RE: NARTH, the member numbers are fuzzy, but several years ago, I was told that there “around 1000 members” mostly pastors and laypeople. The professional members (those with degrees in mental health) were under 200.

I agree with you that the language is not yet there for many. Did you know the word homosexual has only existed about 150 years?

My mistake. I thought we were on the same page with a couple of ideas but I see that is not the case.

According to wikipedia, “This is usually understood to be congenital, involving chromosomal, morphologic, genital and/or gonadal anomalies, such as diversion from typical XX-female or XY-male presentations, e.g., sex reversal (XY-female, XX-male), genital ambiguity, sex developmental differences. An intersex individual may have biological characteristics of both the male and the female sexes.”

Are you suggesting that “ex-gay/post/former” gays have such congenital, chromosomal, morphologic, genital and/or gonadal anomalies”? Do you describe yourself as such?

BTW: I do accept people as people — of equal dignity and value regardless of what labels they may or may not apply to themselves. The labels only help to describe sexual orientation (gay, bi, straight, etc.) They are not meant to define the totality or “identity” of the “person”. At least, that is not how I used these terms. I’m a gay male. My brother is a straight male. That’s all. No negative or positive implications about us as people.

No doubt in any therapy situation, one can find something that is painful. However, finding pain in the life of someone who is gay does not mean that it relates to the cause of the sexual orientation.

Amen.

Sadly, when the religious techniques don’t work to effect change, as is often true, the result can be despair and a sense of failure. I know of young men who have become disillusioned with their faith, leaving it since it promised change without delivering on the promise.

So do I. More than I can count.

NOM. National Organization for Marriage.

Ok, yes, I have heard of them. I think the head person ( a lady ) was on Larry King once when I was watching.

The AFA, FRC, Exodus Intl, American Vision, CWA, just to name a few

The only one here that I recognize is Exodus – are they well endowed, well, monitarily that is? Also is the FRC the Family Research Center? I don’t know anything about them except I have heard their name. The others I don’t know at all. How do you know they are backed with a lot of money?

Don’t read so much into it. Take it as simply as possible – maybe we are a diverse people.

Perhaps you missed my response in all the recent posts, but I would appreciate it if you would explain what you are referring to in this comment.

Mary# ~ Jan 24, 2011 at 12:24 am

“You either have a short memory as to what you agreed to”