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The AMA opposes, the use of "reparative" or "conversion" therapy that is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her homosexual orientation. In other words, the AMA does not reject ex-gay therapy per se, but opposes therapists who equate homosexuality with sickness or who assume, regardless of the individual patient, that orientation should be changed.
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that promote homophobia
and self-hatred
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Over the years thousands of gay Christians have found themselves struggling with the issue of whether God accepts them just as they are, or if a change in sexual orientation is required for salvation. The apparent contradiction between faith and sexuality has taken a high toll on many sincere Christians who have spent considerable time, energy and money trying to change, often with no favorable results. Outward behavior is modified, but the same-sex attractions remain. Can gays and lesbians change their sexual orientation? The ex-gay movement says yes, but then admits it is a long, difficult journey: This "difficult road" has been called into question by many former ex-gays who have traveled it’s winding path and know first-hand the toll it can take. These ex-ex-gays believed the promise of "Freedom from homosexuality" boldly proclaimed by ex-gay leaders and joined an ex-gay ministry in hope of "change". After months or even years in the ex-gay movement however, these former ex-gays report that their experience was not only ineffective in changing their same-sex attractions, but in many cases it did considerable harm to their mental and emotional health.
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You are not alone. If you are struggling with gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered feelings, you need to know that there are millions of us who have shared your journey. You do not have to believe what are you being told about yourself in your counseling or restorative therapy. Like others, I, Marc Adams, learned the journey to peace began with accepting myself. There is freedom from the cycle of pain, shame and fear caused by restorative therapy. If you're gay or think you might be gay, you don't have to allow yourself to be recruited into a simulated heterosexual lifestyle. Self-acceptance is the only real way to end the relentless and dangerous rollercoaster of reparative/restorative therapy. Tired of pretending? Tired of lying to yourself and others? Tired of living a dual life? The journey to self-acceptance begins here.
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However, when researcher Dr. Robert Spitzer went looking for well-established ex-gays to study in 2000-2001, he only found 200 people eligible to participate in his study -- even though he publicized his study through ex-gay ministries and reparative therapists for 16 months. Most ex-gay leaders say that it's possible to change from gay to straight, and a few sincerely believe they have changed their orientation. Most ex-gays, however, report they have only modified their behavior, not their sexual attractions. Few leaders in the ex-gay movement claim a success rate any higher than 20 to 30 percent -- and they do not clearly define what constitutes success. In any event, they do not discuss what happened to the other 70 to 80 percent. Many of those who did not "succeed" have organized an "ex-ex-gay" movement with its own ministries to encourage tolerance, sexual moderation, and spiritual healing from wounds they say were caused by intolerant fundamentalism and prejudice.
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REPARATIVE THERAPY: A PSUEDO SCIENCE
Jeffry G. Ford
He has specialized in addressing the complexities involved with the
anti-gay theory known both as
Reparative Therapy and Sexual Conversion Therapy, which
purports to prevent and cure homosexuality. He speaks from experience
as one who studied and practiced reparative therapies for years.
Because of his personal and professional experience, Ford is able to
offer accurate answers and powerful insight. He provides useful skills
and tools to challenge the dangerous use of pseudo scientific theories
like these and other discrediited methods. He is a frequent workshop
presenter and guest lecturer He was formerly the executive director of
OUTPOST an "ex-gay" ministry located in Minneapolis, MN. For almost 10
years Jeff claimed to be a "former homosexual". For many years he was a
national speaker for Exodus International, which remains the governing
Board and communication hub for most ex-gay ministries. |
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We are a group of concerned Memphians who have come together to work towards educating society about the existence of "ex-gay" ministries. |
