A researcher at University of Montana is conducting a study designed to learn more about the experiences of people who (1) have gone through therapy or an intervention that was meant to change their sexual orientation, and (2) currently identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
If you participate in this study, you will be asked to provide information such as your sexual orientation, age, income, past experiences in therapy meant to change your sexual orientation, psychological symptoms, and religiosity.In order to participate, you must be at least 18 years of age. You will be given $15 for your participation, although the information that you provide will be invaluable for educating others about the experiences of ex-ex-gay individuals.
If you would like to participate or know someone who may be interested in participating, please contact the researcher:
Annesa Santa, M. A.
The University of Montana
(406) 261-0298
annesasanta@gmail.com
Crossposted via Wayne Besen.
Friday, March 13, 2009
University Study Needs Ex-Gay Survivors To Share Their Experiences
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Diversity Lesson 101: Ex-Gay Survivors
What is an ex-gay survivor?
Ex-gay survivors are people who were once under religious/social pressure and attempting to change their sexual orientation to heterosexual, but eventually came to embrace their sexual identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender after years of trauma and hardship suffered through 'reparative therapy'.
What do ex-gay camps and programs do?
Ex-gay groups are desperate to find a 'cure' for homosexuality even though sexual orientation is natural and not a disease. Due to their stubbornness and rejection of science and psychology there is virtually every kind of 'therapy program' available and they all claim to be succesful. The truth be told is none of them work. Some of the more popular techniques are behavior modification, electroshock therapy, touch therapy, psychoanalysis, prayer, exorcisms, and others. The techniques get extremely bizarre and questionable which is another reason why it is illegal and unethical for any professional to engage in so called 'reparative therapy'. Some of these more bizarre techniques include lifestyle changes such as conforming the identity to match their birth gender. Electroshock therapy while a person is stimulated by same-sex porn, but not when they watch heterosexual pornography. Touch therapy is when a counselor of the same-sex touches the victim in an attempt to make them feel loved and alleviate their same-sex desires.
Can someone change their sexual orientation?
People cannot willingly change their sexual orientation or gender identity. The American Psychological Association and American Medical Association as well as others in the scientific community strongly condemn so called 'reparative therapy' for its unscientific approach, inability to produce valid results, and for the damage it inflicts on its victims.
There have been zero peer reviewed studies indicating any change in sexual orientation or gender identity. While "ex-gay" groups are heavily funded by the church and continue to spew out lies saying thousands "have walked away from the homosexual lifestyle" the truth is there are only a handful of people who actually maintain that they are indeed "ex-gay" and these people are either suppressing their true identity, choosing celibacy, or flat out lying while living a double life.
Sexual orientation is usually consistent throughout a lifetime, some people do experience a shift in sexuality due to sexual fluidity, this however is not a conscious choice but more a result of nature and is in most instances rare.
Ex-Gay Survivor Links:
Truth Wins Out
Ex-Gay Annual Survivor Conference
Beyond Ex-Gay
Other Resources:
Anything but Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth
Fish Can't Fly Film
Tips for Creating a Love Welcomes All Conference
Ex-Gay Survivor Videos:
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Word of the Gay: "Ex-Ex-Gay"
"Ex-Ex-Gays" are people who were once under religious/social pressure attempting to change their sexual orientation to heterosexual, but eventually came to embrace their sexual identity as LGBT.
Posts
