Although my struggle with same-gender attraction has been excruciatingly confusing & agonizingly lonely during the last 10 years, I have come to know that IT IS VERY POSSIBLE to resolve these feelings in the context of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have found IMMENSE strength/insight/hope in regards to dealing with my intense same-gender attraction through reading these 2 fantastic LDS books: “In Quiet Desperation” (2004; by Matis/Mansfield) & “Voice(s) of Hope” (2011; compiled by Mansfield). These books helped dispel so many myths surrounding this controversial subject & helped me feel like I’m not so alone in my journey to stay true to my testimony of the Gospel. Here’s an excerpt from “In Quiet Desperation”:
“People have often said that unless I was true to my “real” self & found a male companion to share my life with, I could never be truly happy. My response to that is this: I have. I have found Christ, my God & my King. And it is His blessing & the companionship of His Holy Spirit that mean more to me than any mortal companionship. It is in Him that I find joy & happiness, & it is in His name & in the “good news” of His life & atoning sacrifice that I glory. And though I do hope that with His help & strength, marriage is still a possibility for me in mortality – though it may not be for some – I’m also deeply grateful for the understanding I am gaining of the importance of making Him & His righteousness the prime focus of my life.” (Ty Mansfield; 2004)