Someone I Love Is Gay: How Family & Friends Can Respond [Paperback]

Anita Worthen (Author), Bob Davies (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 23, 1996

Finding out that a child, spouse, relative or friend is homosexual can be an unwelcome surprise. You're hit with a complex combination of emotions--grief, shame, fear, guilt. You are flooded with questions ranging from why to what's next. You wonder what a biblical response would be. At the same time, someone you care about deeply may be awaiting your response. What should you say? Someone I Love Is Gay was created out of Bob Davies's personal and professional experience and out of Anita Worthen's struggle with her son over these issues. Also drawing on experiences of others, the authors will help you handle your feelings while responding appropriately to your loved one.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Worthen has been involved with ex-gay ministry to family members and friends for over ten years. She and her husband, Frank Worthen, one of the founders of the ex-gay movement, have spoken about homosexual ministry on four continents. They live in San Rafael, California.

Bob Davies retired in 2001 as the North American director of Exodus International, a worldwide coalition of Christian ministries to men and women overcoming homosexuality. He currently serves on the music department administrative team at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books; First Edition edition (May 23, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830819827
• ISBN-13: 978-0830819829
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #391,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A practical and compassionate "must read" book., January 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Someone I Love Is Gay: How Family & Friends Can Respond (Paperback)

I have spoken with many family members of homosexuals, and regardless of how accepting, loving, or even liberal they may be, the initial announcement, "I'm gay" is one that can knock you to your knees. I have also heard Anita Worthen speak several times, and her deep love and compassion for her son and for homosexuals in general is so evident. From her heart she writes this practical and compassionate book that is a "must" for any parent reeling from the news that their son or daughter is gay. Discovering this book is often the very first time that a parent or a family member discovers that they are not alone, that others have been there too, and that what they are feeling is normal. Especially helpful are the chapters on the grief cycle-adapted for the family member, and on how to relinquish your loved one and "let go."

42 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SOMEONE I LOVE IS GAY, March 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Someone I Love Is Gay: How Family & Friends Can Respond (Paperback)

After learning that my daughter was leaving her 4 young children and a very loving husband to persue a lesbian relationship, I was devasted. Nothing can take away the terrible pain this has caused in family members, friendships, and fellow missionary friends and associatiates. Her dear husband recommended this book to me and it was a lifesaver for me. I still hate that this terrible thing has happened but I am now able to understand something about which we are dealing. I would recommend this book to anyone going through this painful discovery.

21 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A firm and loving book, December 14, 2005

By 

K. Knapp (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Someone I Love Is Gay: How Family & Friends Can Respond (Paperback)

This book shows parents (or others) how to love people who choose a gay identity when the parents disagree with that choice. It walks the fine line of speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) to someone who is promoting homosexuality. It is well-written, has good ideas for ways to keep communication going, and above all seeks the best for the person who espouses the gay identity.