I would like to propose a new national recognition day – a day for ex-gays and those who support them, to celebrate their freedom from homosexuality.
I propose that we celebrate on the third Tuesday in September. The symbol for the celebration is the one to the right.
The theme for next year’s celebration is "Tolerance, Truth, Healing"
Here are some ex-gay resources:
Dr. Throckmorton
Exodus Intl
Gay to Straight
NARTH
PATH
People Can Change
PFOX
Regeneration Books
I'd like the same sort of day for ex-Christians, people who have realized that there's enough to worry about in the world without consistently demonizing those you hate as sinners who have to change.
Guess what? This is America. There are plenty of people who have left both healthy and unhealthy faith out there. If you feel the need, that's fine. Some good might even come of it.
I'm sure the ACLU won't stop you, and neither would I. I don't go out trying to stop gay rallies either.
You see, *that's* America. Freedom of speech.
I also propose a national day for ex-ex-gays. There are plenty who will be happy to rejoice over their freedom from the slavery of the closet imposed by christianity.
It's a free country – you can even celebrate Christmas if you wish.
I doubt it is a case of HATING those who practice that lifestyle as opposed to seeing it for the bondage it truly is. Like July 4. We celebrste being set free. As an Ex Gay myself I am glad that what a man did to me did not have to define my life and what a MAN did for me could set me free (Died on the Cross for my sin). I am happy to speak the truth and condemn the liar.
Daniel,
Thanks for your input – unfortunately, ex-gays are either not that plentiful (as the gay lobby might want us to believe), or not that vocal, or just ignored by the media in general.
I have a problem that in my writing about public policy, I can be almost belligerent – but in personal interaction, I am not that way at all. In fact, I have gay friends that don't even know my position on this issue, because it hasn't really come up, and I don't bring it up because that's a more personal discussion.
But being pro-ex-gay and against certain types of gay activism (redefining marriage) isn't hate, at least I don't think it is my motivation. But we've all got a little fear of things "other" than us, I guess.
You are a hypocrit, seeker – not telling your gay "friends" exactly how you feel.
I like them as people. We have fun gaming together, or doing other stuff we both enjoy – but that doesn't include going to the Castro on friday nights to drink and flirt (or whatever) in the gay bars.
Sure, I think their homosexuality is a malformation of their gender identity. But they are more than their sexuality, and my few gay friends, I like them. Imagine this – I think some things are *worse* than being gay (like supressing reparative therapy ;).
It's not like I start every conversation with "Hey, did you know homosexuality is a sin?"
I save my sharper words for the public arena, where they belong. As I have said, tolerance in personal relationships is a virtue, tolerance of moral problems in public policy is cowardice.
By the way, how I "feel" is I like them, but not sexually ;)
How I think about them is more complex – as people like me who have had whatever kind of injurious past, in need of healing. And of course, I believe that hx needs healing, and can be healed. And so do countless others who are ex-gay. Can't you allow for even a few gays who might now be truly ex-gay and happy? Do they all have to be "born that way" and irreversably made that way by God?
You are so extreme that I can't formulate any kind of answer whatsoever. All I can say is that I wouldn't like a "friend" like you at all.
Creepy.
If we never had the conversation, how would you know?