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In this episode, Sally Gary, author of Loves God, Likes Girls, joins us to talk about same-sex attraction. You’ll get to hear her own coming-out story and advice on how to better have conversations with teenagers about homosexuality. Don’t panic about same-sex attraction – positive, beneficial conversation can happen!
In this episode, you’ll find out…
- The language and terms that teenagers use to talk about same-sex attraction.
- Sally Gary’s own experience of coming-out to her parents.
- The consequences of your reactions to other gay individuals or characters on television.
- Advice on how to respond when a teenager tells you they are experiencing same-sex attraction.
- The importance of an apology and how to repair broken relationships.
- How to create a safe place where students won’t feel alone or isolated.
The thought of not belonging is one of the most painful things you can experience. - @dontpanictalk @centerpeaceinc Click To Tweet
Ask yourself…
- What am I teaching my kids by the way I react to the gay community?
- How can I better provide a sense of community and connectedness for teenagers?
Go ask a teen…
- What has this been like for you?
- Have you shared this with anyone else?
- How has this been with your family and friends?
Additional Resources:
In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Book: Loves God, Likes Girls by Sally Gary
- Website: CenterPeace.net
- Parent Resource: Parent Support Groups
- Website: dontpanicpodcast.org
- Music: Under the Chandeliers
About us:
Sally Gary is the Executive Director of CenterPeace where she works to encourage churches, schools and families to have conversations about same-sex attraction. Before dedicating herself to CenterPeace full-time, she was a professor of communication at Abilene Christian University for 10 years. Sally is also a well-respected speaker and author of Loves God, Likes Girls: A Memoir.
Chris Robey is the Program Director for Teen Lifeline, Inc. Earlier in his career while working as a youth minister, Chris earned a Masters Degree in Family Life Education from Lubbock Christian University to better equip his work with teenagers and families. Chris’ career and educational opportunities have exposed him to teenagers from a variety of backgrounds. Follow him on Twitter!
Karlie Duke started working as Teen Lifeline’s Communications Director after graduating from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Communications with a minor in Family Studies. Karlie has worked with teenagers for the past 5 years and is passionate about encouraging students to live better stories. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram!
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