If you would like to share your thoughts of the movie “Pray Away” or ask any questions about my life or the topics at hand (I am an open book!) you can contact me here. I would love to hear from you. I have gotten plenty of messages like this so I decided to respond…
Tag: exgay ministry
Don’t Fret Susan, Jesus & I Are Great!
I have wanted to but wrestled with responding to this comment. However, I am going to because of the ex-gay/conversion ministry messaging in it; Susan E. writes: I read through your entire blog and it reveals that God is not and never was enough for you. Giving in to sin and justifying it before people…
Sunday Morning Musings: There Was Not A “Fall” from Grace, I Moved Forward in Christ
Ex-gay/Conversion Ministry Leader Linda Seiler wrote what I would consider a condescending note on Facebook titled, “Why Ex-gay Leaders Go Back.” When I wrote a similar article to hers back in the day, I feared that the leaders who left our ranks were leading people astray with substantial consequences. Unfortunately, from what Linda wrote, it…
“Pride” Podcast picks up Interview with Anne Heche
I am honored that Pride podcast picked up the interview I did with Anne Heche and Heather Duffy Boylston. Conversion therapy must end, we must stop the toxic ideology that stigmatizes LGBTQ+ people and our relationships. Many people never thought I would make it out of that world, but my heart and mind changed drastically…
And “Such Were Some of You;” Unpacking Exgay Speak
I am not a theologian nor the son of one. I don’t particularly appreciate getting into theological debates and now refuse to get into them. While I know my Bible backward and forwards, getting into theological “discussions” (for me) is like eating glass. Then, while chewing on the shards, people complain, criticize, and argue about…
“Dear SBC Pastor…”
This letter was sent originally through the Tyler Clementi Foundation’s “True Faith Doesn’t Bully” campaign in September. Please read the outpouring of love and letters from the LGBTQ+ and ally community by clicking here. Letter from Randy Thomas, Former VP of Exodus International. Dear Pastor, My name is Randy Thomas, and I am writing to…
What Are They Talking About? An Abridged List Of Conversion Therapy Speak
The language that conversion therapy groups, especially exgay ministries, can be confounding, confusing, and in some cases frustratingly offensive. Friends suggested that I write a post explaining exgay-speak, seeing as I helped coin some of it back in the day and spoke it for over two decades. So here is an abridged list of phrases,…
Why I Chose To Be A Part Of The “Pray Away” Film
The “Pray Away” trailer is out, and the film will stream internationally on Netflix on August 3rd. If you haven’t seen the trailer check it out: I keep seeing people implying I participated in this project to make money or get notoriety. Neither is the case. I will address those two accusations and then get…
The Many Faces of Conversion Therapy May Surprise You
Trigger Warning for Survivors: This article, while careful writing was used in a way to try and protect survivors of conversion therapy, it is still going to possibly trigger readers who are survivors. If you decide to read, you may remember experiences with people described in one or more of the below groups. Please take…
A Challenge to Current Conversion Therapy/Exgay Ministry Leaders
Next Wednesday, Pray Away will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film festival. In the film, I share my unique point-of-view of ex-gay ministry (aka conversion therapy) as the former Executive Vice President of Exodus International, as do my friends, predecessors and former colleagues: Julie Rodgers, Yvette Schneider, John Paulk, Michael Bussee, and others. I share…
The Real Hidden Sin
A little disclaimer. I mention sex stuff in this post. It’s not graphic or anywhere close to written porn but it does mention how masturbation and porn were stigmatized in my past and the role they play in my life today. The post isn’t about those two things but thought I would let you know…