“Leaving the priesthood and coming out as gay would be a double whammy that would be difficult for some in the family,… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“It was 1993, and Reese and I had just begun the last quarter of our junior year. I could no longer hang… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“I can’t help but wonder if my life would have turned out differently if I had the chance to spread my wings… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“It was only months after my time with Haaken that I realized he also didn’t care whether I was gay or not.… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“Then he slowly came out, fearing repercussions from his family and friends. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for him, but… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“However, a priest with a spouse and potentially a family would have understood the gravity of the situation and responded appropriately.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“I think the answer, though unfortunate, is simple: In Christian families, we grow up learning that in God’s eyes, there’s sin, and… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“Am I really going to hell for being gay?” Or, “I think I was born a woman in a man’s body. Does that make… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“When we reconnected, he was there to guide me as I navigated the uncharted waters of dating” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“Could I survive in the world as an ex-priest that no one wanted anything to do with?” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“As a teenager, his teachers recognized his academic prowess and brilliant intelligence. They suggested he move into monastic life in order to further his… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“She could not handle telling people I had left priesthood, that I was gay, and she refused to use words associated with my sexuality.… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“I found the courage to admit I was gay. This is when I said the words in my head and said them out loud… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“They were astute enough to know that I needed someone to share my life with…and they were right.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“The particular rectory I moved in to was attached to the church. This was arguably one of the worst setups possible because living above… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“We did, however, deliver and expel many homosexual and sodomitic demons from my body, mind, heart, mouth, soul, penis, and anus.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“Every so often, Zach would say things like, “I like you,” or, “We think a lot alike.” I naively agreed with him because even… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
