"
Same sex attraction" (
SSA) is a term used mostly by conservative Christians to avoid using the term gay when referring to men who are attracted to men or men who have sex with men (
MSM). Often, SSA refers to gay men only, and not lesbian, bisexual, or
transgendered persons.
Unlike many mainstream mental health practitioners and associations which do not think homosexuality is a disease or mental illness, groups which use the term SSA often believe that all persons are heterosexual and homosexual thoughts or sexual relations are deviant. What most people would consider to be a "gay person" is a "heterosexual with a homosexual problem" for many who use the term SSA.
Those who use the term SSA deny the reality that the vast majority of LGBT people can't be "cured" of their sexual orientation.
(Cheap documentary. Bob's house. Non-religious gay neighbor Frank over for a beer.)
Bob (alone to the camera): I once struggled with same sex attraction. Unlike Frank, I have a lovely white picket fence house, an adoring wife, three loving children, and new life in Jesus!
Frank (from another room, waking up Bob's computer): Dude, you have a Manhunt account? I'm
mentally scarred by your stretch marks. You ain't getting booty with these shots!
Bob (running to the computer): I AM NOT GAY. I am doing research for my
reparative therapy group about the evils of online addiction to the
homosexual agenda!
Frank (to Bob): get me another Schlitz. We need to talk.