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were forced outside of the camp. Family, friends and spiritual leaders would then throw heavy rocks at these men, doing this until the men died. The family members would have a chance to throw their stones first, signifying that they cursed the very day that these men were born. Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers would do their best to give the deathblow. As a worthless "dog" the men were dragged even further out of the camp where the leapers and other unclean persons resided. These men were not given the dignity of a burial; rather their bodies were left in the open, disposed for the wild animals.

Many of those who are in the closet are raised with a religious up bringing. From childhood a person learns to cultivate a love for God and morals. He or she may grow to cherish religious fellowship and religious teachings. However, it is difficult to have open same-sex attractions when the basis of their religious back ground is strictly against any sort of romantic love between two people of the same sex. Now, he or she if faced with a dilemma that forces the choice between love of God or love of a same-sex partner. This struggle can include the fear of disappointing not only a congregation, but also extracting the hate from the God they have grown to love and worship. The penalties involved for living a life-style that is strictly forbidden are too costly, and he or she may keep these same-sex passions hidden in a desperate effort to please God.

Family: Parents who are loving and caring want the best for their child. While holding their little baby boy or girl they most likely think of the future. A proud mother of a son might exclaim, "When he gets older how will I keep all the ladies away from him?" Or, a beaming father might say, "She will always be my little girl, at least until her wedding day." Moments after birth, without a second guess, parents have their children's future planned out mentally. So, when their little "ladies man" conveys that he is feeling love for a male, plans and dreams are in some form shattered. Harsh opposition from parents may make it hard to be open about a hidden sexual orientation. The thought of going against the heterosexual expectations set by parents may be too fearful, and thus hiding same-sex attractions seems to be an easier outlet. Too many times- out of hurt or anger- parents present their child with the ultimatum of either getting "rid" of same-sex attractions or taking leave away from the family home and support.

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