Affirming: A Memoir of Faith, Sexuality, and Staying in the Church

What is it like to discover that something you've believed all your life might be wrong?

Sally Gary knew since her early adulthood that she was attracted to women. But as a devoted Christian, she felt there was no way to fully embrace this aspect of her identity while remaining faithful. Now, as she prepares to marry the love of her life, she's ready to speak out about why--and how--her perspective changed.

In this deeply personal memoir, Sally traces the experiences, conversations, and scriptural reading that culminated in her seeing her sexuality as something that made sense within the context of her faith--not outside of it or in opposition to it. Along the way, she addresses specific aspects of her journey that will resonate with many other gay Christians: the loneliness and isolation of her previously celibate life, the futile attempts she made to resist or even "change" her sexual orientation, and the fear of intimacy that followed a lifetime of believing same-sex relationships were sinful.

Sally's story--one of heritage, learning, courage, and love--is written especially for the generations of LGBTQ Christians after her who are questioning whether they can stay part of the church they call home. It's a resounding reminder that, just like Sally's own heart, things can change, and sometimes, when we earnestly search for the truth, we find it in the most unexpected places.

Author: Sally Gary
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Published: 02/23/2021
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.66lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9780802879172


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 12/14/2020

About the Author
Sally Gary is founder and executive director of CenterPeace, a nonprofit organization that has been helping churches and families have Christ-like conversations about faith and sexuality since 2006. She is also the author of Loves God, Likes Girls.