Ex-gay 292314 226115165 2008-07-16T21:52:59Z User0529 7280847 /* See also */ add link [[Image:One by One booth.jpg|thumb|300px|right||[[OneByOne]] booth at a [[Love Won Out]] conference]] '''''Ex-gay''''' is a term sometimes used to refer to persons who once identified as [[gay]] or [[lesbian]], but have since turned away from such identificaton for [[religious]] or other reasons. The term was used more in the late 1990s, but has since faded into obscurity. Some ex-gays enter into or seek [[heterosexual|opposite-sex]] relationships while others remain [[celibate]]. While ex-gays may report a reduction in same-sex desires, they may also continue to experience [[same-sex attraction]] (as it is referred to in professional literature<ref name=>{{cite journal | last = Yarhouse | first = Mark | year = 1998 | month = Summer | title = When Clients Seek Treatment for Same-Sex Attractions: Ethical Issues in the "Right to Choose" Debate | journal = Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training | volume = 35 | issue = 2 | pages = 248–259 | accessdate = 2007-08-28 | doi = 10.1037/h0087753 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Haldeman |first=Douglas |url=http://tcp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/5/691?ck=nck |title=When Sexual and Religious Orientation Collide:Considerations in Working with Conflicted Same-Sex Attracted Male Clients |publisher=The Counseling Psychologist |volume=32 |number=5 |year=2004 |doi=10.1177/0011000004267560 |journal=The Counseling Psychologist |pages=691}} </ref><ref>[[Jack Drescher|Drescher, Jack]] (2001). "Ethical Concerns Raised When Patients Seek to Change Same-Sex Attractions". Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy 5 (3/4): 183. Haworth Press.</ref>) even though they do not identify as "gay". When the term "ex-gay" was introduced to professional literature in 1980, Pattison defined it as someone who had "experienced a basic change in sexual orientation from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality."<ref>{{cite journal |title=Initial empirical and clinical findings concerning the change process for ex-gays |last=Throckmorton |first=Warren |coauthur=Pattison, M. L. |year=1980 |publisher=[[American Psychological Association]] |volume=33 |journal=Professional Psychology: Research and Practice |url=http://www.drthrockmorton.com/article.asp?id=1 |date=June 2002 |number=3 |pages=242–248 |doi=10.1037/0735-7028.33.3.242}}</ref> The term has fallen into obscurity and is rarely used by organizations today. [[Alan Chambers (Exodus International)|Alan Chambers]], president of [[Exodus International]], resents the term and has publicly denounced its usage. Other than [[Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays]], no other major ex-gay organization has labeled themselves as an ex-gay organization. ==The ex-gay movement and conversion therapy== {{seealso|Conversion therapy}} While some ex-gay organizations consider [[conversion therapy]] to be a useful and necessary tool for decreasing homosexual desire<ref>[http://exodus.to/content/view/34/117/ Exodus International Policy Statements], [[Exodus International]]. Retrieved 04-07-2007.</ref>, the established medical and scientific consensus is that conversion therapy is not effective and is potentially harmful.<ref name="apa">[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel], [[American Psychological Association]], et al., 1999. Retrieved 2007-02-23.</ref> In the United States, the [[American Psychiatric Association]] issued a critical statement backed by numerous other mainstream medical organizations, which stated: "There is simply no sufficiently scientifically sound evidence that sexual orientation can be changed."<ref name="prejudice">[http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/08/081106apa.htm APA Discredits 'Ex-Gay' Movement], 365Gay Newscenter, 8-11-2006. Retrieved on 04-14-2007.</ref> The statement went on to say that positions espoused by ex-gay organizations "are not supported by the science" and that they "create an environment in which prejudice and discrimination can flourish." Ex-gay groups assert that the scientific community has taken its stances on homosexuality due to political, and not scientific, considerations.<ref name="ABC">[http://abc.net.au/foreign/content/2006/s1717011.htm USA - Gay Conversion]. Retrieved on 2006-06-22.</ref><ref>Satinover, Jeff. Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth (1996) Baker</ref> == Definition of change == Exodus describes ''change'' as "attaining abstinence from homosexual behaviors, lessening of homosexual temptations, strengthening their sense of masculine or feminine identity, correcting distorted styles of relating with members of the same and opposite gender."<ref name=Change>{{cite web | title=What's your "success rate" in changing gays into straights? | url=http://exodus.to/content/view/43/87/ | accessdate=2007-03-27 }}</ref> Some ex-gays advocate entering (or remaining) in a heterosexual marriage as part of the process. Some ex-gays in opposite-sex marriages acknowledge that their sexual attractions remain primarily homosexual, but seek to make their marriages work anyway.<ref>[http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/003/2.50.html No easy victory]. Retrieved on 2006-03-26.</ref> == Joint statement from ex-gay organizations == In a joint coalition, several ex-gay organizations expressed their views that, for those with same-sex attractions, they support: <blockquote> *'''Personal choice''' in their sexual identity and behavior. *'''Right to know''' of alternatives to living a homosexual life. *'''Individual self-determination''' to seek counseling and determine the direction of that therapy *'''Compassion and respect''' to live in their choices as they see fit, without discrimination, ridicule, marginalization, or being the target of hate speech. *'''Policy neutrality''', especially in the freedom to speak about freely chosen alternatives to homosexuality. *'''Equal access to public forums''' to raise awareness of alternative responses to a homosexual identity and lifestyle.<ref name=PATH>[http://www.pathinfo.org/index2.htm PATH]: Positive Alternatives To Homosexuality</ref> </blockquote> == People == === Persons associated with the ex-gay movement === *'''Stephen Bennett'''<ref>[http://www.igroops.com/igroops/sbm+webpages+5 God's Amazing Grace: The Testimony of Stephen Bennett<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> is the President, Founder, and Executive Director of Stephen Bennett Ministries, Inc., an international nonprofit Christian organization that speaks out against homosexuality, assists persons seeking "freedom from homosexuality," and provides resources for parents whose children identify as gay or lesbian.<ref>[http://www.igroops.com/igroops/sbm+webpages+4 About the Ministries of SBM<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Mr. Bennett is also a Christian songwriter and recording artist.<ref>[http://www.igroops.com/igroops/sbm SBM Online Members<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He has been married since 1993 and he and his wife have two children.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0306/18/se.16.html |title=Interview with Elizabeth Birch, Stephen Bennett |date=2003-06-18 |last=Cooper |first=Anderson |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> *'''[[Alan Chambers (Exodus International)|Alan Chambers]]''' is the president of [[Exodus International]]. He shares his story at ex-gay events and has written several books. He is politically active, and promotes legislation against same-sex marriage.<ref>[http://www.alanchambers.org/ A Blog By Alan Chambers<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''[[Richard Cohen (lecturer)|Richard Cohen]]''' is the former president of [[Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays]] and was the subject of an infamous interview by [[Jason Jones (actor)|Jason Jones]] on the [[March 19]], [[2007]] episode of [[The Daily Show]]. After this appearance, [[NARTH]] and [[Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays]] removed all references to Cohen from their website<ref>[http://www.exgaywatch.com/wp/2007/03/narth-and-pfox-quietly-rid-themselves-of-richard-cohen/ NARTH and PFOX Quietly Rid Themselves of Richard Cohen (blog entry)], Ex-Gay Watch, 03-31-2007. Retrieved on 04-07-2007.</ref> and [[Exodus International]] issued a position statement distancing themselves from him.<ref>[http://exodus.to/content/view/34/117/ Exodus International Policy Statements], [[Exodus International]]. Retrieved on 04-07-2007.</ref> *'''[[Andrew Comiskey]]''' is the founder and leader of Desert Stream Ministries.<ref>[http://www.desertstream.org/index.htm]</ref> Founded in 1980, Desert Stream Ministries states that its mission is to "equip the body of Christ to minister healing to the sexually and relationally broken through healing groups and leadership training for the local church."<ref>[http://www.desertstream.org/index.htm]</ref> Mr. Comiskey has authored a number of books, including ''Pursuing Sexual Wholeness: How Jesus Heals the Homosexual'' and ''The Kingdom of God and the Homosexual''.<ref>[http://dspress.net/shopsite_sc/store/html/page2.html Andrew Comiskey at Desert Stream Press Online Store<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''[[Charlene Cothran]]''' is a former editor of ''Venus'', a magazine for [[African-American]] [[lesbian]]s. Following a [[Christian]] [[religious conversion]] in [[2006]], she changed the editorial policy of the magazine to support the ex-gay movement.<ref>[http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/marchweb-only/112-52.0.html Interview with ChristianityToday]</ref><ref>[http://claycane.blogspot.com/2007/04/interview-with-ex-gay-charlene-cothran.html Interview with Clay Cane]</ref> *'''[[Joe Dallas]]'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070625/28160_Exodus_Freedom_Speaker_Warns_of_'The_Gay_Gospel'.htm |title=Exodus Freedom Speaker Warns of 'The Gay Gospel' |date=2007-06-25 |first=Lillian |last=Kwon |publisher=Christian Post}}</ref> is the Program Director of Genesis Counseling. He has written six books on human sexuality.<ref>[http://www.joedallas.com/ Joe Dallas l Genesis Counseling l Sexual Addiction Recovery<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''Rev. Darryl Foster''' is a Christian pastor who works manly with people of color who no longer identify as homosexual. He opposes the comparison of sexual orientation to race.<ref>[http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2003/may/03052304.html African-American Ex-Gay Pastor Explodes The Myth That Homosexuality Is No Different Than Race<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''Melissa Fryrear''', Gender Issues Analyst in [[Focus on the Family]]’s Legislative and Cultural Affairs Department,<ref>[http://exodus.to/content/view/358/0/ Exodus International - Melissa Fryrear<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> identified as a lesbian for ten years before her Christian conversion and subsequent years of therapy, which she says made her life "fuller and happier."<ref>{{cite news |url = http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Health/story?id=983209 |title = 'Ex-Gay' Camps, Therapy Programs Attract Controversy |last = Palazzolo |first = Rose |date = [[2005-07-28]] |publisher = [[ABC News]] |accessdate = 2007-10-29 }}</ref> She now says "I'm changed. I'm a heterosexual woman now. I'm not sexually attracted to women."<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/personal/06/29/poll.reaction/index.html |title = Gay man, former lesbian on whether they can change |last = Gandossy |first = Taylor |publisher = CNN |date = [[2007-06-30]] |accessdate = 2007-10-29 }}</ref> *'''[[Michael Glatze]]''' <ref>[http://massresistance.blogspot.com/2007/10/michael-glatze-interview-with-narth.html MassResistance: Michael Glatze Interview with NARTH<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> is a former gay rights activist and former publisher of Young Gay America [[YGA Magazine]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Time Magazine|title=The Battle Over Gay Teens| date=2005-05-10| author=John Cloud|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1112856-10,00.html}}</ref> Glatze recently revealed that he had eschewed his gay identity, and he has become an outspoken critic of homosexuality.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=WorldNetDaily|title=How a 'gay rights' leader became straight|date=2007-07-03|author=Michael Glatze|url=http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56487}}</ref> *'''Mike Haley''', Youth and Gender Analyst for [[Focus on the Family]],<ref>[http://exodus.to/content/view/361/0/ Exodus International - Mike Haley<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> identifies as a gay man for 12 years, and at one point was arrested for gay prostitution. He began to identify as heterosexual when he was 28.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_4089806 |title = "Ex-gay" stood by to testify at Dobson vigil |last = Rodríguez |first = Cindy |date = [[2006-07-24]] |publisher = The Denver Post }}</ref> After what he calls a long and painful struggle, he chose to identify as heterosexual. He is married with three children.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0704/05/acd.01.html |title = Sex and Salvation |author = [[Anderson Cooper|Cooper, Anderson]] |date = [[2007-04-05]] |publisher = [[Anderson Cooper 360°]] }}</ref> *'''[[Dennis Jernigan]]''' is a singer-songwriter of contemporary Christian music. He describes his experience of "deliverance from homosexuality" during his concerts.<ref>[http://www.dennisjernigan.com/ Dennis Jernigan :: Shepherd's Heart Music<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''David Matheson''' admitted to himself that he was attracted to men when he was 22 and married. After seven years of therapy, he claims that he has changed his sexual orientation.<ref>[http://www.peoplecanchange.com/About_Us_Matheson.htm David Matheson]</ref> He has since become a licensed professional counselor and focusing on "helping men who want to diminish unwanted homosexuality and feel whole as men."<ref>[http://www.genderwholeness.com/about.html Center for Gender Wholeness - About Us<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He is the clinical director of the Center for Gender Wholeness, co-creator of the Journey into Manhood weekend, and a director of [[People Can Change]].<ref>[http://evergreeninternational.org/Speakers.htm#matheson Popular Speakers<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He has written the Evergreen Workbook for Men, Four Principles of Growth<ref>[http://www.evergreeninternational.org/four_principles.htm Four Principles<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, and has made several media appearances talking about overcoming homosexual attractions. He does claim to be completely straight, but rather "straight enough".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbT93tckW4o YouTube - Coqui Zen Entertainment<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''Alan Medinger'''[<ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/medinger2.html INTERVIEW: Alan Medinger<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> is a former director of Exodus International,<ref>[http://www.randomhouse.ca/author/results.pperl?authorid=35841 RandomHouse.ca | Author Spotlight: Alan Medinger<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and is the Founder and Executive Director Emeritus<ref>[http://www.regenerationministries.org/newsletters/200711.pdf Grace: The Risk We Need to Take - November / December 2007 Newsletter<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> of Regeneration Ministies, a Christian organization which deals with pornography and homosexuality.<ref>[http://www.regenerationministries.org/about.asp Regeneration Ministries - About Us<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Mr. Medinger is the author of ''Growth Into Manhood''.<ref>[http://www.randomhouse.ca/author/results.pperl?authorid=35841 RandomHouse.ca | Author Spotlight: Alan Medinger<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''[[John Paulk]]''', then leader of [[Focus on the Family]]'s ''[[Love Won Out]]'' conference and chairman of the board for [[Exodus International]] North America, was spotted visiting a Washington, D.C gay bar in September 2000 . He was photographed outside of the bar from behind by [[Wayne Besen]], <ref name="paulk">{{cite news |last= Evangelical Press with additional reporting by Jody Veenker |title= Ex-Gay Leader Disciplined for Gay Bar Visit |url= http://www.ctlibrary.com/ct/2000/octoberweb-only/53.0.html |work= |publisher= Christianity Today |date= [[2000-10-01]] |accessdate= 2007-08-29 }}</ref> and later stepped down from the two organizations.<ref name="besen">{{cite book |last= Besen |first= Wayne |authorlink= Wayne Besen |title= Anything but Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth |year= 2003 |publisher= Harrington Park Press |isbn= 1560234458 }}</ref> *'''Sy Rogers''' was selected as one of '50 Up & Coming Evangelical Leaders Under 40' by Christianity Today. He has served for over two decades in ministry as a pastoral care specialist regarding sexuality. He has spoken at ex-gay conferences throughout the world. *'''Randy Thomas''', Executive Vice President of [[Exodus International]],<ref>[http://exodus.to/content/view/804/37/ Exodus International - 'Gay Gene?' No Big Deal, Says Ex-Gay<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> was in gay relationships since he was a teenager, but stopped when he became a Christian in his mid-20s.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/10/28/ex_gay_ministry_reaches_out_to_hub/ |title = 'Ex-gay' ministry reaches out to Hub |last = Wen |first = Patricia |publisher = [[The Boston Globe]] |date = [[2005-10-28]] }}</ref> He later stated, "I am 15 years on the other side of identifying as gay. I have had a sexual orientation shift, and I'm not gay."<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2007-07-12/news/scared-straight |title = Scared Straight |publisher = [[Miami New Times]] |last = Green |first = Joanne |date = [[2007-07-12]] }}</ref> *'''Rich Wyler''' is the founder and executive director of [[People Can Change]] and co-creator and leader of Journey into Manhood. He established Higher Path Life Coaching and began coaching professionally in 2005.<ref>[http://www.peoplecanchange.com/FINDING_A_COUNSELOR.htm New Page 1<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He leads telephone-based coaching group called "A Wife's Journey: Caring for Yourself and Your Family When Your Husband Struggles With Homosexuality or Addiction."<ref>[http://nightwatchworldnews.blogspot.com/2007/04/6947.html NW World News Prayer Network: #4680<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''Chad Thompson''' is the founder of Inqueery<ref>[http://inqueery.com/ Inqueery]</ref>, a website addressing ex-gay issues among high school students, and author of the book ''Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would''.<ref>[www.lovinghomosexuals.com/ Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would]</ref> Thompson claims that there is bigotry among gays against those who do not accept their orientation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1112771-2,00.html |title=The Battle Over Gay Teens |date=2007-10-02 |first=John |last=Cloud |publisher=[[Time]]}}</ref> However, he has also argued against Christians who show against hostility against gay rights but not compassion for gays.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/augustweb-only/8-30-22.0.html |title=Banning Gay Marriage Is Not The Answer |first=Chad W. |last=Thompson |date=8/01/2004 |publisher=Christianity Today}}</ref> === Former ex-gays === {{Main|Ex-ex-gay}} *'''[[Günter Baum]]''' originally founded an ex-gay ministry in [[Germany]]. Ultimately, he formed another ministry, [[Zwischenraum]], which helps gay Christians to accept their sexuality and to reconcile it with their beliefs. *'''Michael Bussee''' and '''Gary Cooper''', co-founders of [[Exodus International]], left the group and in 1979, held a life commitment ceremony together. Bussee went on to become an outspoken critic of Exodus and the ex-gay movement.<ref>Their story is one of the foci of the documentary ''One Nation Under God'' (1993), directed by [[Teodoro Maniaci]] and Francine Rzeznik.</ref> He flatly rejects therapies designed to change or "cure" gay people, but recently acknowledged potential for therapy that "does not promise change, but instead offers patients help in managing their desires and modifying their behavior to match their religious values -- even if that means a life of celibacy".<ref>{{cite news | first = Stephanie | last = Simon | title = Approaching agreement in debate over homosexuality; More conservative Christians say being gay isn't a choice that can be changed by prayer | publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]] | date = [[2007-06-18]] | accessdate = 2007-10-13 }}</ref> In June 2007 Bussee issued an apology for his part in the ex-gay movement. *'''Noe Gutierrez''' appeared in [[Warren Throckmorton]]'s ex-gay video ''I Do Exist'' in [[2004]]. This garnered some notice, as Gutierrez had previously appeared in a video for gay youth known as ''It's Elementary''. Gutierrez later left the ex-gay movement and wrote about his experience. [http://www.exgaywatch.com/wp/2008/05/noe-gutierrez-what-i-learned-from-ex-gay-ministry/] *'''[[Peterson Toscano]]''' is an actor who was involved in the ex-gay movement for 17 years. He performs a related one-man satire titled ''[http://www.homonomo.com/ Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House]'', and with [[Christine Bakke]] co-runs a support website for people coming out of ex-gay experiences; [[Beyond Ex-Gay]]. == Controversies and scandals== === Controversies involving minors === One of the most controversial aspects of the ex-gay movement has been the focus on gay teenagers, including occasions where teenagers have been forcibly treated in ex-gay camps. A 2006 report outlined evidence that ex-gay and conversion therapy groups were at the time increasingly focusing on children.<ref name="taskforce">{{cite web |url = http://www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/reports/YouthInTheCrosshairs.pdf |title = Youth in the crosshairs: the third wave of ex-gay activism |accessdate = 2007-08-29 |author = Cianciotto, J.; Cahill, S. |year = 2006 |format = pdf |publisher = National Gay and Lesbian Task Force }}</ref> Several legal researchers have responded to these events by arguing that parents who force their children into aggressive conversion therapy programs are committing [[child abuse]] under various state statutes.<ref>Talbot, T. ''Reparative therapy for homosexual teens: the choice of the teen should be the only choice discussed'', 27 J. Juv. L. 33. 2006.</ref><ref>Cohan, J. ''Parental Duties and the Right of Homosexual Minors to Refuse "Reparative" Therapy'', 11 Buff. Women's L.J. 67, 2002.</ref> * In 1991 14-year-old [[Lyn Duff]] [[Coming out|came out]] publicly as a [[lesbian]]. Concerned about her daughter's [[sexual orientation]], Lyn Duff's mother had her taken by force from her grandparents' home to Rivendell Psychiatric Center, a residential treatment center near [[Salt Lake City, Utah|Salt Lake City]]. Duff's placement was paid for by the State of California through special education funds on the basis of her diagnosis with [[Gender Identity Disorder]]. Her treatment reportedly included [[shock therapy]], [[aversion therapy]], [[psychotropic drugs]], [[hypnosis]], and behavioral counseling (for instance, being told to wear dresses and make up, etc). After 168 days in Rivendell, Duff escaped. In 1992, she initiated legal action against the facility and her mother. In 1993, Duff's therapist at Rivendell, R. Mark Hinckley, left Rivendell to start Turnabout, a similar camp to treat gay youth in Salt Lake City. * In Tennessee in 1995, a 16-year-old gay male sought [[emancipation of minors|legal emancipation]] from his parents because they were forcing him to attend reorientation counseling with a Memphis psychologist, Dr. Duff Wright. They intended to send him to either [[Love in Action]], or another similar program. The Memphis Circuit Court judge agreed that the boy would be harmed by this treatment and indicated that he would sign the emancipation order. In a settlement agreement, the parents abandoned their plans to send the boy to treatment.<ref>{{cite news | first = Eartha | last = Melzer | title = Tenn. opens new probe of ‘ex-gay’ facility: Experts say children should not be forced into counseling | url = http://www.washblade.com/2005/7-1/news/national/tenopen.cfm | publisher = Washington Blade | date = 2005-07-01 | accessdate = 2007-08-28 }}</ref> In April 2005, Wright lost his license to practice as a psychologist, due to a [[get-rich-quick scheme]] that resulted in an $81,000 loss to a client.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www2.state.tn.us/health/licensure/displaypdf.asp?profcode=1410&licen=888&thedate=4/13/05 |title = Consent Order (In the matter of Duff R. Wright, Ph.D., Respondent) |accessdate = 2007-08-28 |date = 2005-04-13 |publisher = State of Tennessee, Department of Health }}</ref> * In July 2005, the [[New York Times]] ran a feature story about 16-year-old Zachary Stark, whose parents forced him to attend an ex-gay camp run by Love in Action.<ref>{{cite news |first= Alex |last= Williams |title= Gay Teenager Stirs a Storm |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B00E4DA1E3DF934A25754C0A9639C8B63 |publisher= New York Times |date= [[2005-07-17]] |accessdate=2007-10-06 }}</ref> In May 2005, Zachary posted on his [[blog]]:<blockquote>Well today, my mother, father, and I had a very long 'talk' in my room where they let me know I am to apply for a fundamentalist Christian program for gays. They tell me that there is something psychologically wrong with me, and they "raised me wrong." I'm a big screw up to them, who isn't on the path God wants me to be on. So I'm sitting here in tears, joing [''[[sic]]''] the rest of those kids who complain about their parents on blogs - and I can't help it.<ref name="towleroad_200507">[http://towleroad.typepad.com/towleroad/2005/07/zachs_release_i.html Zach's Release from "Love in Action" Imminent]</ref> </blockquote> :In July 2005, Stark was released from the ex-gay camp.<ref name="towleroad_200507" /> Stark's blog prompted an investigation of the camp: the investigation did not uncover signs of child abuse, but in September 2005, the camp was shut down when Tennessee authorities discovered that unlicensed staff had been administering prescription drugs to the people attending the camp.<ref>[[n:Tennessee closes down Christian ex-gay camp for treating mental illness without a license|Tennessee closes down Christian ex-gay camp for treating mental illness without a license]], [[WikiNews]], 09-21-2005. Retrieved on 2007-02-08.</ref> * In October 2005, the father of 17-year old DJ Butler drove him to the camp in handcuffs.<ref name="ben_20060210">{{cite news | first = Ben | last = Popper | title = Love in Court: Gay-to-straight ministry and the state go to court | url = http://memphisflyer.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A12034 | publisher = [[Memphis Flyer]] | date = 2006-02-10 | accessdate = 2007-08-28 }}</ref> In February 2006, Tennessee authorities, unwilling to pursue further actions against Love in Action, closed the case.<ref name="ben_20060210" /> === Other controversies and scandals === *'''Colin Cook''', founder of Homosexuals Anonymous, was in 1986 discovered to be engaging in sexual acts with his patients. He claimed that the nude massages of other men should desensitize them against homosexual desires. In 1987, he was expelled from Homosexuals Anonymous for sexual activity, and in 1995 a similar scandal happened with his newly founded group FaithQuest Colorado. Cook had engaged in [[phone sex]], practiced long and grinding hugs, and asked patients to bring gay pornography to sessions so that he could help desensitize them against it.<ref>{{cite news | first = V. | last = Culver | title = Sessions with gays criticized: Former minister's counseling methods brought reprimands | publisher = [[Denver Post]] | date = 1995-10-27 }}</ref> *'''[[Michael Johnston]]''', an [[HIV]]-positive man who is featured in the film ''It's Not Gay'', promoted by the [[American Family Association]], had frequently been interviewed on U.S. television and radio regarding his claimed change in sexuality, and even featured in a national television advertising campaign in 1998 stating that Jesus Christ empowered him to leave his homosexual past. In 2002, he was exposed as having recently resumed having sex with men, and he admitted to having had unprotected sex with multiple male partners without disclosing his [[HIV]]-positive status, despite knowing he that he was HIV-positive, for over a period of two years.<ref>{{cite news | first = Laura | last = Douglas-Brown | title = Ex-gay leader Johnston allegedly had sex with men without disclosing he is HIV-positive | url = http://www.sovo.com/2003/8-8/news/national/exgay.cfm | publisher = Southern Voice | date = 2003-08-08 | accessdate = 2007-08-29 }}</ref> *'''Christopher Austin''' was an ex-gay counselor who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2007 for sexually assaulting a male client. Austin was affiliated with and gave presentations at [[NARTH]] and [[Evergreen International]], which describes him as "a therapist specializing in homosexual and sexual addiction recovery [and] the creator of RENEW, a multi-dimensional treatment approach for men struggling with homosexuality".<ref>{{cite news | first = Killan | last = Melloy | title = "Ex-Gay" Counselor Convicted of Sexual Assault on Man | url = http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=23018 | publisher = EDGE Boston | date = 2007-09-13 | accessdate = 2007-08-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Speakers.htm |title = Keynote Speakers and Frequent Presenters |accessdate = 2007-09-21 |publisher = Evergreen International }}</ref> *'''Terrance Lewis''' was a minister and former counsellor at Providence Bible College in Winnipeg, Canada who was found guilty in February 2008 for sexually assaulting a young man who sought counselling to make him straight. The alleged victim, now 29, told court he started meeting Lewis for counselling sessions in early 2000 after his parents caught him viewing gay pornography on the family computer. The man said Lewis started a program of “touch therapy,” which included the two kissing and fondling each other and engaging in sexual roleplaying. <ref>[http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/2008/02/14/4847839.html winnipegsun.com - Winnipeg News - Man found guilty in gay "therapy" case<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Crime/2008/02/12/4841898-sun.html CANOE - CNEWS - Crime: Bible college counsellor accused as gay predator<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == Ex-gay organizations == Ex-gay organizations began in the U.S. with Evangelical Christians, but has since spread to include Catholic, Church of Latter-day Saints, Jewish, Muslim and non-religious groups in several countries across the world. ===North and South America=== The first ex-gay ministry was formed in 1973, called [[Love in Action]].<ref>[http://www.loveinaction.org/default.aspx?pid=103 History] retrieved April 14, 2007</ref> Three years later, they joined with other ex-gay organizations to form [[Exodus International]]. Exodus is the largest ex-gay organization, and has grown to include over 120 local ministries in the U.S. and Canada.<ref>[http://exodus.to/content/category/6/24/57/ Who we are]Retrieved April 14, 2007</ref> Exodus International is the largest organization under the Exodus Global Alliance. Many other ex-gay organizations have been formed to cater to a specific religious group, such as [[Courage International|Courage]] for Catholics, [[Evergreen International]] for Mormons (LDS), [[OneByOne]] for Presbyterians, Transformation Congregations<ref>[http://www.transformingcong.org Index<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> for Methodists and [[Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality|JONAH]] for Jews. Other organizations have formed to meet specific needs. Witness Freedom Ministries caters to people of color with same-sex attractions.<ref>[http://www.witnessfortheworld.org/enter.html WitnessfortheWorld.org - Changing the World with Truth<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Exodus Youth is a group specifically designed for youth,<ref>[http://exodusyouth.net Exodus Youth<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and the [[NEA]] Ex-Gay Educators Caucus is a group formed to help ex-gay teachers and students.<ref>[http://www.nea-exgay.org NEA Ex-Gay Educators Caucus<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Others form after a specific technique, such as Homosexuals Anonymous<ref>[http://www.ha-fs.org Homosexuals Anonymous Fellowship Services - Home<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> which was modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous' 12 step program and [[International Healing Foundation]] was modeled after [[Richard Cohen]]'s methods. [[People Can Change]]<ref>[http://www.peoplecanchange.com People Can Change - An alternative, healing response to unwanted homosexual desires<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and [[PFOX]] are two other ex-gay organizations in North America. A major Web site that supports these efforts is [http://samesexattraction.org Same-sex Attraction]. In 1994, Esly Carvalho began Exodus Latino America.<ref>[http://www.exoduslatinoamerica.org Exodus Latinoamerica<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 2002, Exodus Brasil<ref>[http://www.exodus.org.br/ Exodus.Brasil<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> separated as a separate organization under Global Exodus Alliance. Other groups in Latin America include Courage Latino<ref>[http://www.courage-latino.org Courage Latino - Inicio<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> for Catholics, Elías S.O.S<ref>[http://www.cristianet.com.ar/frame_completa_homosexualidad.php?subaction=showfull&id=1159401356&archive=&start_from=&ucat=23 Elías S.O.S Homepage]</ref> in Argentina, and Camino de Salida<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/caminodesalida Camino De Salida<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in Ecuador. Es Posible el Cambio<ref>[http://www.esposibleelcambio.org Es posible el cambio<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> is an interdenominational group that advocates [[conversion therapy]]. === Europe === In 1975, Johan van de Sluis began EHAH (in English: Evangelical Counseling for Homosexuals) in the Netherlands.<ref name=ega>[http://www.exodusglobalalliance.org/ourhistoryc87.php Our History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> After visiting an Exodus conference in America, he combined his organization with others to form Exodus Europe in 1982.<ref name=ega /> Exodus Europe included True Freedom Trust in the UK, Medvandrarna<ref>[http://www.medvandrarna.se Medvandrarna<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in Sweden, Til Helhet<ref>[http://www.tilhelhet.no Til Helhet<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in Norway, Basis<ref>[http://www.basis.nu basis - Foreningen AGAPE's arbejde blandt mennesker med problemfyldt seksualitet<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in Denmark, Aslan<ref>[http://www.aslan.fi Aslan - kohti eheyttä<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in Finland, Different (the old EHAH)<ref>http://www.totheildesvolks.nl/engels/ehah.htm</ref> in Belgium and Onze Weg<ref>[http://www.onzeweg.nl/ Webpagina van stichting Onze Weg<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in the Netherlands. In April 2007, Exodus Europe decided to break away from the Global Exodus Alliance because it was too affected by American thinking.<ref>[http://www.exgaywatch.com/wp/2006/12/exodus-european/ Exodus European Member Ministries Secede | Ex-Gay Watch<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> These ministries are now part of LINC (Live in Christ). <ref>[http://www.liveinchrist.eu]</ref> The United Kingdom also has Encourage <ref>[http://www.encouragetrust.org.uk Encouragetrust<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> for Catholics and [[StraightWay Foundation]]<ref>[http://straightway.sinfree.net/ StraightWay - The Straight Struggle<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> for Muslims. === Australia and Asia === In 1978, Peter Lane began the first ex-gay group in Australia, which is called Liberty Ministry.<ref name=ega /> In 1987, it joined with other ministries to form Exodus Asia Pacific.<ref>[http://www.exodusasiapacific.org welcome to EXODUS ASIA PACIFIC<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 1990 Frank Worthen went to the Philippines and formed Bagong Pag-asa.<ref>[http://www.bagongpagasa.org Bagong Pagasa<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Other significant ex-gay groups under Exodus Asia Pacific include Liberty Christian Ministries<ref>[http://www.libertychristianministries.org.au Liberty Christian Ministries Inc. - Home<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in Australia, Rainbow 7<ref>[http://www.rainbow-7.org.tw/ 歡迎您來到台灣走出埃及關懷輔導協會<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in Taiwan, Liberty League<ref>[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/188060/1/.html Non-profit group gets grant to promote 'healthy gender identity']</ref> in Singapore and Pursuing Liberty Under Christ <ref>[http://www.asianbeacon.org/articles.php?aid=137 Asian Beacon<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> in Malaysia. Ex-gay organizations in the Middle East include [[Atzat Nefesh]]<ref>[http://www.atzat-nefesh.org Atzat-Nefesh<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> for Jews and Al-Tawbah<ref>[http://www.al-tawbah.faithweb.com Home<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> for Muslims. ==See also== *[[Same-sex attraction]] (SSA) *[[Conversion therapy]] *[[Ex-ex-gay]] *[[Exotic Becomes Erotic theory]] *[[Mixed-orientation marriage]] == References == {{reflist|3}} == External links == * [http://www.ewtn.com/library/humanity/homo.htm Christian Anthropology and Homosexuality] * [http://www.catholicculture.org/library/view.cfm?RecNum=3336 "Homosexuality & Hope] Catholic Medical Association === Ex-gay organizations and advocacy groups === * [http://www.exodusglobalalliance.org/ Exodus International] * [http://www.narth.com/ National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality] * [http://www.desertstream.org/ Desert Stream Ministries] * [http://www.peoplecanchange.com/ People Can Change] * [http://www.ssaml.com/ Same Sex Attraction Morality League] * [http://couragerc.net/ Courage] * [http://www.evergreeninternational.org/index.html Evergreen International] * [http://www.pfox.org/ Parents and Friends of Exgays and Gays] * [http://www.sbministries.org/ Stephen Bennett Ministries, Inc.] * [http://www.regenerationministries.org/ Regeneration, Inc.] * [http://www.ha-fs.org/ Homosexuals Anonymous Fellowship Services] * [http://www.jonahweb.org/ Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality] * [http://www.life-ministry.com/ L.I.F.E. Ministry] === Sites critical of ex-gay movement === * [http://www.exgaywatch.com Ex-Gay Watch] Watchdog blog reporting on conversion therapy and the ex-gay movement * [http://truthwinsout.com/ Truth Wins Out] Non-profit organization, founded by [[Wayne Besen]], to oppose the ex-gay movement. Name is parody of [[Focus on the Family]]'s [[Love Won Out]] *[http://www.beyondexgay.com/ Beyond Ex-Gay] Support website co-run by [[Peterson Toscano]] and Christine Bakke, for people coming out of ex-gay experiences * [http://www.glaad.org/action/campaigns_detail.php?id=3305& GLAAD on Ex-gays] - [[Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation]] (GLAAD) resources on ex-gays * [http://www.pflag.org/index.php?id=280 PFLAG responds to ex-gay movement] - [[Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays]] fact sheet about the conversion therapy movement * [http://www.outstraight.net OutStraight] {{Sexual Identities}} {{LGBT-footer |culture=yes}} [[Category:Ex-gay movement|*]] [[Category:Intentional living]] [[Category:Sexual orientation and identity]] [[de:Ex-Gay-Bewegung]] [[es:Ex-gay]] [[it:Ex-gay]] [[hu:Ex-gay]] [[no:Seksuell reorientering]] [[pt:Ex-gay]] [[zh:去同性戀]]