Hi, my name is Chuck

[Milton]

My screen name (Milton) is actually my middle name! I am an out gay man who is a survivor of attending and graduating from a Christian college (The King's College, now in NYC) and the Navy. Don't ask....lol.

I look back at my four years at TKC with a lot of regret. My best friend was also gay, but neither of us knew about the other. He died of AIDS several years ago. I believe that if we had become lovers instead of just friends, he would still be alive today.

As for the Navy, well it is a long story, better left for another time, another place.

I believe that my experience attending TKC had many positive aspects, but it also had serious consequences. Because of all the feelings I repressed, and continued to repress for many years afterward, I suffered emotionally and endured a great loss of real love. It made an indelible impact on my psyche which even today is not completely healed. I still have great difficulty being intimate with another man, and have had several failed relationships.

Christian colleges must realize how damaging repression is for young gay and lesbian Christians and provide them with extra special nurturing, comfort and guidance. As it stands, many many of them will likely suffer emotionally for years or for the rest of their lives.

[Gennee]

Hi Chuck and welcome. I graduated from a Christian college (Nyack College) in 2008. I discoveree that I was transgender in 2005. I didn't know of any transgender persons there. I was aware that a few people were gay or lesbian.

I'm sorry that you had to repress all those feelings but now you have a wonderful opportunity to express who you are. I decided that whoever I came out to I was staying out. Being transgender is part of God's plan for my life. You being gay is part of his wonderful plan for your life, Chuck.

Gennee

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Chuck,

I also went to a Christian College (in 1980). It was a good place for me; it was small and loving. It was unfortunately not gay-friendly. I was not "out" at the time and hadn't even admitted to myself yet that I was gay so that was not an issue. I think that many Christian colleges today would be much more gay-friendly. If there had been an open gay presence on the campus, I might have come out to myself long before I did.

Welcome to the forums. Always good to have new people.

Paul

[souly]

Welcome to the forum Chuck. I wish you all the best!