Ex Gay Love In action Founder Write Letter to condemn program

[blogactive]

http://pageoneq.com/news/2005/Wayne_Besen_Reveals_Ex_Gay_Letter_0730.htm

CO-FOUNDER OF MINISTRY THAT RUNS TEEN 'EX-GAY' BOOT CAMP SAYS GROUP SHATTERS LIVES AND CAN CAUSE SUICIDE

by Wayne Besen
Syndicated to PageOneQ

Love In Action Co-Founder John Evans Unveils Powerful Letter Rebuking 'Ex-Gay' Ministries

NEW YORK - An explosive letter has been released today by Love In Action's co-Founder and former ex-gay John Evans, which rebukes gay conversion groups saying that they "shattered lives". The group he started has recently made headlines because it runs a boot camp for gay teens called "Refuge" that tries to turn adolescents heterosexual, often against their will.

"In the past 30 years since leaving the 'ex-gay' ministry I have seen nothing but shattered lives, depression and even suicide among those connected with the 'ex-gay' movement," Evans writes in his letter to John Smid, Love In Action's current director. "I challenge Christians to investigate all sides of the issue of being gay and Christian. The Church has been wrong in the past regarding moral issues and I'm sure there will be more before Christ returns."

Evans, a gay man, founded what may be the first modern ex-gay group in San Raphael, Calif. in 1973, along with a heterosexual preacher Kent Philpott. Evans left his life partner of ten years to start the gay conversion group. He later dropped out after he realized it didn't work and his best friend committed suicide because he could not turn heterosexual.

Complete story at: http://pageoneq.com/news/2005/Wayne_Besen_Reveals_Ex_Gay_Letter_0730.htm

[w13rd0]

1. Not only do these groups...

...ruin the lives of those they attempt to convert, often, they pressure them into heterosexual unions that are lies, putting their hetero partners and sometimes children in positions which they should not be in. "Ex-gay" ministries don't work. At their most benign, they convince homosexuals to live celibate lifestyles. But usually that isn't enough for them. In order to be "ex-gay" to many of these groups, you have to establish a heterosexual union and try to have children.
It's just bloody sad that people feel that in order to affirm their own sexual preferences, they have to make others comply to their standards and practices.

[Kerrytravelers]

2. Thank you for this.

Paula Zahn did a story on Love In Action last week (I only caught the ending.) Does anyone know if she mentioned the fact that a co-founder rejects this now? I bet if she didn't, she won't follow up with this story. CNN = Christian News Network.

Yes, I'm a Christian and yes, I'm embaressed and angry my faith--- any faith--- is being manipulated to take a country hostage.

[Siyahamba]

3. "Ex-ex-gays"

It's sad how they tend to be ignored.

[arwalden]

6. A Gay Friend Of Mine Became Ex-Gay TWICE...

... and got MARRIED---TWICE!! He's now twice divorced, and happy being gay.

So that would make him ex-ex-ex-ex-gay?

[ladeuxiemevoiture]

4. My opinion is that many in charge of conversions are probably bisexual

and probably not being honest when they claim that they are solely heterosexual and that they "converted, too."

When are people going to realize that homosexual desires and activity are perfectly natural and good for some less-than-100% proportion of people generally?

[kweerwolf]

5. Ironically I was just reading about Evans last night ...

... in Beson's book "Anything But Straight."

It is truly scary what levels these "ministries" will sink to in promoting their "cures" and the lies they will tell to fleece the gullible.

The Kent Philpott mentioned in the original post also wrote one of the first books on "ex-gays" based on his early ministry. He claimed all the six original clients had been cured ... then had to pull later editions of the book when they threatened to sue.

Good for Evans on coming forth and speaking out against this outrageous practice!

[SocialJustice18]

7. I love Wayne Besen

I have to get that book on the ex-gay movement of his. I totally agree that the "ex" gay ministries only cause depression, confusion, and suicide. When my mom found out I was gay she had me go to this "Exchange Ministries" for therapy. The man was a "former" homo along with his wife being a "former" lesbo. He told me that I would wind up in a life of sadness and pain...what life doesn't have that? I just prayed to God and knew he loved me for me and I had nothing to worry about. If people want to change their sexual orientation, then good for them. I just hope they know what they are headed for. As a gay man I have no reason to judge anyone and I just hope we as humans can do what we think is best. So far the "ex" gay ministry is bogus bigotry that makes a life more difficult then it already is. God loves us no matter what. Why change what HE made us?
~Zachary

[kweerwolf]

8. Welcome to DU, SocialJustice18

Glad to have your perspective and opinions added to the mix here.

I'm enjoying Beson's book (though he sometimes does seem to take a few "cheap shots" at the whole ex-gay thing when he could come across as more objective and let the ex-gay movement's failures speak for themselves). On the whole it's a very informative book.

I just got Michaelangelo Signorile's latest book, Hitting Hard, yesterday and am looking forward to starting it, too.

Best wishes ... and welcome to DU!