Gay Groups To Protest ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy Organization NARTH In Philadelphia, Saturday, Nov. 6
Demonstration Takes On New Urgency Following LGBT Teen Suicide Crisis
What: A coalition of local and statewide LGBT organizations will protest the annual conference of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), on Saturday, Nov. 6 (noon-1:30 PM). The so-called “ex-gay” group falsely believes that homosexuality is a psychological condition that can be cured through prayer and therapy. The organizations protesting want to send the message that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are fine just the way they are, and that you can’t “pray away the gay.”
The LGBT advocacy groups will be joined by mental health professionals, survivors of “ex-gay” therapy and nationally known LGBT bloggers. The demonstrators will point out that “ex-gay” therapy is harmful, ineffective and a fringe practice that is rejected by every respected medical and mental health association in America. The protest takes on new urgency, following a series of teen suicides due to anti-gay bullying.
Theme: The notorious “ex-gay” group NARTH is hoping that Americans have amnesia and don’t remember that its most “prominent” board member, George Rekers, was forced to resign in May. Rekers stepped down after he was caught vacationing with a male escort he met on RentBoy.com. When asked why he had hired the young man, Rekers said it was to, “lift his luggage.” The theme of this event is “Lift My Luggage” and protesters are urged to bring luggage to the protest (pink luggage would be ideal).
Location: Saturday, Nov. 6
Noon-1:30PM
Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel, 500 Stevens Drive
Who: The Lift My Luggage demonstration is co-sponsored by Truth Wins Out, Equality Pennsylvania, PFLAG, Equality Forum, The William Way LGBT Community Center, MCC Philadelphia, The Mazzoni Center, ex-gay therapy survivor Chaim Levin, Pam Spaulding (Pam’s House Blend), Joe Jervis (Joe.My.God), Jeremy Hooper (Good As You) and Zack Ford (ZackFordBlogs.com).
Bonus: November 5th-7th Soulforce will host a symposium exposing ex-gay quack therapy that will feature Jay Bakker, Dr. Daniel Helminiak, Peterson Toscano, Christine Bakke. It will be a great weekend of protest and learning about the ex-gay myth.
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We must not, of course, lose sight of the fact that anti-gay abusers and “ex-gay” charlatans are frequently very sick people. As in the case of paedophiles, some of those who are anti-gay-identified or are struggling with homo-negativity have themselves been victims of abuse in the past. We need to reach out to them in their brokenness, graciously and with true compassion, while lovingly challenging them on their immoral attitudes and lifestyles. We cannot simply stand aside and let them perpetuate the cycle of anti-gay abuse. Instead we must proclaim to them the redemptive truth that change is possible and be willing to walk alongside them in their journey towards healing and authentic freedom.