Most of the organizations listed on our "Resources and Links" page offer support for family and friends as well as to the individual dealing with unwanted homosexual feelings. However, you may want to note these in particular:

Online Support Group for Wives
This group is for wives of men who were formerly homosexually oriented, are currently struggling with unwanted homosexuality, or are now actively involved in homosexuality. Husbands of former or currently struggling lesbians are also welcome. The group was set up by a married couple who survived and overcame the husband's addictive involvement with homosexuality. The husband established People Can Change, a not-for-profit organization that runs a Website (www.peoplecanchange.com), online support groups and training retreats supporting change. This is not a religion-based group. People of all faiths -- or no faith -- are welcome. To learn more about how the group works, and how to join, click here.

Telephone Coaching Classes:
Richard Cohen, one of the leading experts in the field of sexual reorientation and the author of Coming Out Straight, and Gay Children Straight Parents offers three separate teleconferencing courses: 1) Strugglers with unwanted same-sex attraction, 2) Family members and friends, and 3) Therapists, clergy and educators. Each individual class session lasts 1½ hours with 30 minutes of teaching followed by 60 minutes of question/answer and personal coaching/counseling. Individual concerns are addressed and practical solutions presented. This is an ideal opportunity for those who live in areas where there are no support groups and/or therapists. The Tele-classes also provide a network of support with like-minded individuals on the healing journey.

Encourage
A Roman Catholic ministry dedicated to the spiritual needs of families, relatives and friends of persons who have homosexual inclinations. Encourage members, support one another and their loved ones through discussion, prayer and fellowship. Encourage is a ministry within Courage, the ministry for men and women with homosexual feelings who are working to live their lives in accordance with traditional Catholic teachings. Encourage also offers a ListServ where you can participate in an an email discussion forum. Here you can feel free to share thoughts, questions and answers, prayers and petitions.

Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) is a national organization that supports families affected by homosexuality, advocates for the ex-gay community, and educates the public on sexual reorientation. PFOX supports the availability of information that homosexuality is neither genetic, inborn, nor immutable. The group's website states, "We must let our loved ones with same sex attractions know we love them unconditionally and that nothing can change that love. As responsible parents, we must seek the facts and continue to love our children unconditionally without affirming their homosexual behavior. We do not have to approve of everything our children do. Blanket approval is not responsible parenting or true love. True love is loving in spite of our differences and treating each other with kindness and respect."

A mailing list called "Families" provides support for "families and loved ones of those who struggle with SSA (same sex attraction). 'Families' caters to those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or 'Mormons'), though all denominations are welcome. 'Families' is automated by Interlink, but is heavily moderated. The charter is strictly adhered to." Click on the above "Families" link to register.

If you have a friend, son, brother, or even just an acquaintance who struggles with unwanted SSA, consider telling him about the Adventure in Manhood Weekend, and let him know you would be willing to join him if he wants. Adventure in Manhood, A Mentoring and Outdoors Weekend for Men, is set for May 13 to 15, 2005. Adventure in Manhood (AIM) was developed to assist men and youth who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction (SSA). The activities and events are designed to promote healing for the emotional issues and wounds which create SSA.

AIM empowers men and youth by...

1. Establishing a mentor relationship. Each participant brings to the adventure a mentor who does NOT struggle with SSA (same sex attraction).
2. Developing strength and overcoming fear surrounding masculine activity and association.
3. Bonding with other men in healthy, non-sexual ways which foster a masculine gender identity.

The next AIM weekend is May 13-15, 2005* Fri-Sat YOUTH & ADULT Registration Deadline: April 15, 2005. Cost is $225 per team. Each team must provide their own gear.

*This weekend will entail 4-8 miles of backpacking in a wilderness location in Arizona. For more information visit www.adventureinmanhood.com

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