Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Ex-Gay Exposé: Exploring Practices and Harm in Reparative Therapy
November 7-9, 2008; Denver, CO
This special weekend of events will be for allies and ex-gay survivors alike. As ex-gay proponenet NARTH* gathers for its annual conference on Novemeber 7-9, we will have the opportunity to stand as witnesses to the harm of ex-gay reparative therapy.
At Beyond Ex-Gay, we do more than simply protest. We partner with local, regional and national groups to offer a thoughtful response to counter the misinformation presented at conferences like NARTH's. During the weekend we will organize another ex-gay survivor gathering, an art show and a special event for LGBT-affirming therapists . We will also co-sponsor an evening with Peterson Toscano as he speaks and performs excerpts from several plays.
- Are you a mental health provider? We want to explore some best practices for treating those who have survived ex-gay experiences.
- Are you an artist? Christine would like to host another art show.
- Are you a concerned citizen? We welcome your enthusiasm and involvement.
- Are you an ex-gay survivor, someone who spent time trying to change or suppress your sexuality? We want to meet you and hear your story.
There's lots of planning still to do, but if you're interested in participating and would like to be kept up-to-date, please fill out the information below and we will email you as needed (not a lot, and we won't forward any of those silly questionnaires either or cute "kids prayers" emails. We promise! While Peterson and Christine don't agree on everything, we're in decided agreement in our dislike of unnecessary e-mail.)
*NARTH (The National Association for the Research and Treatment of Homosexuality) is an organization of ex-gay therapists that masquerades as legitimate "science." One of NARTH's founders, Joseph Nicolosi, authored a book titled "A Parent's Guide to Preventing Homosexuality."
Past Events
On February 22-24, 2008 Beyond Ex-Gay partnered with various Memphis organizations, national LGBT groups, and ex-gay survivors from the area and around the country to organize a series of events under the heading Deconstructing the Ex-Gay Myth—A Weekend of Action & Art.
The events included an art show, two plays, a film, a party, an ex-gay survivor gathering, and two press events. To recap all that took place we have created web pages where you can view photos, watch video, learn about the Chalk Talk and read about ways people have recovered from their ex-gay experiences.
Beyond Ex-Gay in Barcelona
Beyond Ex-Gay, along with Sin Verguenza and other gay-affirming organizations in Catalonia, Spain, offered a conference highlighting the potential harm of reparative therapy and ex-gay ministries. bXg co-founder, Peterson Toscano, along with other panelists answered questions relating to why some people pursue reparative therapy and ex-gay ministries, some common techniques and trends in trying to alter sexual orientation, and the potential harms that come from attempts to suppress and change one's sexual orientation. Located at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia on May 30, 2008.
Ex-Gay Survivor Conference, Irvine, CA, 2007
Watch Brian Murphy's short film about the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference
Former Ex-Gay Leaders Apologize
Darlene Bogle, Michael Bussee and Jeremy Marks, all former Exodus leaders, made a historic public apology. Read the apology, and check out Peterson's blog entry (there's some video too), as well as Christine and Eric's reactions to symbolically accepting the apology. Kim Clark also writes about the apology.
Exodus Dinner Invitation
Christine and Peterson issued an open invitation to Exodus leaders for a private dinner in Irvine. Christine answered questions, and Peterson blogged after the dinner. One Exodus attendee shared her thoughts.
The Ex-Gay Survivor's Conference
On Saturday morning, we gathered for a powerful "Chalk Talk" (or "Chawk Tawk" as Peterson likes to say). Brian Murphy blogged about it, Peterson explained it, and Christine detailed some of the wall and shows what became of it.
Read reflections of conference attendees, and see photos of the conference.
Reactions to the Conference
The public apology, ex-gay survivor conference, and even individual survivors garnered some strange, interesting and even angry reactions. Christine responds to one, and Peterson explores the defensiveness. Steve Boese pens a response to the angry PFOX letter.
The Ex-Gay Survivor's Movement goes forward
Responding to questions, Peterson writes about our goals and desires.