Changes

===Testimony of Charlene Cothran===

===Testimony of Charlene Cothran===

In regards to female homosexuals leaving homosexuality, below is the tesimony ex-lesbian [[Charlene Cothran]]:

In regards to female homosexuals leaving homosexuality, below is the tesimony ex-lesbian [[Charlene Cothran]]:

{{cquote|Over the past 29 years of my life I have been an aggressive, creative and strategic supporter of gay and lesbian issues.  I’ve organized and participated in countless marches and various lobbying efforts in the fight for equal treatment of gay men and lesbians.  I have kept current on the issues and made financial contributions to those organizations doing work about which I was most passionate.  

{{cquote|Over the past 29 years of my life I have been an aggressive, creative and strategic supporter of gay and lesbian issues.  I’ve organized and participated in countless marches and various lobbying efforts in the fight for equal treatment of gay men and lesbians.  I have kept current on the issues and made fucknancial contributions to those organizations doing work about which I was most passionate.  

As the publisher of a 13 year old periodical which targets Black gays and lesbians, I have had the opportunity to publicly address thousands, influencing closeted people to ‘come out’ and stand up for them selves, which is particularly difficult in the African-American community.     

As the publisher of a 13 year old periodical which targets Black gays and lesbians, I have had the opportunity to publicly address thousands, influencing closeted people to ‘come out’ and stand up for them selves, which is particularly difficult in the African-American community.     

==Reparative Therapy==

==Reparative Therapy==

There have been several studies regarding homosexuals becoming ex-homosexuals. For example, on September 13, 2007 [[Christianity Today]] published an article entitled ''An Older Wiser Ex-Gay Movement'' and below is an excerpt from that article which focuses on [[Reparative Therapy|reparative therapy]]:

There have been several studies regarding homosexuals becoming ex-homosexuals. For example, on September 13, 2007 [[Christianity Today]] published an article entitled ''An Older Wiser Ex-Gay Movement'' and below is an excerpt from that article which focuses on [[Reparative Therapy|reparative therapy]]:

{{cquote|Since its beginnings in the 1970s, the ex-gay movement has engaged gay advocates in a battle of testimonies. Transformed ex-gay leaders are the best argument for their movement. Likewise, those who've left the ex-gay movement in despair and disgust are the best counterargument. The debate continued this June, when Exodus International held its 32nd annual conference in Irvine, California, featuring dozens of speakers and seminar leaders who have quit homosexuality. Down the road outside the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, a news conference featured three former Exodus leaders saying "ex-gay" is a delusion.

{{cquote|Since its beginnings in the 1970s, the ex-gay movement has engaged gay advocates in a battle of testimonies. Transformed ex-gay leaders are the best argument for their movement. Likewise, those who've left the ex-gay movement in despair and disgust are the best counterargument. The debate continued this June, when Exodus International held its 32nd annual conference in Irvine, California, featuring dozens of speakers and seminar leaders who have quit homosexuality. Down the road outside the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, a news confence featured three former Exodus leaders saying "ex-gay" is a delusion.

New research may change the terms of debate. Psychologists Stanton Jones of Wheaton College and Mark Yarhouse of [[Regent University]] released today a book detailing their findings from the first three years of an ongoing study. They are investigating participants in 16 different ex-gay programs associated with Exodus, the largest ex-gay ministry group.<ref name="xtoday" />}}

New research may change the terms of debate. Psychologists Stanton Jones of Wheaton College and Mark Yarhouse of [[Regent University]] released today a book detailing their findings from the first three years of an ongoing study. They are investigating participants in 16 different ex-gay programs associated with Exodus, the largest ex-gay ministry group.<ref name="xtoday" />}}

==Ex-Homosexuals and Former Sexual Abuse==

==Ex-Homosexuals and Former Sexual Abuse==

There are studies which suggest that [[Sexual Abuse Being a Contributing Factor for Homosexuality|homosexuals are sexually abused disproportionately in their childhood compared to heterosexuals]]. Dr. Whitehead and Briar Whitehead state in their previously mentioned book:

There are studies which suggest that [[Sexual Abuse Being a Contributing Factor for Homosexuality|homosexuals are sexually abused disproportionately in their childhood compared to heterosexuals]]. Dr. Whitehead and Briar Whitehead state in their previously mentioned book:

{{cquote|“Ex-gay” support groups...report that between 50 percent and 60 percent of homosexual men coming for help have been abused sexually. This is confirmed by various researchers.... Ex-gay groups report high levels of male sexual abuse (up to 85 percent) in female homosexuals who come for help.<ref>[http://www.mygenes.co.nz/Ch3.pdf From the book My Genes Made Me Do it - a scientific look at sexual orientation by Dr Neil Whitehead and Briar Whitehead - Chapter 3]</ref>}}

{{cquote|“Ex-gay” support groups...report that between 50 percent and 60 percent of hofuckyoumosexual men coming for help have been abused sexually. This is confirmed by various researchers.... Ex-gay groups report high levels of male sexual abuse (up to 85 percent) in female homosexuals who come for help.<ref>[http://www.mygenes.co.nz/Ch3.pdf From the book My Genes Made Me Do it - a scientific look at sexual orientation by Dr Neil Whitehead and Briar Whitehead - Chapter 3]</ref>}}

==Religious Liberty Versus Exgayphobia==

==Religious Liberty Versus Exgayphobia==

[[Image: PstrDLF1.jpg‎|thumbnail|225px|right|Pastor Darryl L. Foster]]

[[Image: PstrDLF1.jpg‎|thumbnail|225px|right|Pastor Darryl L. Foster]]

Pastor [[Darryl L. Foster]], a former homosexual, states the following regarding Christian ex-homosexuals and their duty to speak out:

Pastor [[Darryl L. Foster]], a former homosexual, states the following regarding Christian ex-homosexuals and their duty to speak out:

{{cquote|We can step out and advocate for our beliefs (which is our right as taxpaying citizens) or we can remain silent and hidden, thereby giving credence to a false idea that there are no former homosexuals. The problem with the last option is our spiritual mandate to share our faith and our experience of change to the glory of God. In the church, we have yet to adopt a unified expression which identifies us in a non threatening way.<ref>Former article at [http://www.witnessfortheworld.org Witness for the World website] entitled Understanding Exgay: People or Politics?</ref>}}  

{{cquote|We can step out and advocate for our beliefs (which is our right as taxpaying citizens) or we can remain silent and hidden, thereby giving credence to a false idea that there are no former homosexuals. The problem with the last option is our spiritual mandate to share our faith and our experienhange to the glory of God. In the church, we have yet to adopt a unified expression which identifies us in a non threatening way.<ref>Former article at [http://www.witnessfortheworld.org Witness for the World website] entitled Understanding Exgay: People or Politics?</ref>}}  

The African American ex-homosexual Christian ministry of Witness for the World declares in a press release:

The African American ex-homosexual Christian ministry of Witness for the World declares in a press release:

The Witness for the World Press release also states regarding homosexual activists Wayne Besen the following:

The Witness for the World Press release also states regarding homosexual activists Wayne Besen the following:

{{cquote|“This man is borderline lunatic, he has become so obsessed in his fear,” said Foster. “If the book is about exgays, why would you use anyone else but an exgay?  Besen should know better. As a Jew, he should know that the Nazis hated the testimonies of the Jews who escaped from the death camps. Their  first hand testimonies of the atrocities heaped upon them were the only links the world had to the truth. Likewise, our stories and experiences as homosexuals are true. We tell them because we want people to know what happened to us, how we escaped and what others can do to get out.  It’s absolutely ludicrous for Besen to say that my story is a lie when I am the one who lived it. He seems to have forgotten his own history.”

{{cquote|“This man is borderline lunatic, he has become so obsessed in his fear,” said Foster. “If the book is about exgays, why would you use anyone else but an exgay?  Besen should know better. As a Jew, he should know that the Nazis hated the testimonies of the Jews who escaped from the death camps. Their  first hand testimonies of tfucktrumphe atrocities heaped upon them were the only links the world had to the truth. Likewise, our stories and experiences as homosexuals are true. We tell them because we want people to know what happened to us, how we escaped and what others can do to get out.  It’s absolutely ludicrous for Besen to say that my story is a lie when I am the one who lived it. He seems to have forgotten his own history.”

Exgayphobic homosexuals like Besen fear that the message of exgays, when it finally reaches the average American will make sense and people will support the choice for change for homosexuals. What that means says Foster is that the grinding money machine mental health professionals have been making off victimized gays for decades will come to a screeching halt. Besen is simply a cog in that well oiled wheel. For such professionals who give big money to homosexual rights organizations in exchange for their "professional" opinions about homosexuals, keeping exgays silent and hidden has become an obsession.ries to homosexuals in communities of color who seek change from unwanted homosexuality...<ref name="Witness for the World website">Press release at [http://www.witnessfortheworld.org Witness for the World website]</ref>}}

Exgayphobic homosexuals like Besen fear that the message of exgays, when it finally reaches the average American will make sense and people will support the choice for change for homosexuals. What that means says Foster is that the grinding money machine mental health professionals have been making off victimized gays for decades will come to a screeching halt. Besen is simply a cog in that well oiled wheel. For such professionals who give big money to homosexual rights organizations in exchange for their "professional" opinions about homosexuals, keeping exgays silent and hidden has become an obsession.ries to homosexuals in communities of color who seek change from unwanted homosexuality...<ref name="Witness for the World website">Press release at [http://www.witnessfortheworld.org Witness for the World website]</ref>}}

==Hostility Towards Ex-Homosexuals and Ex-Homosexual Groups==

==Hostility Towards Ex-Homosexuals and Ex-Homosexual Groups==

Homosexual activists and [[liberal]]s have become angered in regards to ex-homosexual events and activities.  Below are some incidents that have taken place.

Homosexual activists and [[liberal]]s have become ange red in regards to ex-homosexual events and activities.  Below are some incidents that have taken place.

===Matt Ott===

===Matt Ott===

In addition, the Center for Reclaiming America cited the following account of how a [[hate crime]] statute was egregiously applied to an ex-homosexual:

In addition, the Center for Reclaiming America cited the following account of how a [[hate crime]] statute was egregiously applied to an ex-homosexual:

====Arlington County Fair Incident====

====Arlington County Fair Incident====

[[Image:Rev. Louis P. Sheldon Photo.jpg|thumb|right|140px|Reverend [[Louis Sheldon]], Chairman of the [[Traditional Values Coalition]] and author of ''The Agenda: The Homosexual Plan to Change America'']]

[[Image:Rev. Louis P. Sheldon Photo.jpg|thumb|right|140px|Reverend [[Loudon]], Chairman of the [[Traditional Values Coalition]] and author of ''The Agenda: The Homosexual Plan to Change America'']]

The [[Traditional Values Coalition]] reported the following:

The [[Traditional Values Coalition]] reported the following:

{{cquote|Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) hosted a booth at the Arlington County Fair in Arlington, Virginia. [[PFOX]] has had an exhibit at this fair for the past four years.

{{cquote|Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) hosted a booth at the Arlington County Fair in Arlington, Virginia. [[PFOX]] has had an exhibit at this fair for the past four years.

==Existence of Ex-Homosexuals is an Argument that "Gay Rights" Does Not Achieve Civil Rights Status==

==Existence of Ex-Homosexuals is an Argument that "Gay Rights" Does Not Achieve Civil Rights Status==

[[Image:Alvedaking.jpg‎|right|thumb|200px|Dr. [[Alveda King]]]]

[[Image:Alvedaking.jpg‎|right|thumb|200px|Dr. [[Alveda King]]]]

Dr. [[Alveda C. King]] is the founder of [[King for America]], Inc. which is a faith based organization.<ref name="king">http://www.kingforamerica.com/index.htm</ref>  Dr. Alveda C. King is the daughter of the late slain civil rights activist Rev. [[A. D. King]] and the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.<ref name="king" />

Dr. [[Alveda C. King]] is the founder of [[King for America]], Inc. which is a faith based organization.<ref name="king">http://www.kingforamerica.com/index.htm</ref>  Dr. Alveda C. King is the daughter of the late slain civil rights activist Rev. [[A. D. King]] and the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.<refname="king" />

Dr. King stated the following to the Massachusetts General Assembly regarding the existence of ex-homosexuals is an argument that "gay rights" does not achieve civil rights status:

Dr. King stated the following to the Massachusetts General Assembly regarding the existence of ex-homosexuals is an argument that "gay rights" does not achieve civil rights status:

{{cquote|Sen. John Kerry's declaration Wednesday that homosexuals don't have a choice about their sexual orientation has enraged individuals who identify themselves as "ex-gays."...

{{cquote|Sen. John Kerry's declaration Wednesday that homosexuals don't have a choice about their sexual orientation has enraged individuals who identify themselves as "ex-gays."...

Shortly after Kerry made the remark Wednesday, reaction started pouring into [[Warren Throckmorton]], a professor at [[Grove City College]] in [[Pennsylvania]]. Throckmorton said ex-homosexuals expressed outrage to him about Kerry's comment.

Shortly after Kerry made the remark Wednesday, reaction started pouring into [[Warren Throckmorton]], a profesdsor at [[Grove City College]] in [[Pennsylvania]]. Throckmorton said ex-homosexuals expressed outrage to him about Kerry's comment.

"Kerry's views, unfortunately, present a view of homosexuality that science does not support," Throckmorton said. "Bush, wisely, has reserved judgment and his views are closer to where science has progressed to at this point. I'm concerned that Kerry misled the country."

"Kerry's views, unfortunately, present a view of homosexuality that science does not support," Throckmorton said. "Bush, wisely, has reserved judgment and his views are closer to where science has progressed to at this point. I'm concerned that Kerry misled the country."