Talking with Randy makes it clear why those who suffer from same-sex attraction, whether men or women, find judgments of their condition as disordered so threatening. They have often been the victims of childhood abuse and maddeningly dysfunctional families, as well as the object of scorn by their childhood peers. The gay life holds the promise of the approval, affection, and attention that they never received as children. It seems to provide an identity they have lacked all their lives and a community