Ex-gay MovementThe ex-gay movement is a term sometimes applied to the efforts to overcome same-sex attraction. It includes the individuals who are unhappy with same-sex attractions and are working to change them, as well as the organizations who support them. The movement is strongest in the United States, though it includes individuals and organizations in nearly every country on earth. The organizations are largely religious-based, although some are secular, scientific organizations. The ex-gay movement does not advocate denial of same-sex feelings, but believes they mask deeper underlying issue that need to be addressed. |
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Ex-gay Organizations
Two of the largest organizations are described below, along with a coalition of other groups.
Exodus International
Exodus International (www.exodus.to and www.exodusglobalalliance.org) is the largest Christian referral and information ministry in the ex-gay movement. Its monthly newsletters, annual conferences, speaking engagements and Web services offer encouragement and help for unwanted same-sex attraction. Exodus does not believe individuals are born gay. It believes homosexual feelings are a byproduct of a person's upbringing and unnatural desires. With counseling, prayer, and other support, individuals can be changed through "the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Founded in 1976, it is an interdenominational organization which has grown to include over 120 local ministries in the USA and Canada and is linked with other Exodus world regions outside of North America, totaling over 150 ministries in 17 countries. Exodus promotes a system of support comprising a church, a therapist, and a support group. Exodus focuses on the following priorities: (1) ministry referrals, (2) monthly newsletter, (3) annual Exodus freedom conference, and (4) speaking engagements.
Evergreen International
Evergreen International (www.evergreeninternational.org)
is a non-profit organization located in Salt Lake City, Utah, whose stated
mission is to assist "people who want to diminish same-sex attractions and
overcome homosexual behavior." Although functioning independently of any church,
Evergreen is religiously based around the teachings of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon church). The organization
sustains the teachings of the Church "without reservation or exception."
Evergreen has one or more emeritus general authorities on its board of trustees,
and teaches its principles to Latter-day Saints, and especially ecclesiastical
leaders through working with the church as well as hosting informational
meetings, workshops, and annual conferences.
Evergreen's literature portrays same-sex attraction as a changeable condition.
They do not believe that same-sex attraction itself is a sin, but that
homosexual behavior is. Evergreen itself does not offer any form of therapy, but
does offer a large selection of literature in their bookstore, while also
maintaining contact with counseling agencies throughout the United States and
the world. Evergreen focuses on three major priorities: (1) referral to and
resource information for
support groups,
therapists, and other
organizations, (2) resources, such as
printed information and their
Web site, and (3) education, such as
conferences,
seminars, and firesides.
Positive Alternatives to Homosexuality (PATH)
On July 8, 2003 a group of 11 non-profit organizations created a coalition called PATH (www.pathinfo.org), including secular, therapeutic and research organizations in the U.S. and Germany as well as African-American, Catholic, Jewish, Latter-day Saint (Mormon), and Protestant ministries. This group sponsored ads on billboards and in major newspapers showing people who have overcome their same-sex attractions. This group also sponsored joint meetings of these organizations to plan a strategy on how to talk about ex-gay issues and counter the efforts of pro-gay organizations.
Visit some of the major ex-gay Web sites