Start an ex-gay club at school

PFOX ^ | Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | PFOX program

[AgThorn]

Start an ex-gay club at school!
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Start an ex-gay club at your school! What is the purpose of an Ex-Gay & Everstraight student Club? The purpose of an ex-gay & everstraight club is to provide a safe environment for all students to discuss alternatives to homosexuality and find ex-gay resources.  Clubs can be started by students who have never been gay (everstraights), ex-gay students, and those struggling with unwanted same sex attraction.  These alternative ex-gay clubs are started at schools (high school or college) which already have a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) or similar gay affirming club.  These ex-gay clubs can be called by whatever name the student(s) decide is best for their school. Why do schools need Ex-Gay Clubs for all students? Young people’s same sex attractions do not automatically mean that they are homosexual.  Many teens go through temporary episodes of idealization of same sex peers and should not be urged to prematurely label themselves as “gay.”  Most parents hope to maximize the likelihood of their child growing up to be heterosexual and comfortable in claiming his or her own masculine or feminine nature.  Students themselves have the right to be presented with all options.  With an Ex-Gay Alternatives Club at their school, students have the option of receiving all of the facts on sexual orientation before trying to adopt a gay identity.  Students need positive support from teachers and their peers to deal with their unwanted same sex attractions.  Straight kids (everstraights) need to understand what their peers are struggling with and why.  Schools must present ex-gay options and resources. How do Ex-Gay/Everstraight Clubs stop homophobia? People fear what they do not understand.  Students who do not understand why some of their peers struggle with same sex attractions will now have answers as to why and how homosexuality originates.  They will learn that there is no scientific evidence of a gay gene, and that participating in name calling of  other students only affirms that student’s mistaken gay identity.  Students will also have a positive outlet for participating in pro-ex-gay activities instead of anti-gay behavior.  For example, why tear down a gay club flyer?  The problem of homosexual struggles still remains.  Instead, post an Ex-Gay & Everstraight Club flyer.  How do Ex-Gay/Everstraight school Clubs help to prevent AIDS?  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in the year 2000, 49% of all AIDS cases were among young men who had sex with other males, ranging in ages 13 to 24.  An Ex-Gay Alternatives Club will introduce alternatives to homosexuality so that young people will not find it necessary to participate in risky sexual behavior.  Are Ex-Gay Clubs legal at schools? An Ex-Gay Club has the same rights as a gay club at your school to use school facilities, PA systems, bulletin boards, the school paper; participate in events; present speakers, etc. How do I start an Ex-Gay & Everstraight Club? College students can start a club by filing an application for recognition of a school club with  their college.  For public high schools, school Clubs are usually formed by a student and sponsored by a teacher or other educational staff or a school librarian, nurse or counselor.  Potential sponsors can explain Ex-Gay & Everstraight clubs to concerned students.  Students should search for a sympathetic teacher to sponsor the Club.  Emphasize that you want a safe environment for straight, gay and questioning students to discuss sexual orientation.  Request a written copy of the school policy for starting school clubs or student organizations.  Review copies of other school clubs that have completed a constitution or charter.  Email Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) at pfox_exgays@hotmail.com for extensive start-up materials. How do I advertise my Ex-Gay & Everstraight School Club? Plan a time and room for the Club to meet.  Meeting in an out-of-the-way schoolroom during lunch hour may ensure privacy and convenience.  Be sure to maintain confidentiality of members and discussions.  Meetings should last no longer than an hour.  For high schools, the faculty sponsor should attend all meetings in order to offer support and mediate discussions.  Advertise by word-of-mouth, posting flyers (see below sample flyer), the school paper, etc.  By posting flyers, you give hope to others by letting them know they are not alone, even if they never attend a meeting.  Tell school counselors and social workers about the club because they may know students interested in joining.  Ask your friends to support you.  If your school allows gay club to post on the school’s website, your club can too.  Do Ex-Gay & Everstraight Student Clubs have to meet at school? Clubs can also meet in churches, public library meeting rooms, parental homes, etc.  If a high school club does not meet at school, it can be formed by someone other than a student. Who can I contact with questions or problems in starting my Ex-Gay & Everstraight School Club?  Contact PFOX (Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays) at pfox_exgays@hotmail.com for start-up materials and ongoing support.  See www.pfox.org  for information about PFOX.

[AgThorn]

One of my favorite charities. I especially enjoy supporting them via payroll deduction from my employer who strongly supports homosexual rights as a 'culture' item. Support PFOX, they do good work.

[gaijin]

This is a truly worthy social cause that needs our cuddles and warm support. To think of all the lonely EX-gay people who need our understanding...!

I, for one, will not tolerate the lack of resources for the former gay.

I hold my head high, clench my fist and vow with righteous indignation, NEVER AGAIN....!

[gaijin]

Wait a minute...

We have activism for TRANS-gendered....aren't we ignoring the MONO-gendered? What about them?

What about the men who because they are artistically-inclined but still dig big boobs are inwardly MALE LESBIANS...?

Increase the peace!

[max_bshp]

Hi, my name is ______ and I've realized that I'm not gay.


HI _______ ! Welcome to the EX-gay club annonymous meeting.