We who are gay and lesbian know how powerful the pain of homophobia can be. We know how isolating it is to grow up "different" and the stress that can come from making decisions about whether, when or how to come out to those we love. While all of the same issues face us as those who are straight, we also face other issues not experienced by the straight community: homophobia, the devastating effects of AIDS on the gay community, the prejudice and pain we have experienced from the church, politics, media, and nearly every other venue possible.

We may be especially wary of coming to a "pastoral counseling" setting when we have heard time and again the view of many churches that "homosexuality is sin." Still painful on top of this is that for some of us, we have internalized these messages and feel as though we cannot be any other way, but we are wrong the way we are. Struggling with issues of sexual identity, and trying to figure out where we fit in can be daunting for all of the reasons above, as well. The following counselors specialize in those issues that face those who are gay or lesbian as well as those exploring with their sexual identity: