People who were spiritually and emotionally injured by “ex-gay” ministries and reparative therapy gathered in south Florida two months ago to reflect on their experiences and their recovery.
The conference organizers have now made video of these recollections available. Video length: about 50 minutes.
The Anti-Heterosexism Conference was co-sponsored by Soulforce, the National Black Justice Coalition, Truth Wins Out, Box Turtle Bulletin, Equality Florida, and Beyond Ex-Gay.
To highlight the trauma ex-gay ministries often cause families, TWO has eleased an exclusive video documenting the story of “ex-gay” survivor Robert Elster, who participated in ex-gay programs for 20 years. Convinced by these groups that he was cured, he married his wife Judy for 15 years and they had two children. Unfortunately, the marriage ended because Robert had not become straight. He had been sold false hope and bought into what he now calls his “inauthentic self.” Today, he lives as an out, proud openly gay man in California.
Nick Cavnar spent 30 years as an Ex-Gay. When he finally found the strength to come out, he discovered a warm and friendly community ready to accept him.
Chris Camp was a victim of the “ex-gay” myth. For many years, he was a true believer, only to later realize he was living in denial.
In this video, he discusses how he had sex with women, prayed, tried sports and expensive therapy to go from gay to straight.
Camp also details how Exodus members would caress his hand during prayer meetings – highlighting how no one had “changed.”
Eventually, Camp found happiness by coming out of the closet. He closes his story by urging ‘ex-gay’ survivors to tell their stories on video for TruthWinsOut.org.
Clint Trout survived the “ex-gay” ministries. He attended several Exodus Internationals ministries – including a few that offered offered live exorcisms to rid clients of the “demon of homosexuality.” Other groups offered “laughing therapy” – which is demonstrated on this video.
The “ex-gay” trap was a drain that “ate Clint’s life for 13 years.” In fact, it stopped him from achieving his goals and dreams.
With a gift of $35 to Truth Wins Out, you can receive an autographed copy of "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth."
