Exodus National Ex-Gay Conference 6/27 to 7/2 2006

http://www.exodusfreedom.org/freedom/index2.cfm ^ | 3/26/06

[dcnd9]

"LIVE OUT LOUD" 2006 FREEDOM CONFERENCE

[img] www.exodusfreedom.org/freedom/images/2006Conf/Box_Subtitles1.3.jpg[img]

[MineralMan]

"Funny you should mention it. I've been labeled with all sorts of titles. For example: "Right wing nut job", "Fundamentalist ignorant homophobic closed minded redneck" "Religious Nazi" just to name a few, add vulgarity for emphasis and you get the idea."

---

That may be, but you've not been so labeled by me. I don't do that. As for your suggestion that threads about homosexuality are all I comment on, well, that's just not true. I'm active in several areas.

[little jeremiah]

Here's an article from a few days ago critquing Dr. Spitzer's study on former homosexuals:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1598889/posts

Some interesting excerpts:

"Of particular interest was the finding that problematic masculinity may be more amenable to sexual reorientation interventions than an absent/weak paternal bond. This finding suggests that homosexual attractions may be more related to gender (a sense of maleness or masculinity) than to sexuality itself. Also, it may suggest that treatment aimed at strengthening gender identity may be more efficacious than focusing on strengthening parental bonds."

"Thus Karten's study, along with others, adds to the body of clinical and research data that conclude that homosexuality is more fluid than fixed. Indeed, the quality of such research, mentored by seasoned professionals, provides scientific evidence to refute the repeated claims of The American Psychological Association (APA) that there is "no published scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of reparative therapy as a treatment to change one's sexual orientation." The Spitzer study provided clear evidence to the contrary. And now, the Karten study expands on the Spitzer study by identifying factors that are associated with treatment success.

With such data providing support for the efficacy of reparative therapy with some individuals, the question of the ethics of APA discouraging such therapy now becomes center stage. No longer can the opponents of reparative therapy state there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness. More importantly, as reparative therapy is studied, perhaps it is time for APA to insist on data to support the efficacy of other therapies, including gay affirmative therapy.

The ethical route demands the following: clients should be informed of the possibility that they may be disappointed if therapy (for any reason) does not succeed, so they can make a rational decision whether or not enter therapy. Offering such a choice should be fundamental to any therapeutic endeavor, and is central to client autonomy and client self-determination. In fact, it is clearly unethical for any professional, informed by the literature and guided by evidence-based interventions, to deny the choice of therapy to those who are unhappy with their same-sex attractions and seek therapy to diminish those attractions.

Though such research into sexual reorientation may be viewed as politically incorrect, no longer can it be ignored. Sociopolitical concerns must not interfere with the scientist's freedom to research any reasonable hypothesis, or to explore the efficacy of any reasonable treatment."


I would also ask this question (rhetorically; I don't expect anyone to answer it) - why are some people so opposed to the fact that there are indeed former homosexuals?

[dcnd9]

It took 30 yrs for AA to become validated. Alcoholic behavior could be overcome. You did not have to succumb because of genetic predisposition. You had a responsibility in the chosen behavior. Same for SS.

SSA can be overcome. SS can be overcome.

You don't have to be gay.

This is why they are afraid of ex-gay truth.

[balch3]

these are FORMER homosexuals.

[little jeremiah]

Exactly so.

The existence of former homosexuals removes every bit of foundation for the "gay rights" movement.

[Alter Kaker]

these are FORMER homosexuals.

Whatever you say. I'd still make sure they use protection.

[Antoninus]

OK. Suppose two people who are struggling with their homosexuality are picked to room together. I can see where that arrangement might interfere with their goal to stop being homosexual.

Are you saying that people who are or have been sufferers of same-sex attraction disorder are somehow inherently less able to control their sexual urges and bunking in the same room as someone of the same sex might cause a problem?

I'm saving this thread for the next "gays in the military" thread that comes up. I can guess which side of that argument you're on...

[Antoninus]

I can tell you this though, I don't have an obsession or predilection to go around on EVERY SINGLE thread with a certain topic that I claim neutrality on and play the devil's advocate. ;^) Maybe ther's a name for that behavior???? LMAO!

If there's not, then there should be. Perhaps we can call it "MineralManity."

[SoulMan]

I believe the other poster is assuming that I'm somehow mocking this organization. While I feel that it fails more often than it succeeds, It doesn't bother me that some gay people turn to such organizations in an attempt to change their orientation.

I'm not mocking. I'm just pointing out that randomly assigning roommates at such an event seems to me to be a mistake. Perhaps they have some sort of vetting process, but it sure doesn't appear in their housing statement.

Ugh, I wasn't going to make any more comments, but this post got my blood boiling. As a man who spent decades struggling with issues around homosexuality, I have to speak up.

First of all, as to the discouraging remark that change fails more often then it succeeds, I say nonsense. It's corny but it's true: the program works if you work it. My life was saved by the few mental health professionals and some others who believe change is possible. Believe me, if one person, one human being, one soul is saved from the hell of homosexuality, it's worth all the effort. But the poor statistics about recovery from homosexuality or drug addiction or depression or any other mental health problem have more to do with the sad sate of mental health care than anything else. These statistics are in no ways a comment on whether the condition itself (homosexuality or any mental health disorder) is "curable" or amenable to treatment.

As to the incredibly heartless discussion about the risks of randomly assigning roommates, I almost don't know what to say. We are talking about an organization that is trying to help people who are deeply wounded and traumatized, whose lives may be a living hell, and the people on this discussion board are concerned about roommates "screwing around". Please tell me this isn't true.

Let me ask a question: Does anyone see a different possibility. Perhaps two people, who have both experienced a lot of hurt and rejection in their lives, will meet be assigned as roommates at the conference and become FRIENDS, not screw around, but actual friends ad help each throughout their lives, coping with the incredible struggles and hurdles they will have to overcome. Does that possibility occur to anyone?

[little jeremiah]

Thanks for your comments. I especially liked this:

But the poor statistics about recovery from homosexuality or drug addiction or depression or any other mental health problem have more to do with the sad sate of mental health care than anything else. These statistics are in no ways a comment on whether the condition itself (homosexuality or any mental health disorder) is "curable" or amenable to treatment.

Your experience is worth more than all the verbiage upthread.

[DirtyHarryY2K]

Ditto!

Thanks for chiming in SoulMan.

God bless.

[DirtyHarryY2K]

LOL