EDITOR, The Tribune.

Hello I’m a gay Bahamian teen in Nassau and I have lived here for my whole life not being anywhere else I attend church and have a mother and father.

In The Bahamas, lots of “Christians” say that gays are sinners and that we are going to hell and that God hates us (me).

It hurts so much to be hated by everyone just because I was born gay and, yes, I know most people say it’s a choice, well I’m telling y’all now, no, it’s not that I have had about seven girlfriends and not once was I attracted to them or even liked them in that “way”. I literally cry myself to sleep at night knowing that everyone hates me because of what God made me as, and the thought of knowing that my family would hate me if I told them I was gay hurts even more.

I’m tired of the people who God chose to say His word telling me that God hates me and that I’m evil and that I like the devil. I hate the devil, though, and I love God and Jesus with all my heart, but it hurts to know that I’m hated. I wish I was never born gay so I can be “normal”.

I’m at the point that I hate myself because knowing that I’m hated for no reason, I’m telling y’all now it’s not a choice, but I really wish it were because I would give anything to be straight because who in their right mind would want to be gay, know that everyone hates them.

I really hate myself I don’t want to go to hell, I don’t want God to hate me, I don’t want to be a sinner, but I can’t change who I am... I wish one day Christians and people would understand how I feel. I literally cried because of this every night and how can a Christian tell a child of God they’re going to hell?!?

It really hurts, so please in y’all hearts can y’all post my story or share it with everyone. Please, I feel like I’m already in hell being hated like this and know that there aren’t any laws in our amazing country to protect gays and stop hurts and how can they have religion mixed in politics for a democratic country?

I’m so hurt that I’m even considering suicide but the only thing stopping me is that knowing that God hates that and that I would go to Hell, I think it’s wrong to take ones life, but I rather do that than live another day in this hell of a country...please.

A BAHAMIAN TEEN

Nassau,

February 9, 2016.

(Young man, you are not hated. God loves you and that is a love that is far more important than any human love. You are God’s creation and He loves all of his creations. What others think or say about you does not matter. You say that “Christians” say you are a sinner, that you are going to Hell and God hates you. You should have pity on such individuals who don’t seem to accept that all of us — even so-called “Christians” — are sinners. Some will go to Hell, others will go to Heaven. Those who point their finger at you are probably greater sinners than you could ever be. Homosexuality has been an age-old dilemma. However, scientists are finding even more evidence that sexual orientation is largely determined by genetics. It is just the way that God created you. Just as some heterosexuals are sinners, so are some homosexuals. However, they are not sinners because of their sexual orientation, but because of the way they abuse their sexuality. So if anyone calls you a “sinner” welcome them aboard for, not only are they scientifically ignorant, but they are committing the gravest sin of all by passing judgment on a fellow human being on whom only God can fairly pass judgment. So wipe your tears, hold your head high — forget suicide – that was not the purpose for which you were created – and fulfil the purpose of your life. You cannot be condemned for something for which you are not responsible and which you did not choose. However, it is the cross that you have been given to bear and we urged you to bear it with dignity. We shall contact persons who might help lighten that cross. You shall hear from us through your e-mail with a name and telephone contact. The rest will be up to you. Our prayers go with you. – Ed).