Some church leaders have stated that same-sex attraction did not exist in the pre-mortal world and that it won't exist in the eternities. I mean it makes sense to believe this. Since our society is basically built upon men and women having sex and growing and replenishing the earth, same-sex attraction can only be a mortal condition, something that is a result of living in a Fallen world, right?
However, I believe that this view is overly focused on sexual attraction. I'm not sure if church leaders and others are considering the other aspects of attraction, connection and intimacy when they say such things. I have no idea what sexual attraction will be like in the eternities. I don't know if it will even exist.
I could log on to the Church's website and find several talks where it is stated that blessings not realized in this life will be realized in the next life. This is most commonly used when it comes to getting married, having children, or perhaps having a fully-functioning body. I still believe this. If it's in God's plan for me to have a wife and kids...or even if it's not, I'm sure a Celestial glory is far more beautiful than I can comprehend.
But I don't equate that with being "straight."
See, there are plenty of characteristics and blessings that come along with being gay. The list is long; some of it including being sensitive, feminine, masculine, artistic, an eye for beauty and design, ability to admire and form connections and intimacy with other men...several attributes that would lend to being a great husband and father. Some people try to separate sexual attractions from these other attributes as if they're mutually exclusive. Yet I doubt I would have all these other qualities without the sexual attractions. It's all part of the package (pun partially intended...if you get gay jokes).
Some might refer to Ether 12:27: ...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them...like...as if same-sex attraction, at its core is a weakness that will eventually become a strength. Lust, pornography & masturbation can be weaknesses; so can eating problems, pride, envy and a whole host of other issues. For me, same-sex attraction is a state of being. It's not a weakness to be compared to alcoholism or even sex addiction; it's a strength that has been waiting to be uncovered. Or if you rather...it's been a vehicle for me to learn what my strengths are.
It's strange. It's complicated, and it's understandable that there are a variety of philosophies on this.
But really...who knows for sure? I don't.
I just know that there's plenty about being gay that I hope to take with me into the next life. Even if I do have a wife and kids, I certainly hope to have deep, connected relationships with my brothers. This is why I believe "same-sex attraction" could very well be a part of my eternal identity. We might not hear such things over the pulpit or taught in standard church materials. I don't think we need to be told, but part of the reason we don't hear it might be because our society is so dang focused on SEX! And our world perpetuates that focus. Just by claiming that being gay is part of my eternal identity, some might picture me with a husband. That's not what I'm getting at. A partner who remains a friend in the eternal scheme? Quite possibly.
As I said, I have no idea how sexuality works in the eternities. But here and now, my attractions...yes, including sexual attractions...do contribute to the emotional energy needed to do things I enjoy, like exercising, taking care of myself, building relationships, relating to God, and everything else that makes up this human experience.
