Former ‘Ex-Gay’ Activist John Smid on Hardball with Chris Matthews

Wayne Besen October 19, 2011

I’m glad to see Smid telling the truth. Chris Matthews has been a major ally on our issues and uses his platform in a very positive way. As always, Michelle Goldberg of The Daily Beast was eloquent and knowledgeable.

John Smid Michelle Bachmann

About the Author

Wayne Besen is the Founding Executive Director of Truth Wins Out and author of “Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth” (Haworth, 2003). In 2010, Besen was awarded the “Visionary Award” at the Out Music Awards for organizing the American Prayer Hour, an event which shined a spotlight on the role American evangelicals played in the introduction of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

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8 Comments

Christoph October 19, 2011 at 9:38 am -

Great video; thanks for posting !

But really, it’s 2011; why are we even having this conversation today ??

And, as for people like the Bachmanns, shame, shame !
Daniel October 19, 2011 at 11:52 am -

Christoph, it may be 2011 but religious bigotry hasn’t dissappeared. Stupidity and hypocrisy haven’t dissappeared.
Reese M October 19, 2011 at 1:07 pm -

Stupidity and bigotry are timeless. In 2011, there are still racists. There are still people who believe in witchcraft. There are still people who believe in heaven and hell and that women are inherentl inferior. And these people act on these beliefs.

Worst of all, there are still people who, as nice and well meaning as they may be in person, are brainwashed enough to vote for someone like Bachman or Cain. And that affects the rest of us, in 2011 and beyond.
Reed Boyer October 19, 2011 at 2:02 pm -

This is a good step.
Michael October 19, 2011 at 2:25 pm -

Reese, you do realize that Neo-Pagans, including those followers of Witchcraft traditions, tend to be some of the most open-minded and accepting members of our society when it comes to GLBT causes. Right? We shouldn’t lump such allies in with the likes of the ex-gay movement, the Bachmans, Cains, Santorums or their ilk. And many GLBT people have migrated to Neo-Paganism so that they could live spiritual lives away from the oppressive and judgmental faith communities of their youth.
Alonzo October 19, 2011 at 3:20 pm -

Thank you Michael!
Edward Harper October 20, 2011 at 11:03 am -

Michael, Reese clearly wasn’t talking about neo-pagans. He was talking about the sincere belief by some christians that there are people in league with the devil who have the ability to cast spells. But thanks for sharing your advertisement for Wicca.
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