Being (Gay) at Ananda

Question

I am a homosexual who is living in the deep waters between two communities. My Ethnic/Christian community reject gay people and the gay community I just can not connect with. What I do have is the love of Jesus Christ in my heart. I don’t go to church as often as I like too due to the fact they judge gay people. I have never been intimate with anyone and so it’s been hard for me to connect with the gay community as it’s very toxic and sexual. What is Ananda’s views on homosexuality.

—A., Australia

Answer

Dear A,

I want to start by saying that I cannot speak for everyone at Ananda. I can only offer you my perspective gained during nearly forty years as a resident of various Ananda communities.

I have seen many gays and lesbians come to live at various Ananda communities and then later leave. I have also seen many gays and lesbians find a home in one or another of the Ananda communities. But I can say the same thing about everyone who has come to see if Ananda was home: For some it works, for some it doesn’t — regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or any of the usual self-identifications people have of themselves.

What makes Ananda work for people is not primarily the positive social environment, although I think there is very much a positive social environment to be found in all the Ananda communities — accepting, loving, and supportive.

What does primarily make Ananda work for people is embracing an inner spiritual life; making a conscious choice to leave behind limiting self-identifications. Ananda works well for people whose hearts’ focus is finding God.

I am not, myself, gay. I cannot pretend to understand all that you are feeling and experiencing. But regardless of what choices you make about what you do and where you live, I believe your greatest happiness will come to you through deep inner communion with Spirit.

If that sounds attractive to you, Ananda may be the right place for you.

Warm regards,
Puru (Joseph) Selbie