Sunday, December 6, 2009

The gay on/off switch? The myth of gay conversion

I posted on this issue before. To read that post click here. Earlier this year a 16 year old boy named "Jefferey" underwent an exorcism at a non-denominational church in Connecticut. This boy now claims that he is no longer gay. It breaks my heart that gay conversion is a process that some religious groups attempt to implement.



Come on folks. Is this reality? Haven't we come far enough to know that being gay or straight isn't something that one can turn on or off with the flip of a switch?


Conversion: That's So Gay

Bryan Safi navigates the world of conversion therapy. That's Gay is a recurring segment on the weekly television show infoMania. In each episode of That's Gay, Bryan Safi explores gay issues and stereotypes as they are portrayed by the clueless media. For more Bryan visit http://current.com/groups/thats-gay/ and Current TV.


Gay teen who underwent exorcism for homosexuality appears on Tyra Banks Show

It seems to me that this boy is ridden with guilt and is doing what he feels he has to do rather than what he wants. That's obvious right? I may be preaching to the choir for some but I know there are plenty of fellow Christians who are looking down their noses at me this very instant.

I can't help but think that many Christians out there who may be uncertain as to whether homosexuality is truly sinful, simply feel pressured to explore their doubt. I think there are so many individuals who feel that homosexuality is "gross" and therefore they have no desire to consider the fact that homosexuality for gay individuals feels as natural as heterosexuality for straight individuals.

As a straight woman the desire for a woman does not feel natural for me. So, when I see two women together even though that picture does not work for me, that does not mean that I cannot understand that that relationship feels perfectly natural for someone else.

If this understanding does not come easy for some of you out there, fine. Just take it upon yourself to explore why you are so uncomfortable. Explore your confusion. At best, just attempt to empathize with the love that each individual wishes to give and receive regardless of sexual orientation.

I would encourage my fellow Christians to dig a bit deeper. Perhaps in the end you'll arrive at the same belief that gay = sin. However, there is far too much pain within the minds and bodies of confused gay men and women who believe in God but also must be true to something that feels and certainly is so natural.

People, we have too many depressed gay individuals that deserve a chance at a healthy and happy life because that is what God wants. I believe that when a spiritual gay individual is plagued with thoughts of guilt, he or she is actually distracted from their focus on God. There is so much more that these individuals could be doing with their time, rather than sinking into depths of depression and suicidal ideation.

Don't you think?

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