Dear Pastor,

I am 16 and writing to tell you about a problem I am having with my mother. She doesn't want me to speak to any man or woman. If a man or a woman comes to look for me, she says we are in a relationship. I am tired of hearing that.

I haven't been to school since the new term because I am looking about my glasses. Because my mathematics teacher didn't see me at school, he came to look for me to see if I was OK. When my teacher left, my mother said we were together. She doesn't have any sense.

Pastor, I am a lesbian and I love being one. I love my life so I am living it. I also love my mother and my relatives, but I don't want them to rule my life.

Please, tell me what you think about this.

A., St Andrew

Dear A.,

Your mother has come to realise that you are having relations with persons of your own sex. You claim you are a lesbian, that is why when girls come to see you your mother is not happy to see them.

You should have more respect for your mother. You claim she doesn't have any sense. I am sure you are wrong. Part of the problems you are having is that you are rude and out of order. I am sure that if you change your attitude towards your mother, you would both live harmoniously.

You are only 16 and have a lot to learn. You need guidance. I encourage you to go to church and take the minister of your church, or his wife, in confidence and ask them to help you.

Pastor