Here are additional resources we pray are helpful for those considering the Christian perspective on the very conspicuous topics of homosexuality and gender-identity issues.
Two Additional Dirty Dishes
For those who were there for the Q&A time after the message, "An Open Letter to the LGBT Community", here are a couple other "dirty dishes" I promised I would get to you:
The "Ditch It or Switch It" Dish: in many cases healthy conversations between genuine followers of Jesus and those in the LGBT community can be hurt by Christian ideas about the kind of change true salvation through Christ brings. Some believers believe that homosexual or transgendered individuals who experience God's redemption should or must either 'choose' to get rid of their same-sex attraction or gender-identity struggles, or along with this, begin living a heterosexual or gender-agreeing lifestyle. While God may grant this kind of change over time for some, other Christians may choose lives of celibacy and singleness for the sake of Christ. Either way, the struggle with feelings/desires/questions may, to differing degrees, persist for one's whole life. This is of course true for every follower of Jesus: "besetting sins" can actively tempt us throughout our lives. The key for each one of us is taking "up [our] cross daily" (Luke 9:23) and dying to self by the power of His Spirit (Colossians 3:5-11).
The "Us vs. Them" Dish: oftentimes, both sides of this disagreement see the 'other person' as 'over there', on the far side of 'the line'. But the reality is that individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction or gender-identity questions are very much present in the Church, the body of Christ. Both sides need to understand that those experiencing these feelings/desires are definitely part of our churches, and that they are precious brothers and sister who have chosen to submit those desires to Jesus and be identified by grace, not the world's "pride".
Within the Church
Here a good and brief essay written by a Christian who is wrestling with these feelings/desires: click HERE.
A Wonderful and Thoughtful Testimony from a Former Lesbian
Before she was touched by the grace of God through the enduring ministry of a Christian couple, Rosaria Butterfield was a lesbian and feminist activist. Her book, "The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert". Her testimony and the subsequent Q&A session are well worth the time.
Excellent Books on the Subject
For a brief treatment of the biblical position, Sam Allbery's testimony/book, "Is God Anti-Gay?", is a great place to start.
For a VERY thorough treatment of all the major biblical passages that speak about homosexuality, Robert Gagnon's book, "The Bible and Homosexual Practice" is the best. Here's a quote from one Amazon reviewer of the book:
"Robert Gagnon provides a more than thorough look at texts referring to homosexuality. Indeed, he is so thorough that even his opponents in the academic community admit and endorse his text as extremely worthwhile and worthy of recognition. Those who are giving this book poor reviews simply because they don't agree with his conclusion are simply being led by their emotions. If Martti Nissinen says, "...In its learnedness, [Gagnon's] book will...be in the vanguard of its position and cannot be ignored...." then that cannot be ignored, as Nissinen is one of the most qualified scholars from the opposing perspective."