org/sites/default/files/images/best group.thumbnail.jpg "Celebrating Ex-gay Survivors Freedom 2 b[e] Group Mardi Gras 2010")
