I couldn't be like these people. They seemed like the antithesis of everything I stood for. Finding out that the Bible forbade homosexual sex only fueled my self-righteous anger. To assert my masculinity and avoid being labeled gay at all costs, I joined my other straight male classmates in mocking gay people.

Deep in my financial drought, I thought about the idea of prostitution again. I'd done prostitution before, and my options for finding a job were running thin. I did love sex and hooking up with other guys; why not dive back into that dangerous field again and make some extra cash? I was in desperate need of help.

A straight and very strong "alpha male" type leader has constantly challenged me to go beyond what is safe and comfortable to accomplish more of what really matters. We started becoming close friends, so I shared with him that I deal with same-sex attraction.

I've cuddled with many fantastic men, all same-sex attracted. I can say with absolute certainty that these moments have been some of the most beautiful, moving, and totally platonic expressions of intimate love. I'd recommend reading these basic pointers based on my own past experiences with bro cuddling.

It seems as though everyone around me assumes that, simply because someone else struggles with their sexuality, I will become friends with them without any trouble. Friendships take a lot of work. Sexuality -- that is just one minor aspect of a relationship.

By the end of the conference, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed. All the messages were so powerful and challenging, like God had opened my heart for a heart and soul operation. My best friend and I returned home, and I thought this would strengthen our friendship in the months to come.

What started that night was three years of an unchecked porn addiction. I never felt guilty. I don't know why. Perhaps because I felt like I wasn't hurting anyone?

At times, it's been emotionally and even physically painful to be this alpha male's friend. But also enormously rewarding and well worth it! I refer to James as an "alpha male" because he is a natural leader who many others, especially straight men, gladly follow.

Most of these cuddling experiences transcend the physical and begin to feel more spiritual. We aren’t just touching bodies; we’re touching souls.

People who do know me, who do know my past, do they still question my attractions? Honestly, I kind of want people to ask me if I'm still attracted to men.

I think it's ironic, but I really believe our stories may be better received by unbelievers than some churches. Fortunately, my story is different. Most people have patiently heard me out and graciously extended loving support.

Why is it whenever we get so comfortable with our good lives, there's always something that shakes things up?

I felt comforted. Assured. Confident. My pastor's hand on my shoulder gave me a shot of strength.

Some of the happiest periods of my life took place during college and grad school. I lived with a group of eight guys, and they were the greatest friends one could ask for. As their dating relationships grew more serious, I felt myself going down on their list of priorities. Some of those friends got married. And our friendships effectively ended.

As my childhood entered a big transition phase, I started dealing with it through unhealthy self-reliance. This created a sort of double life.

God has promised to never leave me or forsake me. He promised that my hope in Him will never put me to shame. I am fully known and fully loved.

I'm always thankful for God leading my friends closer to Him; sometimes, though, I wish that didn't mean actually moving them.

The shame over my SSA made me feel that I was something evil, repulsive, and unlovable. My loneliness and lack of friends seemed to prove it.

I was honestly lonely then, but I pretended like I wasn't. Self-reliance unconsciously became my norm.

Knowing I'm still loved and accepted when I bare the deepest parts of me has meant so much. Through these friendships, I've grown more confident in myself.