MY JOURNEY AS A FAITHFUL   DISCIPLE WHO IS ATTRACTED TO THE SAME SEX

— MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #comingout

— MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #comingout

— MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #comingout

— MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #comingout

— MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #comingout

When someone comes out to us as gay, lesbian, trans, etc., how should we respond as Catholics? In Part One, we explored how to reframe some of our assumptions about what coming out actually is. In this video, we move into practical guidance — four tangible ways to respond well when someone entrusts us with this deeply vulnerable part of their story. We look at what it means to truly listen, to express gratitude, to ask thoughtful and respectful questions, and to continue walking alongside the person rather than withdrawing from them. Underneath all of these practices is a simple but challenging call: to reflect the heart of Christ in moments of vulnerability, where trust is being offered and a human person is opening their life to us. Ultimately, this is about learning to accompany others with humility, prudence, and love — trusting that God meets us in the same way. 00:00 Introduction: Four Practical Tips 01:03 Tip 1: Listen 02:36 Tip 2: Express Gratitude 04:06 Tip 3: Ask Questions 06:06 Tip 4: Keep Walking From There — MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #comingout

When someone comes out to us as gay, lesbian, trans, etc., how should we respond? For many Catholics, these moments can feel tense or morally complicated — but are we always understanding what “coming out” actually is? In this video, we explore a more grounded and compassionate Catholic perspective: one that distinguishes between experience and sin, vulnerability and ideology, and defensiveness versus authentic Christian accompaniment. We discuss why coming out is often less about politics and more about trust and the desire to be known — often emerging in the midst of fear, shame, and isolation. Most importantly, we reflect on what it means to represent the heart of Christ in moments of vulnerability — and how our response can deeply impact how someone perceives both God and His Church. Be sure to check out Part Two for practical guidance on how to respond when someone comes out to you! 00:00 Introduction: How Do We Respond? 00:32 When Is Sin Actually Present? 01:05 Coming Out Isn't Culture War Propaganda 02:13 An Act of Vulnerability, Not a Political Statement 03:23 The Alternative Is Isolation 04:28 Do We Want Them to Encounter God? — MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #comingout

As disciples, we're often quick to speak out during Pride Month…but how often do we take time to listen? To actually hear the stories of people who identify as LGBT+, and to understand why something like Pride Month might matter to them. Truly listening—taking in another person's perspective, not just "listening" so we can immediately correct, debate, or reprimand. Because, contrary to many assumptions popularized within the church, not everyone views or celebrates Pride Month simply as a justification or endorsement of sexual deviancy. There’s history to reflect on. There are deeper conversations to be had. But again, my fellow followers of Christ: are we willing to set down our culture-war swords and hear them out? Lord Jesus,make our hearts like Thine. ❤️‍🔥 Full video on my YouTube channel! — MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #pride

As followers of Christ,our witness during Pride Month matters. Online. From the pulpit. In our homes. Throughout June and beyond. The messages we communicate about our neighbors with LGBT+ experiences have impact— for better or for worse. Our witness has the potential to make someone feel either invited or reluctant to encounter Christ and approach His Church. Represent Jesus wisely,and with thought for what will ultimately draw souls not only to know Him, but to follow Him. Lord Jesus,make our hearts like Thine. ❤️‍🔥 Full video on my YouTube channel! — MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #pride

As disciples, our response to Pride Month should begin with our own heart transplants—our own personal spiritual rooting in Christ. Throughout the month of June, we are often quick to run to the defense of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. But how often during this time do we, as followers of Christ, actually ask Him to give us hearts like His? Hearts for others that resemble the Sacred Heart of Jesus—which burns with love for all creation and every soul, and is not otherwise closed off to certain people or groups. Lord Jesus,make our hearts like Thine ❤️‍🔥 — MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #pride

While the Catholic Chuch recognizes June as the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, many others celebrate June as Pride Month. I personally don't find the overlap between the Church's liturgical calendar and secular culture's annual timeline to be accidental or coincidental—especially for those of us who are disciples of Christ. On the contrary, now more than ever, we ought to strive to authentically witness to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which compassionately and mercifully extends itself toward society's most marginalized and outcast. This month presents a profoundly beautiful invitation for us as followers of Christ — may we not lose sight of the opportunity to more intentionally carry hearts like His. Lord Jesus, make our hearts like Thine❤️‍🔥 — MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #pride

Pride Month can be a tense and confusing time for many Catholics. On one hand, there is a sincere desire to love people with LGBT+ experiences well. On the other hand, there can be concern about how to remain faithful to Church teaching without falling into either silence or hostility. In this video, we reflect on how Catholics might faithfully and charitably respond to Pride Month in a way that avoids culture-war extremes. Drawing on the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we explore three key postures for this time of year: rooting ourselves in prayer and asking Christ to form our hearts like His, committing to genuine listening rather than assumption or reaction, and being more attentive to the witness we give through our words and actions. Ultimately, Pride Month becomes an invitation not to fear or retreat, but to deeper love—one that reflects the mercy, dignity, and tenderness of Christ toward every human person. 00:00 Introduction: The Tension of Pride Month 01:29 Pride Month and the Sacred Heart 02:35 Root Yourself Spiritually 03:39 Be Willing to Listen 05:16 Be Aware of Your Witness 06:48 Conclusion: Love, Humility, and Witness — MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay

My journey as a Catholic man coming to realize his attractions to other men has been marked by shame, fear, isolation, and years of intentionally seeking outside of the Church—followed by an ongoing and imperfect return. It’s been messy, honest, and unexpectedly beautiful. And yet, time and time again, I’ve found the mercy of Christ to be far greater. He is not intimidated by my mess, nor does He withdraw from me in it. To this day, I feel like nothing more than a beggar hungry for the Eternal—often grasping in places I shouldn’t, and still finding myself returning to the Table I keep wandering from. And each time, I am welcomed home. This is my story of being continually made new—and one that is still being written. Being in relationship with Jesus is, in many ways, the most gritty, painful, and beautiful adventure I’ve ever been on. And, in so many ways, I wouldn’t trade it. I’m grateful to share it with you. 00:00 Introduction 04:14 Growing Up Catholic 08:12 First Realizing My Sexuality 11:05 Getting Kicked Out of Schools 16:05 Coming Out to My Parents 22:33 Dating Guys and Living How I Wanted 27:02 The Dream That Changed Everything 36:30 “I’m Not the Only One” 42:28 Finding Community 48:57 Where I Am Today — MORE FROM MANNY — Follow for honest conversations about faith, sexuality, and pursuing Christ. Instagram: @callmemannyyy Website: https://whatabeautifulcross.wixsite.com/website #catholic #catholicism #catholicchurch #lgbt #gay #testimony

From my personal observation, the root of the issue goes so much deeper than some people’s inability to “swallow truth” or their mere dislike of the concept of chastity. - As the Body of Christ, it’s on us. - In many ways, we’ve failed and we’re still failing. - We can be better and we must be. - For the sake of the holiness of the Church, others, and ourselves … - There’s a radical reconciliation to be had between the Church and beloveds who have LGBT+ experiences. - Such healing, however, will require us humbly accepting responsibility and asking the Father for His heart moving forward. - - -

The singlehood of persons in the Church who are exclusively attracted to the same sex IS somewhat different than that of otherwise “straight singles” in the Church. - In cases like mine and others with shared experiences of sexuality, our singlehood doesn’t imply the same romantic or sexual possibility as does our heterosexual counterparts. - It’s okay and healthy to acknowledge this reality. - I’d argue that failing to do so ultimately minimizes and even misrepresents the fullness of the Church’s call for those of us who have LGBT+ experiences. - - -

Can we please stop saying “EVERYONE’S CALLED TO CHASTITY!” when talking about homosexuality in the Church? - The statement is true in itself, but there’s too much nuance . . . - In many ways, such a statement mitigates the reality of chastity for those of us in the Church who are exclusively attracted to the same sex. - As if my call to chastity is identical with everyone else’s … - The way I’m called to live chastely as a single person in the Church undeniably LOOKS DIFFERENT than the way a married man or woman is otherwise called to live out conjugal chastity. - It’s okay and necessary to acknowledge these objective differences. - I’d argue that not doing so ultimately misleads and even misrepresents the fullness of the Church’s call for those of us who have LGBT+ experiences. - - -

Manny Gonzalez's full talk on homosexuality at Franciscan University of Steubenville in October 2024.

“a letter to my former self” - a short film by me. - this month marks six whole years since I got on my knees one night and allowed my heart to desperately cry out to Heaven. - I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure if He would even listen to my prayer. - yet a God who I thought hated people like me so generously met me on my bedroom floor. - I couldn’t let myself leave the conversation that night unchanged. - six years later, the conversation is still happening. - it’s sometimes the worst. but it’s also the best. - I was a sinner then and I’m a sinner now. but now I know Jesus. and that’s changed everything. - if only who I was then knew who I am now. who I’d become... - all glory to God, who continuously raises dead things back to living. - “some of you were these; but now you have had yourselves washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” - 1 corinthians 6:11 - - -