You Don’t Have to be Gay by Jeff Konrad is a very informal and insightful book for men who struggle with homosexuality.  The book is a compilation of letters written by Jeff to his friend, Mike, a man who was struggling with his identity and whether or not he was born gay.  Jeff Konrad offers encouragement and support to Mike that can be applied to any male who struggles with same-sex attraction.  He begins writing to a distraught Mike who is unhappy in his homosexual life.  Konrad takes the opportunity to share how he overcame homosexuality and what was underlying his own homosexual tendencies.

Konrad’s book is organized in such a way that an easy to follow progression is maintained.  He starts out by discussing the roots of homosexuality and provides great insight into why one may struggle with this issue.  This leads up to the steps to overcoming the homosexual struggle and how to be proactive in the healing process. The formatting of the book is very conversational making it reader friendly and easy to understand.  The strength is found in the clarity and broad spectrum of homosexuality that Jeff discusses. He pulls information from people such as Elizabeth Moberly, Leanne Payne – author of Crisis in Masculinity, and C.S. Lewis to provide evidence and support for his claims.

The topics discussed are very comprehensive and provide an informative look into the homosexual condition. Common questions that a struggling man may have are answered in these letters.  These answers are resourceful to males who struggle with homosexuality.  They are also beneficial for those who don’t struggle, by helping them understand and gain compassion for their friend or loved one who has same-sex attractions.  When I first read this book, I felt the author was addressing it to me.  The letters are filled with warmth, tenderness, and care which can be healing for a person who may have experienced scorn and disgust previously. (keep reading…)

Here at Exodus Youth we’re committed to creating and providing the best resources for young people affected by homosexuality, and those who love them. The following resources are really helpful for youth who struggle with homosexuality or who just want to learn more. Click on any product image to purchase.

Truth & Tolerance DVD Meet Mike, Michelle, Zizi and David – four young people who struggled with same-sex attractions. Their personal testimonies of overcoming homosexuality through Christ highlight this compassionate, Biblical look at one of today’s most controversial subjects. DVD – $20 Main Segment – 25 minutes Other Features – 1 hour, 5 minute

The Map – CD-ROM This interactive disc takes you on the first steps of the journey out. Join Exodus leaders as they discuss the questions struggling youth ask most. Includes 20 personal lessons, video testimonies, and more! CD-ROM – $30.00

Youth Brochure This brochure is a great resource for teens who are struggling with their sexuality. Ten pages of helpful questions, personal stories and Biblical insights will guide students in discovering the truth about God, sexuality and change. Booklet – $1.25 10 or more – $1.00 each

101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality Here are compassionate, thorough and Biblical answers to the most often asked questions about homosexuality, fielded by an expert on the subject–Mike Haley. An outstanding resource for anyone wanting to know more about this controversial subject. Book – $11.99

Student Guide This workbook is the student’s companion to the Truth & Tolerance Leader Guide. Workbook – $10

Emotional Dependency for Guys This booklet helps guys understand why we’re sometimes drawn to unhealthy attachments, and gives practical advice for building Godly, meaningful friendships with other young men. Booklet – $3

Outreach Postcards These full-color postcards are a great way to energize a public outreach and get students thinking. Not intended for actual mailing. Pack of 20 – $10 4 designs, 2-sided

I met ‘Greg’ in high school through the drama team. He just came up to me one day and asked me to make him laugh, so I did. We were pretty much inseparable from then on.It was rare for me to find another guy with the same sense of humor, the same taste in movies and hobbies, so being together was really fun. And we hung out a lot. I always enjoyed spending time with Greg, so much so that I thought about him whenever I wasn’t with him. Whatever I got involved in, I thought of ways to get him involved, too.

We ended up going to the same college and taking a lot of classes together. As we drifted away from our high school friends, we got even closer. He was a really affectionate guy who had no problem hugging me, and sometimes we even wrestled around together. He was so considerate, calling me often and giving me silly little gifts or messages.

There was a down side to this seemingly fulfilling friendship, though. No matter how loving Greg was toward me, I always wanted more. Even if we spent a whole day together, for some reason I would go home at the end of it with a sort of frustrated, dissatisfied feeling. He was very social, and when I saw him laughing with other guys I felt jealous. I always worried, ‘What if he likes them more?’ (keep reading…)