Me: Oh, it’s a bummer! People hate you just for what you are. They treat you like a freak and tell you you’re going to hell. When I first realized I was gay, I thought, “Oh, no. What am I going to do? People are going to hate me. How am I going to live a normal life? And how am I going to tell my parents?” Believe me, if it were a choice, I would have picked straight.
You: Well, it’s not too late! You can still choose to become straight.
Me: Believe me, I tried. I went out with girls. I figured, if I go out with enough girls, I’d learn to be attracted to them. But it didn’t work. I mean, I love their company. We have so much in common. But I was never attracted to them.
You: Maybe you didn’t go out with the right girl.
Me: Dude, it’s nice that you care so much about me, but believe me, I went out with the “right” girls. But it didn’t help. I just had to become cool with the fact that I’m gay, and then I became happier.
You: I think you should still try anyway. In my church, they run this program that turns gay people straight.
Me: I went to a program like that for a whole year. All it did was make me feel guilty. It didn’t make me straight.
You: Well, maybe the program in my church is better. You should try it.
Me: Thanks again for wanting to help me. I really appreciate it. But I’m gay, and I’m okay with it now.
You: Well, if that’s what makes you happy…
Me: Yes, it does. Thanks for the concern.
You: You’re welcome.