There’s no use pretending that anyone can come up with a neutral analogy for homosexuality but given that, I think you should actually do the legwork to refute the notion instead of just writing it off as inflammatory. Sure, in this environment, it is inflammatory, but that doesn’t mean it is wrong. Tell us why you think it is wrong. I think it is very useful, if unpopular.

I agree there’s more to sexuality than reproduction, just as there’s more to eating than nutrition. That fact doesn’t change the biological purpose of sex or eating, however, or mean that conditions that impair reproduction or nutrient absorption aren’t medical conditions.

Welcome back to the land of the living, Matt! Good to see you’re still kicking it, old-skool. Of course you realize that characterizing homosexuality as a disorder is far from a neutral or inoffensive thing, and no doubt you did so deliberately. I guess the characterization is correct if the proper framework for evaluating sexuality is through the (narrow) lens of reproductive potential. There’s a claim to be made in that respect, but I suspect you’d agree that there’s a lot more to human sexuality than propogation of the species, and it’s this “everything else” bit (such as interpersonal relationships and other such minutiae) that matters so much to many.

Homosexuality reduces the likelihood of reproductive success and, like other conditions that hinder reproductive success (infertility, endometreosis, PED, etc.), is necessarily considered a disorder. Though many homosexuals identify strongly with their condition, like deaf persons, homosexuality, like deafness, is properly considered a disorder even if the person desires no treatment.

Several commenters suggested that the church opposes committed celibate same-sex relationships but that is contrary to fact. Many of us grew up in wards where women living together and caring for one another were active and comfortable in church. And while I didn’t personally know any situations like these involving men, there would surely exist life-long male roommates somewhere who do the same thing. I do think it obvious, however, that church leaders would discourage unmarried couples who are sexually attracted to each another from living together. A heterosexual man whose wife was in a medical center for years would be discouraged from living with another woman, even if they promised celibacy, if the leader assumes they are sexually attracted to each other. (Exceptions to living with, for example, his mother or daughter because sexual attraction not assumed.)

I analyze my own actions every single day of my life. Why do I stay in the Church? despite being a complete misfit and having serious misgivings about the purported origins of the Church.

I stay because of a combination of factors I’ve observed over my life — a deep “spiritual” power is only one of these (and I’m not sure I’ve ever felt it). I stay primarily because I like what a belief in the Church makes people become, and I’d like to be one of those. I struggle between feeling mistrust in a Church that would have me transform myself (like there’s something wrong with me!) into a spiritual being, and knowing that “transformation” is exactly the point.

For two separate periods in my life, I stopped attending for a time. In both cases, I ended up feeling quite lost. Have I been brainwashed since my birth to feel this? Nonetheless, returning to the fold has alleviated real depression, because it is where I’m safe and embraced.

Some people have suggested that living Church principles is a courageous act, because they’re so difficult, so demanding. I actually disagree. The Church/Gospel is a survival guide, providing rules of comfort and ease in this very difficult and stressful mortal life. Obeying the Commandments makes life easier, not harder.

And I have felt spiritual presence, though perhaps in little details more than the “big vision.” Fathers tending their babies in the foyer and giving heartfelt blessings and confirmations. Bishops who started out as awkward speakers suddenly revealing wisdom and grace over the pulpit. Busy career women making time to throw successful ward dinners, and teach supremely fulfilling Sunday School lessons. The level of service in our Church is quite remarkable — I’m often amazed to note the people who show up to “clean” our building, including retired executives with $100 million in their bank accounts.

All these little details of my Church-going life that I’ve observed have each made me want to stay and contribute what I can. And one more thing… I live alone and I don’t have children. I like to see the children, to hear them laugh (and cry), and I imagine that the Church is only beginning to influence their lives, to transform them into spiritual beings, so that the journey ahead will be rich, fulfilling, and marked by grace.