To answer your final questioin "what exactly happened in the garden of eden to divide the human race sexually? Well in my humble opinion Heavenly Father happened. He made a decision that Man should not be alone and created Woman, not another Man.
We are commanded to be Chaste. Chastity in my opinion includes no masturbation. I can't think of a more selfish act, unless its maybe suicide. Two things that totally separate you from love. Two things that separate you from Heavenly Father.
I know that we are here on this earth because we made a premortal choice to come to this earth, receive and imperfect body and be tested. Can we learn to control this body or will this body control our spirit? Its VERY healthy for our spirits (or mind, if you prefer) to control the body. This has been proven in many ways when it comes to serious health issues. There are many studies of mind over matter, bio-feedback, etc and the benefits.
I know that when I control my body I'm happier and I can be there for my family. I also know that my son was unable to learn to control his body and eventually it cost him his life at age 21. I know that we are all given bodies with imperfections to overcome.
The church does not teach that gays people should be untrue to themseles but to be honest, and true and to practice the law of Chastitity. If whomever can not honestly have a sexual relationship within the holy bonds of matrimony then you remain single and hold to the requirements of Chastity while single. Its a choice.
You have your God-given moral agency. I have my moral agency. We all have our moral agency. No where in the scriptures are the words "free agency". The definition of moral is "of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior. " The definition of agency is "the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power." Choose. Which side are you on?
I choose to work to the best of my ability to be on God's side. To follow His commandments even when its hard, because I KNOW that if I'm faithful in my obeidence to His commandments I will be blessed. Those blessings are often to make our trials and struggles easier for Heavenly Father has promised a "fullness of joy". I take HIM and HIS word!
applepansy
P.S. We all have our trials (bag of rocks) to carry in this world. I'm happy with the bag of rocks I get to carry in this life. They are mine. Heveanly Father chose them for me so that I could learn the things I needed to in this life that will make me a better person. I'm truly grateful for the adversity and struggles and choices I have to make. I would hope that everyone could see the benefits of making correct choices in the face of adversity. I do not envy other's struggles and trials.
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