Comments on: Year in review: Top ten stories of 2008

By: MIchael Bussee

MIchael Bussee — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:09:10 +0000

Mary: EXODUS may not be the “be all and end all” of being “ex-gay”, but EXODUS is the first, largest and most well-known when it comes to the real “ex-gay movement”. They have a responsibility — and they have a voice.
In over thirty years, they have failed to use it powerfully to (1) get truly honest about what “change” and “ex-gay” really mean, (2) firmly and specifically denounce hatemongers and bigots, (3) speak with a clear pastoral.ministerial voice — staying out of politics and sticking to ministry and (4) offer any sincere words of remorse for the harm they may have caused along the way.
Readers will remember that on his personal blog, EXODUS President, Alan Chambers, actually scoffed at the idea that EXODUS owed anyone an apology in spite of the many heartfelt personal stories of pain told by “Ex-gay Survivors”.)
The other more moderate voices of compassion and reform, most notably Wendy Gritter’s, were largely ignored by EXODUS. Yes, at first EXODUS uttered received warm praise for her suggestions — promising to try to undertake her reforms — and then did practially nothing to really change their tune.

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:58:16 +0000

You did include in you statment reparative therapy. It’s always difficult to know just which statemnt or article you will take out of your last post to argue with someone.

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:57:23 +0000

Exodus is not the end all and be all of ex gay. Just a thought.

By: Michael Bussee

Michael Bussee — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:00:39 +0000

Mary. I was not talking about experiences with my therapist(s) over the years. Most have been very competent, caring and ethical and have helped me over some very rough spots — my divorce, the death of three partners to AIDS, the murder of my friend at the hands of gay bashers — and some “everyday” issues, like dealing with stress, career choices, coping with Bipoloar Disorer, etc.
I was speaking specifically of EXODUS, not individuals therapists. I am speaking of :
(1) EXODUS’ persistent failure (as an organization) to be completely honest with the public,
(2) its suggestion that “real” or “true” Christians would (should) agree with them that homosexuality is a sin the can (and should) be “changed”,
(3) it’s failure to fimly denouce the hatemongers and bigots who seem drawn to the “reparative therapy movement” and
(4) EXODUS’s ill-advised alliances with right-wing politics — insead of “sticking to ministry” as EXODUS was created.
It sounds like to have a very good therapist. Until EXODUS makes some major changes and whole-heartedly adopts Wendy Gritter’s very wise and love suggestions for reform, I will have to withhole praise for them.

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:20:10 +0000

Wow – I think a lot has changed since your days in therapy. Or maybe I have a good therapist??
However, I sincerely think that politics should stay out of the therapy room. And I do know that many ex gays abhor themselves to the point of becoming gay bashers. That’s sad.