Can a Gay Person Be Celibate?
Monday May 19, 2008
Guess what? Despite what some people think, being gay is about a lot more than sex. In fact, plenty of GLBT individuals choose to be celibate.
Why might a gay person choose not to have sex? Here are a few reasons:
- Not being in a long term relationship.
- Concern about sexually transmitted infections.
- Religious beliefs that make someone uncomfortable with sexual activity
- Not feeling ready for sex.
- Not being interested in sex.
People might also have their own personal reasons that aren't included in this list. The decision to have sex is a really personal one, not one dictated by sexual orientation.
I feel I am very much a gay, yet celibate male. I love looking at guys or pictures of guys with shirts partially or totally unbuttoned or no shirt on at all, as well as having my arms around one. However, I am completely turned off at the idea of having anal or oral sex with another male. I was raped as a teenager and cannot bring myself to allowing anyone or anything penetrating my body.
I choose to be celibate, though I am very much gay and a born again Christian. I understand that many people have trouble accepting me. That’s exactly what it is – it is THEIR problem. After a lot of crying and some wonderful counsellors, I have accepted myself completely and am so wonderfully at peace with myself.
I think that gay people are no more or less sexually active than straight people, and there are representatives in both groups that can and do opt to be celibate as they wish and lead fulfilling lives.