Dear Pastor,

I am having a really big problem. I am a really nice 19-year-old girl who has had boyfriends in the past, but lately, I have been having sexual feelings for females. I just can't stop picturing myself with another girl and imaging how it would feel to be with a girl. I know this is not a part of the Jamaican tradition or culture for a girl to be with another girl, but this is how I feel. I am a really attractive female who can get any guy, but I just don't have those strong feelings for guys anymore. All I can think about is having sex with a female.

My family would kill me if they found out that I am having these kinds of feelings for women. I am wondering if it's because my parents don't want me to have a boyfriend and I have to hide and have one if this is why these feelings are stirring within me. I am going crazy, pastor. I just want a woman in my life to keep me happy.

Please, pastor, give me your fatherly advice.

S., St Ann, Jamaica

Dear S.,

I hope that you will never yield to the temptation to make love to a person of your own sex. It is wrong for two women to make love to each other or for two men to make love to each other. Regardless of where a person was born or grew up, homosexuality in any form is wrong. I gather that you have not gone with any girl, but the desire is there. It is something you wish to experiment with. I wish to discourage you from thinking that way. I also would like to encourage you to talk to a family counsellor.

You believe that the reason why you are tempted to go to women could be because your parents do not wish for you to keep a boyfriend. You are 19 years old and you should be able to reason with your parents. Perhaps you can tell them that you have a strong desire to have a female companion and you believe that their attitude towards your having a boyfriend has something to do with it. Tell them that you are asking them to help you overcome your desire by assisting you to get professional help.