Sorry I'm late to the party. If I'm remembering correctly, you're 20 and in MD, yes? Are you anywhere near Baltimore or Washington, DC?
In addition to what Nathan wrote, I would also encourage you to check out ELCA Lutheran and Episcopal churches; their liturgies are very similar to Catholic liturgies...and might be that little extra something that makes you feel more comfortable showing up. Most -- but not all -- parishes give you some indication that they are welcoming by what they choose to place on their websites, so doing a little homework is always advisable. That said, I don't want to put too fine a point on it, because I would hope every parish would be
welcoming...we just want them to be
extra welcoming. I don't know about the ELCA, but something like 70% of current Episcopalians were not born Episcopalians...they came from somewhere else, many of them Catholics. Staying in the Catholic church, however, doesn't mean you don't have allies, as I believe Kara has spelled out. I have no end of admiration for those who feel they want to stay and fight for what is theirs...more power to them!
Religious venues aside, there are plenty of social/political groups that have and attract voices -- gay and straight -- to fight the good fight...especially at your age, whether you're in school or not. Find the ones in your area and take part. Having something in common with someone
before you meet is a better bet than meeting in a bar ("not that there's anything wrong with that"). But I also know you're not just talking about dating...or maybe you are? Either way, whether you're looking for love or looking for a friend, having something in common can only help.
And remember something else: as much as you've struggled, others are struggling more. You've found people here willing and eager to share some experiences and wisdom with you...you are just as capable of passing that -- and your own -- along to others who need to hear it. It can easily sound "cheesy", but:
be the change you seek.
And, for all that's holy...have a blast doing it! After all, we're funnier and smarter and more attractive (that was God's gift to us...keep it under your hat).
