6 CONTINUED FROM P.19 conversation. Be gentle and make sure that you listen to his side as well. With what I know of your situation. this is the best I can really do for you. I hope everything works out for you. and best of luck. —- Will Holden Dear Will. I have a friend who doesnt know I’m gay yet. One problem is, she doesn’t like homosexu- als a lot, but I think she has a crush on me. I don't know how to approach her and. tell her that I’m not interested. We’ve been friends for as long as I remember, and I don’t want to lose that kind of bond. I’ve been thinking about telling her I have a girlfriend or some- thing, but I’m not sure if that's a good idea. What should I do? — 17-year-old male in Castleton Dear Castleton Friend, First thing I can tell you is that you definitely should NOT tell her that you have a girlfriend. That may only make matters worse. First of all, you’ll have to make up a person, which is never good. Secondly, it'll just be harder to tell her that you’re ‘er *1ata"¢a. 'x'g‘ooa’*'ciiaree'=" ‘ would I5'e'jiist to'tel1'hé’r'th'a‘t’"‘ " you’re a homosexual get it over with. If she really is your friend, she’ll accept you for who you are. It may be tough, and she may not be able to turn her thoughts of you on a dime, but in the end it is worth it. You have said that she is a friend you've had for a long time, and I can relate partly to your situation. I have a friend ‘ who was very against homo- sexuals, and I was worried about that for a while. We had known each other since we were seven, and I didn’t want to jeopardize that friendship. When he finally found out, sure he was surprised, but he quickly got over it. He real- ized that I’m still the same person I was and since then it hasn't even been an issue. So I advise that you tell your friend the truth, to save you both a lot of heartache in the end. Again, ease into it, and consider her feelings. If she needs time for it, give her time. Give her space, but make sure that she does deal with it. I hope this helps you; — Will Holden a Reaching Out advice columnist Will Holden invites anyone else who has questions,.comments, or concerns to contact him at 1-802-683-6072 or e-mail him at wholden7@aol.com JuLY2ooo' l out in the mountains 21 aturday, July 8, 3:30 pm 0 Cathedral Church of St. Paul 2 Cherry Street (at Battery Street), Burlington 0 Officiant: The Rt. Rev. Thomas C. Ely, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont 0 Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Eleanor L. McLaughlin, Rector of St. Barnabas’ Church, Berlin, NH. McLaughlin is co- editor of the classic Women of Spirit: Female Leadership in the Jewish and Christian Traditions. Her articles appear in numerous books, including Womenspirit Rising: A Feminist Reader in Religion, Male and Female.- Chr/st/an Approaches to Sexuality, Feminist Theology: A Reader, Religion and Sexism: Images of Women in the /ewish and Christian Traditions, and Equal Rites.- Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations. 0 Music: Works of great composers, psalmody sung to traditional Anglican chant, and congregational hymns Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgendered AND Christian? VH8! The Episcopal Church Welcomes You. and creativity. For over a decade, Spruce Mortgage ' has been a leader in residential, second A home, investment property mortgages, home equity, and refinancing. I sprucemortgagecom Doing busiiiess I t , - .old—fashio1e1ed way ...with loyalty, integrity, / SPRUE M()l{ Hi/\(i I’ You can always expect low rates, honest advice, and a quick turnaround. Denise Vignoe '1 EL 802 h5?_,t.)ib8 Doriisotwsprtirr,-riiorigugc.r_oni Cyd lsleib TOLL-FREE 800.603.4559 Cyd@sprucr-Jmortgaqemrn Lovely 3 bedroom home with I600 sq. ft. carriage house (rents for fl} 1 ()()()/mo) in charming Jericho Center. Situated on an acre ofland filled with perennial wardens, fruit trees, lilacs and blueberry gushes, this home has been cxtc sivcly renovated without disturbing the charm of an old farmhouse! $4l9,9()0 Wonderful flat in two year old building in Burlington. This ground floor unit features hardwood and tile floors and is a short walk to downtown and the waterfront, restaurants and shopping. $169,900 A must see for 1st time home buyers. 3 bedrooms, detached shed. threc—season porch and larvc unfinished basement. Great corner Tot with mature trees in beautiful Jericho neighborhood. Great alternative to condo living. $189,900 802.655.3335 W\‘/VW.TH E DESAUTELSGROU P.COf\/l -11.1 ‘~.i.lm~.1.i:n \ I‘.".‘. in. t HlL'llL'\ik'I ~ W1 15‘ 1“ ~ DESAUYKLSS Gnome WE KNOW WHAT Hill Jon E1’ 2‘? Ert 2'/A Ert / HOME 0 YOUl /