NEA Ex-Gay Educators' Caucus
NEA Ex-Gay Educators' Caucus is an authentic recognized NEA caucus[2] merely working within the NEA organization in order to educate the NEA concerning the existence of former homosexuals.[3] The caucus believes that in same-sex attraction, the feelings truly are real and that the choice comes in what a person does with those feelings. Instead of saying that if you have same-sex attraction, you are destined for that pathway and there is nothing you can do about it, caucus mission is to say that if you have the feelings, but youâre looking down that pathway and you donât like where itâs taking you, thereâs hope. Thousands of people have changed, each with their own different/personal story of how they came away from homosexuality.
| View that is not malicious to personal freedom |
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| We affirmed the right of people to make those choices but said, âWe are here to stand for the right of individuals with unwanted same gender attraction to pursue other avenues besides embracing a homosexual identity and way of life. We are not here to coerce anyone to make changes they donât want to make. ...By placing ourselves in the pathway of people who have opposing views, we are showing that we are real people representing a view that is not malicious to personal freedom but rather dignifies individual choice.â â Jeralee Smith[1]
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Core beliefs
The caucus is not saying that every gay person needs to change, but that:
- 1. People deserve to hear all the facts so they can make their own decisions.
- 2. For those who truly want change, change is possible.[4]
Founder and Chair
The Founder of the NEA Ex-Gay Educators' Caucus is Jeralee Smith. Susan Halvorson is the Chair.
Topics of materials
The caucus' materials address bullying in schools; children being raised in same sex homes; health concerns of homosexuals; results of research studies; and other related issues.
Definition of Ex-gay
The caucus defines an âexgayâ as âa person with unwanted same gender attractions who does not want to embrace a homosexual identity. They provide the personal stories and research which support thier viewpoint. [1]
Discrimination against ex-gays
Susan Halvorson and David Pickup were interviewed by Dr. Brown about discrimination they received at a gathering of the National Education Association, for representing the reality that people can come out of same-sex attraction and homosexuality. After LGBT delegate activist at 2017 NEA convention said to David Pickup "I don't care about tolerance," NEA Ex-Gay Educators' Caucus', according to Susan Halvorson "the most hated causcus," was scheduled to be boothed out. Halvorson maintains that the reason is that the existence of the causcus represents evidence agaist LGBT narrative that people are 'born gay' and that 'there is nothing you can do about it.' Pickup adds that LGBT activists go hysteric and suffer from group hostile mentality because they are projecting their own psychological issues onto other people. Because the existence of the ex-gay caucus does not fit their narrative, they are trying to control their narrative and "they're telling us it's about love and acceptance but their behavior does not match that.[5]
References
- â 1.0 1.1 Jeralee Smith (24 Jul 2014). Ex-Gay Educators Caucus Report from the 2014 NEA Annual Conference. Voice of the Voiceless. Retrieved on 17 Jul 2017.
- â NEA recognized caucuses 2014-15. NEA. Retrieved on 19 Jul 2017.
- â Susan Jones (7 Jul 2008). Teachers' Union Recognizes 'Ex-Gay' Educators. CNSNews.com. Retrieved on 17 Jul 2017. âA group of "ex-gay" educators has officially registered with the nation's largest teachers union, thus ensuring that its views will be heard. The Ex-Gay Educators' Caucus has joined the many other "registered" caucuses that lobby the National Education Association to make policy changes. "We regard it as their right to lobby the NEA," said NEA spokesperson Kathleen Lyons in a press release confirming the registration of the Ex-Gay Educators' Caucus. Lyons added that official recognition of the Ex-Gay Educators does not mean that the National Education Association endorses the group's viewpoint. In fact, the NEA has promoted a booklet that argues against the possibility of changing one's sexual orientation. By registering the "ex-gay" group, the NEA settles a long-simmering dispute. As CNSNews.com reported last year, an "ex-gay" group (PFOX) accused the NEA of discrimination for denying PFOX space at the 2002 NEA convention in Dallas and then again at the 2003 NEA convention in New Orleans. At the time, PFOX (Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays) said the NEA was trying to silence ex-gay schoolteachers - while allowing pro-homosexual groups to distribute literature and other information at the NEA conventions. PFOX even filed a complaint with the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights. Jeralee Smith, chair of the new Ex-Gay Educators' Caucus, said the group hopes to educate the NEA about the needs of ex-gay students and teachers. "We feel that this group can help educate the NEA concerning the existence of former homosexuals," Smith said. Smith said the caucus plans to apply for exhibit space at this summer's NEA convention in Washington, D.C. It has just set up a website, promising "more information to follow."â
- â Susan Halvorson (24 Jul 2014). FAQ. Voice of the Voiceless. Retrieved on 17 Jul 2017.
- â Ex-Gay Organization Infuriates LGBT Cohort At NEA Convention. ASKDrBrown, The Line of Fire with Dr.Michael Brown (11 Jul 2017). Retrieved on 19 Jul 2017. âDr. Brown interviews Sue Halverson and David Pickup about discrimination they receive at a gathering of the National Education Association, for representing the reality that people can come out of same sex attraction and homosexuality.â