Ex-Gay Survivor Conference News
The Latest
Conference Reflections
See what folks are saying about the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference. We would like to hear about your experience. If you blogged about it or would like to send your thoughts to us directily, contact us at bXg @ beyondexgay.com
Dinner with Some Exodus Leaders
Some of you know that Christine Bakke and I sent out an invitation to Exodus leaders to have dinner with some ex-gay survivors. The dinner happened last night and was sponsored by Beyond Ex-Gay and Soulforce. Here is a copy of the invitation. I have received several messages from people wanting to know:
Did you have a meeting with Exodus leaders last night?
Did they accept your invitation?
What happened????
Read the rest at Peterson's blog.
Response to June 28 CitizenLink Article
June 28, 2007 9:45pm PDT
Focus on the Family's CitizenLink reports that the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference has begun, attracting 100 participants.
Christine and Peterson respond.
Press Conference: Former Ex-Gay Leaders Apologize
June 27, 2007
Leaders from Soulforce and BeyondExGay.com just completed a press conference at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center today.
Three former ex-gay leaders issued public apologies for the roles they played in ex-gay ministries affiliated with Exodus International. They also shared portions of their personal stories.
The event was covered by members of local and national news media including CNN and Azteca America.
See the full statements at BeyondExGay.com/article/apology.
See Christine's first-person account: Apology Accepted, and Peterson's: Apologies, Reflections and Advice.
How Have We Found Each Other?
What search terms have people used to find the BeyondExGay.com site?
Peterson has talked about how people often use search engines as confessional booths, revealing intimate details about their lives which might still be hidden from friends, colleagues, and family.
We're seeing that at bXg as we watch our logs. Here are some specifics.
Parking, Lodging, and Maps for Irvine
June 26, 2007
The Welcome Letter has been updated to reflect all of the latest info for conference attendees on parking, buses, and schedules.
Why Does the Conference Matter To You?
June 26, 2007
We have invited you to tell us why the conference matters to you.
Here are the initial responses we've received.
Send us yours! We'll add your response, or an excerpt and a link to your blog.
More Talk About Talking
June 25, 2007
Christine has discussed the developments leading up to, and since, Exodus International leaders were invited to dinner at her blog. See Exodus dinner invitation Q&A.
In summary, careful consideration preceded the invitation and has continued in conversations with Exodus leaders since. She also addresses concerns about why the invitation was made publicly and privately, instead of privately only.
Soulforce issued a press release today in which Peterson notes "We feel encouraged that Exodus acknowledged our invitation for dialogue. We look forward to sharing challenges we faced in our lives as a result of our time in Exodus ministries."
Exodus International and Dialogue
June 23, 2007
Peterson notes that the conference is about People, not Protest.
Christine observes that the gathering is about hope, and that perhaps Exodus International EVP Randy Thomas' interest in dialogue has yet to include reading the first paragraph on the BeyondExGay.com home page.
Jim Burroway, at Box Turtle Bulletin, wonders if Exodus leaders' commitment is limited to dialogue between themselves and the folks attending their own conference.
Registering without a Credit Card?
June 22, 2007
If you need to register for conference, but can't use the standard registration form because because of lack of access to a credit card, or inability to make the requested donation, please use the bXg contact form to register instead.
Or, you can email Kara with your information.
Conference Opens With Book-Signing Event
So, you're pulling in for the conference earlier in the day on the 29th than the Early Registration at 6pm and the evening entertainment at 7pm?
There will be a pre-conference book-signing event from 4pm to 6pm that afternoon. Stop by and meet
- Wayne Besen, author of Anything But Straight
- Darlene Bogle, author of A Christian Lesbian Journey: A Continuation of Long Road to Love, and
- Rev. Mel White, author of Stranger at the Gate and Religion Gone Bad.
See you there!
Exodus Welcomes Dialogue on Homosexuality at National Conference in Irvine
In a June 21 press release, Exodus International promotes its conference and acknowledges the Survivor Conference:
Chambers responded to the news that local groups are planning to protest the Exodus event by holding a conference of its own, "Dialogue on this issue only benefits the community and the culture at large. It is a topic worth discussing and I am happy to share my experience as a part of a much-needed exchange of thoughts on this issue."
Christine, Peterson, and Soulforce, sponsors of the Ex-Gay Surivor Conference, welcome the dialogue Chambers describes.
As many of us get ready to fly to Irvine next week, we don't mind being mischaracterized as "local." Our host and co-sponsor, The LGBT Resource Center at UC Irvine, has been generous in its welcome and its investment of time and energy.
If you had the opportunity to meet with your ex-gay mentor...
Peterson and Christine have invited Exodus International leaders to share a meal with them and hear their stories.
Peterson also asked gay Christians, "If you had the opportunity to meet with your ex-gay leader, what would you say? Thoughtful discussion followed.
An Open Invitation to Exodus Leaders
Peterson and Christine invite Exodus International leaders to share a meal and hear their stories.
- Peterson's blog entry
- The letter
- PDF of the letter
Welcome Letter
Are you attending the conference?
Here is the information you'll need about lodging arrangements and directions.
Who's Talking
Ex-Ex-Gay Leaders Come Out
June 29, 2007
Science Blogs: Dispatches from the Culture Wars
3 Former Leaders of Ex-gay Ministry Apologize
June 29, 2007
Ex-Gay and Ex-Ex-Gay Conferences in My Own Back Yard
June 29, 2007
God, grant me a measure of your grace and forgiveness
June 29, 2007
Not Faint Hearted: This Journey
A New Thing?
June 29, 2007
Ex-Nonsense
June 29, 2007
Sorry
June 28, 2007
Andrew Sullivan
The Daily Dish
Former "Ex-Gays" Apologize for Causing Harm to Gay Community
June 28, 2007
Part Of Me Wants To Say Too Little Too Late…
June 28, 2007
What ‘Change’ Is Possible? Former Ex-Gay Leaders Challenge Exodus
June 28, 2007
From Exodus to Revelation
June 28, 2007
HomoQuotable - Michael Bussee
June 28, 2007
Former Leaders of 'Ex-Gay' Ministry Apologize
June 28, 2007
Ex-Ex-Gays Speak Out
June 28, 2007
beyond ex-gay
June 28, 2007
My Name Is Sue, How Do You Do?
June 28, 2007
Apology from former leaders of ex-gay ministries
June 28, 2007
Christian Alliance for Progress
BTB Original Video Interviews With Former Exodus Leaders
June 28, 2007
Daniel Gonzales, Box Turtle Bulletin
Who's Sorry Now?
June 28, 2007
Transformation, Exodus, and Regret
June 28, 2007
Los Angeles Times Coverage of the Apologies by Former Ex-Gay Leaders
June 28, 2007
Jim Burroway, Box Turtle Bulletin
Just Think About It, That's All
June 28, 2007
лучше поздно, чем никогда...
June 28, 2007
Former Exodus Leaders Apologize
June 28, 2007
Former Leaders of Ex-Gay Ministry Apologize for 'Bringing Harm'
June 28, 2007
From Ex-Gay and Beyond
June 27, 2007
I'm Sorry I Hurt You So Much
June 27, 2007
Former Ex-Gay Leaders Apologize for Hurting Others!
June 27, 2007
Ex-Ex-Gay Ministers Apologize for Damaging Gays
June 27, 2007
...an interesting read...
June 27, 2007
Former Ex-Gay Leaders Apologize
June 27, 2007
Three Former Exodus Leaders Apologize
June 27, 2007
Intervju med Peterson Toscano i P1
June 27, 2007
Ex Gay Survivor in Irvine this Weekend
June 27, 2007
BTB Original Video Interview With Michael Bussee, Co-Founder Of Exodus
June 27, 2007
'Survivor Irvine' — the true reality show
June 26, 2007
To A Kid Considering Ex-Gay Therapy
June 26, 2007
Covering the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference
June 26, 2007
Randy Thomas Projects His Experiences Onto All Of Us
June 25, 2007
Jim Burroway at Box Turtle Bulletin
Why is an ex-gay conference a concern to Focus on the Family?
June 25, 2007
I Wanna Be An Ex-Gay
June 25, 2007
Ex-gay
June 25, 2007
Is 'ex-gay' really possible?
June 25, 2007
Os homossexuais são igual a quem?
June 25, 2007
Una Conferencia de Esperanza
June 24, 2007
Prodigal Sons: Exodus Ex-Gays Shun the Survivors
June 24, 2007
Manifesto
June 24, 2007
Postmodern Politics & Sexuality
Ex-Gay Survivor’s Conference Fun Begins
June 24, 2007
Daniel Gonzales at Box Turtle Bulletin
Right Wingnuttery - Creating Counter Lobby Groups
June 24, 2007
Guess who's coming to dinner?
June 23, 2007
Possibly Getting a Clue
June 22, 2007
Open Invitation To Exodus Leaders
June 22, 2007
Exodus to Ex-Gay Survivors: I’m Just Not That Into You
June 22, 2007
OneNewsNow reports on conflict over descriptions of change
June 22, 2007
An Ex-Gay Survivor’s New York Story
June 22, 2007
Chambers sheds light on those who've shed orientation
June 22, 2007
Culture Warriors Berate Ex-Gay Leader over Ease of ‘Change’
"Ex-Gay" Throwdown
June 21, 2007
June 21, 2007
Youth Project Vanishes from Ex-Gay Flagship Program’s Web Site
June 20, 2007
not sure whether 'ex-gay' exists: alan chambers, president of exodus international
June 20, 2007
Possible Meeting with Exodus Leaders
June 20, 2007
Beyond Ex-Gay Asks Exodus Out To Dinner
June 20, 2007
Former Ex-Gays Invite Ex-Gay Leadership to Private Dinner
June 20, 2007
Upcoming Events and Conferences Worldwide
June 20, 2007
Testimonies
June 20, 2007
Peter LaBarbera Joins Stephen Bennett In Ex-Gay Cat Fight
June 20, 2007
Alan and Stephen: Will they come to blows?
June 20, 2007
'Ex-gay' meltdown - Stephen Bennett chastises Alan Chambers
June 20, 2007
Ex-Gay Civil War
June 20, 2007
Switzerland R Us?
June 20, 2007
'Ex-gays' changing their tune
June 20, 2007
Stephen Bennett declares “public divide” with Exodus
June 19, 2007
Sorry Exodus, Homosexuals Can COMPLETELY Change
June 19, 2007
Sign Up for The Ex-Gay Survivor’s Conference
June 18, 2007
LA Times: Is ‘Change’ Bypassing Ex-Gay Leadership?
June 18, 2007
Chambers: Perhaps I’m not so much ‘ex-gay’ as I am ‘in remission from gay’
June 18, 2007
Exodus 'ex-gay' roadshow heads for the Golden State
June 18, 2007
Alan Chambers on "Change"
June 18, 2007
Ex-gays Turn On Movement
June 18, 2007
PFOX Will Not Like This
June 18, 2007
Pride in Connecticut
June 18, 2007
"Ex-gay" and survivors duel in Irvine
June 17, 2007
Dueling Ex-Gay Conferences
June 17, 2007
Ex-gay or just exploited?
June 17, 2007
Exodus, ex-ex-gay conferences featured
June 17, 2007
I Wonder If This Will Catch On
June 17, 2007
Happy Birthday Christine!
June 3, 2007
Media
Ex-gay survivors speak out
June 29, 2007
An extended article in Pink News (UK) by Joe Roberts describes the conference, quoting Michael Bussee, Jeremy Marks, and others.
Former ‘ex-gay’ leaders change their tune
June 29, 2007
The Washington Blade, in an article by Elizabeth Perry, offers comprehensive coverage of the former leaders' apology and the conference.
A Call for Dialogue From an Ex-"Ex-Gay"
June 28, 2007
Our own Jeremy Marks, who was one of the three former ex-gay leaders who offered a public apology yesterday, penned an opnion piece in today's Huffington Post.
"With a profound change of heart, [Exodus leaders] might find, as I have, that years of experience working with lesbian and gay people now equip them to minister to those who have been hurt by 'ex-gay' ministries and the homophobia espoused by so many churches."
Paula Zahn Now
June 27, 2007
(Thanks to Good As You.)
Former ex-gay ministry leaders apologize to gays
June 27, 2007
LA Times writer Rebecca Trounson:
"Three former leaders of Exodus International, often described as the nation's largest ex-gay ministry, publicly apologized Wednesday for the harm they said their efforts had caused many gays and lesbians who believed the group's message that sexual orientation could be changed through prayer."
This LA Times reporting has been picked up by the Associated Press and carried internationally. At this writing (7/28, 3pm EDT), Google News lists 94 media outlets reprinting it.
Poll majority: Gays' orientation can't change
June 27, 2007
CNN: "A majority of Americans believe that gays and lesbians could not change their sexual orientation even if they wanted to..."
Ex-Gays vs. Ex-Ex-Gays
June 27, 2007
The California Catholic Daily describes the Exodus and Ex-Gay Survivor conferences as rivals.
It also speaks to dynamics of the weekend which defy common stereotypes:
"An ex-gay who acknowledges the persistence, for some, of same-sex attraction? And an ex-ex-gay who says it's OK to seek counseling to live chastely? Shouldn't they be talking to each other?
"The real news is that they'll be doing just that."
Formerly Gay Christian Discusses His 'Exodus'
June 26, 2007
On National Public Radio: Exodus International holds its annual meeting Tuesday. Alan Chambers, head of the organization, describes his "choice to come out of homosexuality," and his life as a husband and father.
Fractured Faith: An Ex-Ex-Gay Speaks Out, Part II
June 26, 2007
The second of a two-part piece by Kerri Rebresh in the Colorado Confidential tells how the concept for the Beyond Ex-Gay site developed.
"Bakke and Toscano wanted to create a space where survivors of ex-gay ministries could share their experiences and support one another as a community. Bakke is adamant that the purpose of the site is not to bash ex-gay ministries.
"'We have a very specific tone that we've set for the Web site. It's all about respect,' she says."
Fractured Faith: An Ex-Ex-Gay Speaks Out, Part I
June 25, 2007
"Christine Bakke prayed," opens a two-part piece by Ker ri Rebresh in the Colorado Confidential.
The wrestling match Christine experienced between faith and orientation is laid out, including the way those conflicts continue today for some openly gay people.
CNN: Send Us Your Story
June 25, 2007
As part of its Pride Month coverage, CNN is asking lgbtiq folks to send in their stories in written or video form.
Sounds like a great opportunity for Ex-Gay Survivors!
Also, see the CNN page highlighting all of its Pride Month coverage, titled "Fighting For Acceptance."
Paula Zahn's Wednesday show is said to include "gays who want to be straight."
Exodus Freedom Speaker Warns of 'The Gay Gospel'
June 25, 2007
Lillian Kwon reports again on the upcoming conferences in Irvine for the Christian Post.
Michael Bussee, a strong supporter of the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference, is mentioned.
Larry Rivera, a Mission Viejo hospital nurse and Christian musician who sought ex-gay counseling, is quoted briefly.
I'm An Ex-Gay Survivor
June 22, 2007
An opinion piece in the New York Blade features the thoughts of our own Peterson Toscano.
Evangelicals, Scientists Find Common Ground Regarding Gays
June 21, 2007
Kilian Melloy reviews recent media coverage of ex-gay issues in the Boston Edge.
'Ex-Gay' Remarks Draw Fire
June 20, 2007
Lillian Kwon reports on the recent dust-up between Alan Chambers and other conservative Christians about the value of the word "ex-gay" in the Christian Post.
Umschwulung zum Ehemann
June 18, 2007
Katja Gelinsky writes about the ex-gay movement in Faz.net, including extensive quotes from Peterson. (Approximate translation)
New ground in debate on 'curing' gays
June 18, 2007
Stephanie Simon of the Los Angeles Times notes that Alan Chambers is "not sure has ever met" an ex-gay. Michael Bussee supports Warren Throckmorton's guidelines for sexual identity therapy which does not promise change.
Ex-gay or just exploited?
June 16, 2007
Marla Jo Fisher, in the Orange County Register, talks about the Exodus conference and the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference.
SBC appoints strategy coordinator for churches' 'ex-gay' ministries
June 14, 2007
Trennis Henderson and Robert Marus, in the Associated Baptist Press, quote a gay Baptist leader about ex-gay ministries unintentionally helping gay people come out.
Gay Cure
June 13, 2007
A feature article in the Fort Worth Weekly by Eric Griffey profiles the ex-gay movement.
Ex-gay Not OK
May 18, 2007
Dyana Bagby profiles BeyondExGay.com in the Washington Blade.
"They tried to cure me of being gay"
May, 2007
Glamour Magazine profiles Christine in an article by Stephen Fried.
Good Morning America
April 23, 2007
Christine appears in a live interview with Diane Sawyer