Stories - Human Sexuality

Stories

S T O R Y

Samuel: When the Son Sets You Free

As a child, Samir knew he was gay. Attracted to other young boys, he began experimenting sexually with his playmates but never talked about it. Growing up in a Muslim country…

S T O R Y

Greg: A Personal Plea

My name is Greg, and I am a Seventh-day Adventist living in California. Most of my formative education has been through the Adventist Church—from elementary school through university. My parents divorced when I was 9, so spending time at Dad’s house filled with stacks of pornography…

S T O R Y

Christina: Overcoming Porn Addiction

While living in Texas, I developed a deep respect for, and quite frankly a fear of, tornados. There is something terrifying about a storm that comes up so quickly, lashes out so violently, and is so thoroughly destructive—mangling homes and trees, leaving nothing but debris in its path. In 2001 a different kind of tornado hit my world. It came rolling in, the sky turned dark…

Linda: Longing for Affection

When I was born, my mother was conflicted about having a daughter instead of a son. As a young child, my mom’s unspoken desire influenced my life, and my mother and I never fully connected emotionally. I remember feeling frustrated by her expectations…

Joshua: False Identity

From a young age, I was extremely insecure about my looks and my personality. My hobbies and interests were considered more feminine, and I envied and admired the more masculine guys who seemed so confident around the girls. To complicate matters, I was exposed to pornography at age 7.

Toni: Only Deceiving Myself

I am the youngest and only girl of five children. I was named by and after my father, who wanted a fifth boy—that is how I got the name Toni! I remember not feeling welcome at home at an early age. My brothers were jealous of the gifts and attention I got from other relatives who were happy to welcome a girl into the family. So, they treated me roughly, just like “one of the boys.”

Michael: Rewriting the Narrative

The development of my sexual identity was greatly impacted by the way I perceived my father’s masculinity and my struggle to adequately understand my own. A sensitive boy, I was drawn to the arts and connecting with others on an emotional level, but in my private school setting, my friends began to poke fun at my creative interests.

Bree: A Life of Joy, Health, and Wholeness

Growing up in a predominantly male home was difficult for me. I felt a void because my need for motherly and feminine affirmation wasn’t met in relatable ways. I observed the women in my family being diminished and silenced. Yet because I was strong – willed, wild, passionate, and fierce…

Ann: Honor Thy Father?

It was a trip I had been dreading. Driving down Main Street, I knew I was getting close. Turning onto a quiet side street, I saw a squarish, dark-red building surrounded by a tall, barbed-wire fence. That’s when the reality of the situation hit—my father is a prisoner.