How should Christians who are attracted to the same sex describe themselves? In this episode, the team talk about the pros and cons of labelling ourselves as 'celibate gay Christians' or 'same-sex attracted Christians.'

We talk about the importance of clarity in communication, how what we say about ourselves plays into our identity and give some words of wisdom for young people coming to terms with their own same-sex attraction.

Resources mentioned and related

• The Christian Debate Over Sexual Identity: Orientation And Labelling Sam Allberry
• It’s Not My Identity, But It Is My Story Anne Witton
• Is My Sexuality Who I Am? Andrew Bunt
• Take Your Time Ed Shaw
• What's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton
• Single Gay Christian Greg Coles
• Is God Anti-Gay? Sam Allberry
• The Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw
• “Gay” Vs. “Same Sex Attraction:” A Dialogue Greg Coles and Rachel Gilson

In this series, the team tackle some of the most difficult questions that we get asked and in this first episode Ed, Andy, Anne and Andrew discuss whether conversion therapy should be banned.

They talk about definitions of conversion therapy, its effects, how prevalent it is and what needs to be taken into consideration as legislation is being drafted.

Resources mentioned and related

• Does Living Out Support ‘Gay Cure’ or ‘Reparative Therapy’? Ed Shaw
• Ban Conversion Therapy, But Don't Ban Support Andrew Bunt
• Freedom to Be Me Anne Witton
• Can Your Sexuality Change? Peter Ould
• Have I Been Subjected to Torture? Andrew Bunt
• Conversion Therapy Ban Consultation The Living Out Team
• My New Interest in Human Rights Ed Shaw
• Why Are Some People Same-sex Attracted? Ed Shaw
• Sean's Story
• Conversion Therapy Resources The Living Out Team
• What would a conversion therapy ban mean for gay Christians like me? Ed Shaw
• A law that traps teens Andrew Bunt
• I’m a gay Christian. Here’s why banning conversion therapy won’t protect LGBT people Andrew Bunt
• Undivided Vicky Beeching
• Boy Erased, 2018
• The Miseducation of Cameron Post, 2018

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A trailer for the third series of the Living Out podcast where we'll be discussing questions that no one wants to answer.

In the final podcast of this series, Ed, Andy and Andrew discuss whether holding to a traditional biblical sexual ethic puts us on the crazy end of the spectrum of historic and global Christianity.

They also explore why people in secular society might think that Living Out's view on sexuality is crazy.

Resources mentioned

• Living Out stories
• The Gospel in a Pluralist Society Lesslie Newbigin

Andrew, Andy and Anne talk about how they've each come to feel more at ease with their sexuality and how they've been able to develop good friendships in spite of the pitfalls.

The show also explores pathways out of shame for the Christian and the importance of having an identity that is rooted in Christ.

Resources mentioned

• How Can I Find Freedom from the Weight of Sexual Sin? Dan Reid
• How Do You Cope With Ongoing Same-sex Attraction? Ed Shaw
• How Can I Find Freedom from Shame? Rob Wood
• What's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton

In today's show, Anne, Ed and Andy discuss whether sexuality is really a big deal. Why are Christians obsessed with sex when there seem to be so many other pressing issues? Do Christians need to fall out over sexual ethics or is it something we can just agree to disagree on? How can we respond when churches and denominations change their stance?

Resources mentioned

• Why Can't Christians Agree to Differ? Sam Allberry
• What Is Sexuality for? Ed Shaw
• Why Should the Church Be Debating Homosexuality? Ed Shaw
• How Can We Have Good Discussions With Christians Who Disagree With Us on Sexuality? Andrew Goddard
• I Will Follow Jon Guerra

For many people, same-sex attraction can feel very isolating. Ed, Andy and Anne discuss how, over time, they felt less alone and were able to get support from friends and church. We also share some advice for those just becoming aware of their sexualities and wanting support and we look at helpful things churches can do. And we also learn about Ed's imaginary wife.

Resources mentioned

• Washed and Waiting Wesley Hill
• True Freedom Trust
• Living Out stories
• Should A Church Start a Group for Same-Sex Attracted Members? Charlie Skrine
• What Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 1) Andy Robinson
• What Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 2) Andy Robinson
• What Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 3) Andy Robinson
• Living Out Church Audit

Today we're discussing whether God is unfair when he says that sex should only be within a marriage between one man and one woman. Ed, Andy and Anne recount their personal experiences of wrestling with this question and share some favourite biblical encouragements.

We talk about the good things about being single, the importance of trusting in the character of our good Father and not making sexuality the biggest thing in our lives. We'll also find out what Ed likes to read on a beach holiday.

Resources mentioned and related

• Isn't God Being Unfair?
• Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices Thomas Brooks
• What's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton
• How Can You Live Life Without Sex? Ed Shaw
• The True Sexual Revolution Andrew Wilson
• Vaughan Roberts on Singleness Vaughan Roberts
• What is the Gift of Singleness? Andrew Bunt
• 7 Myths About Singleness Sam Allberry
• Is It Ever Responsible for People With Same-same Attraction to Get Married? Sean Doherty
• Marriage As A Trailer

Andrew, Andy and Anne dive into the practicalities of living as same-sex attracted Christians seeking to be faithful to biblical teaching on sexuality. Each shares the difficulties, what has helped and the surprising blessings that have come from experiening this particular struggle.

We also look at how the church can help make discipleship for same-sex attracted Christians more doable with plenty of encouragement and signposts to further resources. We also find out why Andy's job makes Andrew feel hungry.

Resources mentioned

• Living Out stories
• What's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton
• The Living Out Church Audit
• The Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw
• How Can I Find Freedom from the Weight of Sexual Sin? Dan Reid

In the first half of the show we explore ways in which Christians / churches have sadly harmed people in the areas of sex and sexuality. We talk about how silence has made it hard for people to feel safe and understood; how churches have sometimes created cultures of shame; and we discuss the damaging legacy of conversion therapy.

In the second half, we push back on the claim that the pattern for sexuality laid out in the Bible is harmful, and we share our own experiences of the Christian sexual ethic as life-giving. Oh, and you can find out what we've all been enjoying on TV recently.

Resources mentioned

• Isn’t the Christian Sexual Ethic Harmful and Repressive? Andrew Bunt
• Does Living Out Support ‘Gay Cure’ or ‘Reparative Therapy’? Ed Shaw
• Washed and Waiting Wesley Hill
• What Should We Do With Gender Stereotypes? Andrew Bunt
• How Biblically Inclusive Is Your Church? The Living Out Church Audit 
• Still Time To Care Greg Johnson
• LGBT and Mental Health: What’s the Link? Andrew Bunt
• LGBTQ+ Suicide Andrew Bunt
• How Can You Live Life Without Sex? Ed Shaw