Back Again

[SolApollo]

Hello everyone,
I was absent from Soulforce for a time due to a busy schedule, but now have the time to be back here and I need support. I recently went to a licensed mental health facility for counseling, Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center, and when I came out to my counselor; he said "it was my decision" to be gay. When I reported it to his supervisor, she said my sexual orientation was a "lifestyle choice." As a result, I reported the facility to the AMA, APA, & Ohio Dept. of Mental Health, and now attend a much better and authentic mental health center elsewhere that recognizes sexual orientation as normal.

On the bright side, I begin seminary in a month that is LGBT affirming, to become a minister and chaplain within the United Church of Christ. I am currently a member on the Christian Education Committee and attending Pride with another church I will be co-attending as it is closer to the seminary.

I'm also a writer and write a blog called Spirit Walk: https://sites.google.com/site/spirit...ting/documents
and hope to publish a book(s) sometime after seminary is completed.
Like Mel White, I grew up in a fundamentalist church and buried my sexual orientation and prayed for God to "fix me." It never happened and I eventually came to accept myself. In college, I nearly became agnostic, but became a Christian again when I saw the "God is still speaking" ad for the United Church of Christ. It spoke to me and now I'm hoping to become an UCC minister in a few years.

Look forward to meeting everyone and feel free to contact me for conversation. My relationship status is single and have dated, but haven't found Mr. Right yet. I hope that happens eventually.

Peace & Blessings,
SolApollo

[Gennee]

Welcome back to Soulforce, SolApollo. I enjoyed reading your post and wish to congratulate you on going to seminary. More ministers like yourself are greatly needed.

God created you the way you are and he has a wonderful plan for your life. I'm so pleased tha you didn't turn your back on God. Though man will reject us, God NEVER does. It's heartbreaking when I read how many LGBTQ folks quit on God because of what is heard in some pulpits.

I came out to my congregation as transgender this past Sunday and was received with open arms. It was also the first time my wife attended church with me as Gennee. A new ministry for LGBTQI people began, of which I am part of.

God has someone for you as a mate. Trust him.

[SolApollo]

I am very happy for you, Genee, and have 2 transgender friends. I hope you are right & God will bless me. I believe It (I don't believe God has a gender) will bless you too.

I think Mel spoke about it about in his book, Stranger at the Gate, that the early Native Americans believes LGBT people were of "two spirits" and thus a blessing upon the people. They/We are the prophets of each generation that through our hardships we may help other people.

Blessings,
SolApollo