Is there a way to "privatize" the Yahoo groups so the messages are not available
unless you are a member of that particular group?   I noticed the same thing
when I posted my name on another Yahoo group and comments I made came up in a
public search.  But, I agree that if there is not a way to make these private
within the group, there should be.




________________________________
From: rckmtnguy24 <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
To: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:26:57 PM
Subject: [ExExGayMinistry] Re: To the List Owner/Moderators of ExExGayMinistry's
Yahoo Group


Thank you for explaining, but I am still concerned.

I am not so much concerned about me and things I said about myself, as I am out,
but I am in a relationship where I have agreed to be discrete. I described my
situation as I wanted advice and opinions as to rather my actions were
inappropriate or not. I just don't want to hurt someone by possibly revealing
more than I should.

As I say, I have deleted my post. However, all that stuff is still out there
publicly because others who replied to me have my original posting quoted, just
as yours is quoted here below.

Thanks!

--- In exexgayministry@ yahoogroups. com, "nojam75" <nojam75@... > wrote:
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I am sorry it wasn't made clear to you that the exexgayministry messages are
posted publically.  I certainly understand your concern.  The main reason I keep
the messages public is for greater transparency and accessibility -- especially
to ex-gay participants.
>
> Also, I feel making the messages private would provide a false sense of
security.  There is no way of a moderator to confirm the authenticity of
members.  Ex-gay activists do monitor ex-exgay websites (and visa versa).  So,
as with any information posted online, there is always a chance of information
being seen publically.
>
> I encourage members who wish to remain anonymous to set-up another Yahoo! ID
and to omit all specific names.
>
> --- In exexgayministry@ yahoogroups. com, rckmtnguy24 <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > I would just like to suggest that you please consider making the messages in
the ExExGayMinistry' s Yahoo Group available to member's of the group only.
> >
> > I just realized the settings for the group allow the messages to be read by
anyone. Many of the messages are of a private nature and should not be available
to the general public. I am a member of another Yahoo Group where only other
members can view the posts.
> >
> > I just went back and deleted all my posts, because I had some things I do
not want out there for everyone on the Internet to read. Unfortunately much of
that will still be in people's replies to my posts and I cannot delete that.
> >
> > I hope you will consider changing the group's settings.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
>







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I apologize, but I guess I'll go ahead and tell you my thoughts on this. The
fact that this is posted publicly will stop me from participating here. This is
a shame, because I think there's some good discussion going on here.

I've started three closed/private Yahoo groups. Members have to be pre-approved
and messages are viewable only by other members. The things posted there cannot
be accessed by anyone outside the membership and I suppose by Yahoo employees.

I don't see the need for the Ex Gay people to be "spying" here, nor for the Ex
Ex Gay people to spy on their forums. There are enough members on both sides who
can share what's going on.

Many of us have questions about serious and private matters. Regretfully, I no
longer feel comfortable posting here where everyone can read it. I do not
believe it's a false sense of security. There's always a possibility of someone
that's a member "snitching" on someone's post, but I think thats a far less
concern than laying it all out naked.

Just my two-cents worth and probably the last.

Sorry!

Thank you for sharing and, again, I am sorry that you somehow understood
messages here were private.  I have revised the home page message to clarify
that this is a public group.

I have no plans of making this group private.  One of my concerns about going
private is that it will make the group less accessible.  Such a change will
force lurkers and those merely questioning the ex-gay movement to become a
'member' of an ex-exgay group just to read messages.  Even when I first started
questioning the ex-gay movement, I doubt that I would have actively joined an
ex-exgay group.  So, I believe there is a value to keeping online discussions
open and accessible for lurkers like myself.

I certainly understand the need to discuss deeply personal matters -- especially
related to reconciling faith and sexuality.  However, I think there is a
meaningful way to openly and anonymously share our struggles without disclosing
names and identifying details.

Also, as I mentioned previously, making the group private gives a false sense of
security where none exists.  As moderator, I have no way of assuring who the
300+ members of the group are or what they will do with the information posted
(and e-mailed).  As with any electronic information, there is no assurance of
privacy.  Yahoo!'s code could become defective, servers can be hacked, and
malicious viruses could collect information.

Norm!

--- In exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com, "rckmtnguy24" <ad4071@...> wrote:
>
> I apologize, but I guess I'll go ahead and tell you my thoughts on this. The
fact that this is posted publicly will stop me from participating here. This is
a shame, because I think there's some good discussion going on here.
>
> I've started three closed/private Yahoo groups. Members have to be
pre-approved and messages are viewable only by other members. The things posted
there cannot be accessed by anyone outside the membership and I suppose by Yahoo
employees.
>
> I don't see the need for the Ex Gay people to be "spying" here, nor for the Ex
Ex Gay people to spy on their forums. There are enough members on both sides who
can share what's going on.
>
> Many of us have questions about serious and private matters. Regretfully, I no
longer feel comfortable posting here where everyone can read it. I do not
believe it's a false sense of security. There's always a possibility of someone
that's a member "snitching" on someone's post, but I think thats a far less
concern than laying it all out naked.
>
> Just my two-cents worth and probably the last.
>
> Sorry!
>

Hi Norm,

I agree with you - no matter what level of "privacy" is added to a group,
there is usually lurkers who are there gathering whatever information they
want to gather.

It is sad that people feel they can no longer as a question, or post what's
on their mind.  Yahoo give the ability for your email to be hidden, and if
you use a name, then no one really knows if it's a real name or not.

Norm, thanks for creating this group, and I hope that people will still
continue to use it.

Regards,

Pete Zayonce (yes, that's my real name - Google or Facebook me) :-)

2009/11/26 nojam75 <nojam75@...>

>
>
> Thank you for sharing and, again, I am sorry that you somehow understood
> messages here were private. I have revised the home page message to clarify
> that this is a public group.
>
> I have no plans of making this group private. One of my concerns about
> going private is that it will make the group less accessible. Such a change
> will force lurkers and those merely questioning the ex-gay movement to
> become a 'member' of an ex-exgay group just to read messages. Even when I
> first started questioning the ex-gay movement, I doubt that I would have
> actively joined an ex-exgay group. So, I believe there is a value to keeping
> online discussions open and accessible for lurkers like myself.
>
> I certainly understand the need to discuss deeply personal matters --
> especially related to reconciling faith and sexuality. However, I think
> there is a meaningful way to openly and anonymously share our struggles
> without disclosing names and identifying details.
>
> Also, as I mentioned previously, making the group private gives a false
> sense of security where none exists. As moderator, I have no way of assuring
> who the 300+ members of the group are or what they will do with the
> information posted (and e-mailed). As with any electronic information, there
> is no assurance of privacy. Yahoo!'s code could become defective, servers
> can be hacked, and malicious viruses could collect information.
>
> Norm!
>
>
> --- In exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com <exexgayministry%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "rckmtnguy24" <ad4071@...> wrote:
> >
> > I apologize, but I guess I'll go ahead and tell you my thoughts on this.
> The fact that this is posted publicly will stop me from participating here.
> This is a shame, because I think there's some good discussion going on here.
> >
> > I've started three closed/private Yahoo groups. Members have to be
> pre-approved and messages are viewable only by other members. The things
> posted there cannot be accessed by anyone outside the membership and I
> suppose by Yahoo employees.
> >
> > I don't see the need for the Ex Gay people to be "spying" here, nor for
> the Ex Ex Gay people to spy on their forums. There are enough members on
> both sides who can share what's going on.
> >
> > Many of us have questions about serious and private matters. Regretfully,
> I no longer feel comfortable posting here where everyone can read it. I do
> not believe it's a false sense of security. There's always a possibility of
> someone that's a member "snitching" on someone's post, but I think thats a
> far less concern than laying it all out naked.
> >
> > Just my two-cents worth and probably the last.
> >
> > Sorry!
> >
>
>
>



--
Pete Zayonce
m: 0410248621
e: pete.zayonce@...

"I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I
realized I was somebody."
– Lily Tomlin


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Good point Pete.  If you don't want to be identified, you  can create an
email ID/address just for privacy use like this  group.
Chuk


In a message dated 11/29/2009 1:13:28 P.M. Central Standard Time,
pete.zayonce@... writes:

Hi  Norm,

I agree with you - no matter what level of "privacy" is added to  a group,
there is usually lurkers who are there gathering whatever  information they
want to gather.

It is sad that people feel they can  no longer as a question, or post what's
on their mind.  Yahoo give the  ability for your email to be hidden, and if
you use a name, then no one  really knows if it's a real name or not.

Norm, thanks for creating this  group, and I hope that people will still
continue to use  it.

Regards,

Pete Zayonce (yes, that's my real name - Google or  Facebook me) :-)

2009/11/26 nojam75  <nojam75@...>

>
>
> Thank you for sharing  and, again, I am sorry that you somehow understood
> messages here were  private. I have revised the home page message to
clarify
> that this is  a public group.
>
> I have no plans of making this group private.  One of my concerns about
> going private is that it will make the group  less accessible. Such a
change
> will force lurkers and those merely  questioning the ex-gay movement to
> become a 'member' of an ex-exgay  group just to read messages. Even when I
> first started questioning the  ex-gay movement, I doubt that I would have
> actively joined an ex-exgay  group. So, I believe there is a value to
keeping
> online discussions  open and accessible for lurkers like myself.
>
> I certainly  understand the need to discuss deeply personal matters --
> especially  related to reconciling faith and sexuality. However, I think
> there is  a meaningful way to openly and anonymously share our struggles
> without  disclosing names and identifying details.
>
> Also, as I mentioned  previously, making the group private gives a false
> sense of security  where none exists. As moderator, I have no way of
assuring
> who the  300+ members of the group are or what they will do with the
>  information posted (and e-mailed). As with any electronic information,
there
> is no assurance of privacy. Yahoo!'s code could become  defective, servers
> can be hacked, and malicious viruses could collect  information.
>
> Norm!
>
>
> --- In  exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
<exexgayministry%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "rckmtnguy24"  <ad4071@...> wrote:
> >
> > I apologize, but I guess  I'll go ahead and tell you my thoughts on
this.
> The fact that this is  posted publicly will stop me from participating
here.
> This is a shame,  because I think there's some good discussion going on
here.
>  >
> > I've started three closed/private Yahoo groups. Members have  to be
> pre-approved and messages are viewable only by other members.  The things
> posted there cannot be accessed by anyone outside the  membership and I
> suppose by Yahoo employees.
> >
> >  I don't see the need for the Ex Gay people to be "spying" here, nor
for
> the Ex Ex Gay people to spy on their forums. There are enough  members on
> both sides who can share what's going on.
>  >
> > Many of us have questions about serious and private matters.
Regretfully,
> I no longer feel comfortable posting here where everyone  can read it. I
do
> not believe it's a false sense of security. There's  always a possibility
of
> someone that's a member "snitching" on  someone's post, but I think thats
a
> far less concern than laying it  all out naked.
> >
> > Just my two-cents worth and probably  the last.
> >
> > Sorry!
> >
>
>
>



--
Pete Zayonce
m: 0410248621
e:  pete.zayonce@...

"I always wondered why somebody doesn't do  something about that. Then I
realized I was somebody."
– Lily  Tomlin


[Non-text portions of this message have been  removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo!  Groups Links






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Gay teen worried he might be Christian:

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/gay_teen_worried_he_might_be

Gay or straight. Do you want to see the end of all ex-gay,
conversion/re-orientation style ministries and therapies in Australia?
(People are damaged and waste precious years of their lives trying to turn
from gay to straight.) .....then march with us.



People who are same-sex-orientated often feel societal and family pressures
to reject or deny their true feelings.  This pressure to conform and live as
heterosexuals is much more intense for those who come from faith backgrounds
and Christian churches, as the belief system says that acceptance or
rejection of their sexuality has eternal consequences.



Struggling to change can be private and internal, through one on one
personal counselling or support groups. Some of us have even gone to the
extremes of exorcisms, 'ex-gay' programs or marrying, believing this will
solve our 'problem'. The journey to find resolution and self-acceptance for
gay men and lesbians from Christian backgrounds can be difficult and even
traumatic.



This year, Freedom 2 b[e] <http://www.freedom2b.org/>  (a network of LGBT
people from Pentecostal, Charismatic and Evangelical backgrounds) celebrates
the journey survivors have travelled to rid ourselves of damaging and
outdated beliefs. Beliefs that said homosexuality was a sin, sickness or the
result of a dysfunctional family upbringing. We are no longer victims of our
own or others ignorance.



We invite all those who have been through any form of 'ex-gay' therapy or
counselling to join Freedom 2 b[e]  this year in the parade Saturday 27th
February. Please let your family members and friends know they are also
welcome to join us.



Marching in the Mardi Gras parade or a Pride march is often an empowering
experience and an opportunity to put the shame and the 'demons' of the past
to rest by publicly declaring that we are out, proud and love being who we
are; lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.



Our message is a positive one; celebrating our journeys to resolution and
self-acceptance. By marching together we also send a positive message to
people in churches who are still locked in a prison of self-hatred.



Accepting our sexuality, coming out in a supportive environment and
embracing being gay or lesbian, sets us free.



If you are interesting in marching with us as a survivor or supporter please
register your interest now as numbers are limited.



More details and to register click here <http://f2bmg2010.eventbrite.com/>



If you have been through an ex-gay program and would like more information
please email survivors@....

General inquiries please email mardigras@...



Unsure about the importance of participating in the parade? These articles
may be helpful.



1.        Parades
<http://alifeofunlearning.blogspot.com/2009/01/mardi-gras-and-pride-celebrat
ions-to.html>  - who needs them?

2.        The
<http://alifeofunlearning.blogspot.com/2007/03/divine-moment-in-mardi-gras-p
arade.html>  First Time Freedom 2 b[e] Marched in Mardi Gras - What
happened?

3.        Read about the experience of some
<http://www.freedom2b.org/topic/265>  first timers



Please note: In order to meet the requirements of the Mardi Gras
organisation so the logistics of the 8,000 strong parade can be
finalised..and in order for Freedom 2 b[e] to organise t-shirts and other
articles for every participant, all registrations must be in by Tuesday 16
February 2010. DON'T PUT IT OFF OR YOU'LL MISS OUT. Thanks for your help.



Anthony Venn-Brown

Co-founder and Convenor of freedom 2 b[e]

Connection - Support - Information - Dialogue

Networking LGBT People from Pentecostal, Charismatic and Evangelical
Backgrounds

We have a website:  <http://www.freedom2b.org/> www.freedom2b.org ...and an
online community

Mobile: +61 (0)416 015 231





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey,

I don't no where to write this, but I need to.

So I type in "gay" and search groups, and I get four kinds.

Gay. It's all about sex.

Ex gay. All about not masterbating an being clever with lots and lots and lots
of words... im not a big reader brainiac type dude. besides, i did read the
bible and jesus isnt as wordy as all these christians anyway, they talk to much.

Ex ex gay. It's all about sharing how pissed off you are that you were ex gay
and bashing ex gays... im not big on hate either, these guys just wanna hurt
people cuz they got hurt, anger is their badge of honor.

Goy. Some of it seems good, some of it seems super freaky way out.

Dude. I just wanna make a few friends who understand how rough it can be, and we
all love one another. Where's that group at?

Peace out,
Shaggy

Hi Shaggy,

Unfortunately, online forums often bring out the worst in people.  However, I
can't say that ex-exgays that I know wish harm on exgays -- especially
considering 'we' (ex-exgays) were 'them' (ex-gays) just a short time ago. 
Admittedly, we can be snarky and critical of ex-gay promoters and the
confusing/harmful ex-gay message.

Have you tried GayChristian.net?  I haven't been on GCN recently, but the last
time I was there, they seemed to have good conversations and were not
sex-orientated.

Of course, you're welcome to share here too.  Reconciling faith and sexuality is
a struggle, but know that you're not alone.

Norm!

--- In exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com, shaggyhimbo <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hey,
>
> I don't no where to write this, but I need to.
>
> So I type in "gay" and search groups, and I get four kinds.
>
> Gay. It's all about sex.
>
> Ex gay. All about not masterbating an being clever with lots and lots and lots
of words... im not a big reader brainiac type dude. besides, i did read the
bible and jesus isnt as wordy as all these christians anyway, they talk to much.
>
> Ex ex gay. It's all about sharing how pissed off you are that you were ex gay
and bashing ex gays... im not big on hate either, these guys just wanna hurt
people cuz they got hurt, anger is their badge of honor.
>
> Goy. Some of it seems good, some of it seems super freaky way out.
>
> Dude. I just wanna make a few friends who understand how rough it can be, and
we all love one another. Where's that group at?
>
> Peace out,
> Shaggy
>

I agree with Norm.

As someone who runs a website for ex-ex-gays (www.beyondexgay.com) I
would say that we don't bash or hate ex-gays either. We even
encourage people to think about the good that came out of their ex-
gay experiences....because for many people, we did gain something
good from our times as ex-gays.

I also second Norm in checking out Gaychristian.net - they have been
a really helpful resource to lots of people and have great, active
message boards.

We also have a very fledgling online forum community for ex-ex-gays.
Email us at bxg@... with a bit of your story for more
information (this applies to anyone on this listserv as well).
Christians and nonChristians welcome.

Thanks,

Christine


On Feb 15, 2010, at 9:21 AM, nojam75 wrote:

> Hi Shaggy,
>
> Unfortunately, online forums often bring out the worst in people.
> However, I can't say that ex-exgays that I know wish harm on exgays
> -- especially considering 'we' (ex-exgays) were 'them' (ex-gays)
> just a short time ago. Admittedly, we can be snarky and critical of
> ex-gay promoters and the confusing/harmful ex-gay message.
>
> Have you tried GayChristian.net? I haven't been on GCN recently,
> but the last time I was there, they seemed to have good
> conversations and were not sex-orientated.
>
> Of course, you're welcome to share here too. Reconciling faith and
> sexuality is a struggle, but know that you're not alone.
>
> Norm!
>
> --- In exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com, shaggyhimbo <no_reply@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hey,
> >
> > I don't no where to write this, but I need to.
> >
> > So I type in "gay" and search groups, and I get four kinds.
> >
> > Gay. It's all about sex.
> >
> > Ex gay. All about not masterbating an being clever with lots and
> lots and lots of words... im not a big reader brainiac type dude.
> besides, i did read the bible and jesus isnt as wordy as all these
> christians anyway, they talk to much.
> >
> > Ex ex gay. It's all about sharing how pissed off you are that you
> were ex gay and bashing ex gays... im not big on hate either, these
> guys just wanna hurt people cuz they got hurt, anger is their badge
> of honor.
> >
> > Goy. Some of it seems good, some of it seems super freaky way out.
> >
> > Dude. I just wanna make a few friends who understand how rough it
> can be, and we all love one another. Where's that group at?
> >
> > Peace out,
> > Shaggy
> >
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Everyone,

Over at BeyondExGay.com we received a request from a journalist who
wants to interview an ex-gay survivor in Georgia. If you're
interested (you can speak to him anonymously if you want), please
send me an email and let me know and I'll connect you.

Thanks,

Christine

I have been rethinking the
"gay/Christian" conflict. I have spent the previous 20 years doing everything I
could find to do in order to "deal with my homosexuality" within a Christian
context: 4 yrs residential Love In Action program in San Rafael, Ca.; 3 yrs
Orthodox community in Ben Lomond, Ca, with church attendence 2 times per day, 6
years living in Eastern Orthodox monastic communities pursuing monastic life,
frustration with Orthodox theology, 1 year back in Love in Action on staff here
in Memphis Tn. Throughout these 20 years, I never expected to become
heterosexual. However, I see that I was trying to become a-sexual for the sake
of the Kingdom. I am extremely disappointed to find that at best I have been
repressing, denying, running from, and ignoring my very strong homosexual
responses and desires. I guess the "cork came off the bottle" last winter. I
have been celibate these past 20 yrs and I intend to remain so. But I honestly
do not know what is God's absolute and perfect will for 1) me, a Christian man
who is homosexual and 2) all Christians who are homosexual. I had been thinking
that as a homosexually driven person it was up to me to deny myself - my
homosexuality- and take up my cross daily to follow Jesus. I consider(ed)
homosexuality a result of the fall of man and therefore a brokenness which
resulted in sin (homosexual behaviour) and therefore something which needs to be
"healed" or to be repented of. Now I honestly do not know. As I wrote above, I
have no intention of giving up hard fought for celibacy, (although I recently
have begun again to indulge my solo-sexual practice after 15 yrs of total
abstinence therefrom.) I am making honest inquiries into all sorts of
"accepting" or "affirming" Christians as well as the oputright "pro-gay" faction
although I really am far too conservative to ever become "pro-gay." So here I
am at 60 yrs old with a ton of questions!




  Sat Jun 26, 2010 2:36 pm


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"Tim" <timalexwar7@...>
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    Delete

Hi Tim,

Thank you for your introduction, and for re-kindling this discussion forum.

I, too, undertook a range of courses of action to 'deal' with my
homosexuality- Exodus, Living Waters, marriage, much prayer and abstinence
etc.

I agonized, considered suicide, was psychiatrically hospitalized.

I read all the ex-gay literature and all the pro- and ex-ex-gay literature.

Eventually, it dawned on me that there were many, many different takes on
God's will about this.

And I truly believed that if the scriptures promised 'if you will seek me,
then you will find me, if you search for me with all you heart'.

'Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things'
etc. then I was going to have to trust God and walk this journey myself,
regardless of who had told me what.

I also was aware that I had given this journey 20 years of my life,
abstained faithfully, paid a lot of money for courses etc.

So I trusted God to show me the right path for ME. And prayed honestly for
the humility to hear what I needed to hear.

What transpired next was that my husband of 15 years suddenly and
unexpectedly left me.

I came out.

I have attended churches where I can worship with integrity.

I have realized that, for me, God is far bigger than any of us or our
denominations can make a box for.

My family, including 2 children, 3 stepchildren and foster child all love
and accept me.

It hasn't been easy, but I 'took the road less traveled' and it HAS made all
the difference.

Wishing you love, peace and a prayerful pathway

Chris





From: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 2:38 PM
To: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [ExExGayMinistry] Introduction





I have been rethinking the
"gay/Christian" conflict. I have spent the previous 20 years doing
everything I
could find to do in order to "deal with my homosexuality" within a Christian
context: 4 yrs residential Love In Action program in San Rafael, Ca.; 3 yrs
Orthodox community in Ben Lomond, Ca, with church attendence 2 times per
day, 6
years living in Eastern Orthodox monastic communities pursuing monastic
life,
frustration with Orthodox theology, 1 year back in Love in Action on staff
here
in Memphis Tn. Throughout these 20 years, I never expected to become
heterosexual. However, I see that I was trying to become a-sexual for the
sake
of the Kingdom. I am extremely disappointed to find that at best I have been
repressing, denying, running from, and ignoring my very strong homosexual
responses and desires. I guess the "cork came off the bottle" last winter. I
have been celibate these past 20 yrs and I intend to remain so. But I
honestly
do not know what is God's absolute and perfect will for 1) me, a Christian
man
who is homosexual and 2) all Christians who are homosexual. I had been
thinking
that as a homosexually driven person it was up to me to deny myself - my
homosexuality- and take up my cross daily to follow Jesus. I consider(ed)
homosexuality a result of the fall of man and therefore a brokenness which
resulted in sin (homosexual behaviour) and therefore something which needs
to be
"healed" or to be repented of. Now I honestly do not know. As I wrote above,
I
have no intention of giving up hard fought for celibacy, (although I
recently
have begun again to indulge my solo-sexual practice after 15 yrs of total
abstinence therefrom.) I am making honest inquiries into all sorts of
"accepting" or "affirming" Christians as well as the oputright "pro-gay"
faction
although I really am far too conservative to ever become "pro-gay." So here
I
am at 60 yrs old with a ton of questions!

Sat Jun 26, 2010 2:36 pm

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"Tim" <timalexwar7@... <mailto:timalexwar7%40yahoo.com> >
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey Tim..its been quite a journey..but you are not alone. I've worked with a
number of guys who have come out at the age of 60 and beyond..amazing. Some
had not even acted on the sexual orientation up until that point.



You might find lots of help at freedom 2 b[e]  http://www.freedom2b.org/
......that can be a support network for you.

Post your story here http://www.freedom2b.org/forum/13 and then I and others
will respond. That way you'll not only get my perspectives on things but
others as well. It is a very safe, respectful and supportive space.

Read this first before you post http://www.freedom2b.org/topic/6 it will
give you some helpful guidelines. You will have to register on the site as
well and you do that here http://www.freedom2b.org/user/register/


If you are not sure what Freedom 2 b[e] is all about you can read our
mission statement here. http://www.freedom2b.org/about/mission



We also have an FAQ page http://www.freedom2b.org/faq



And also a page that talks about the different types of people we connect
with. http://www.freedom2b.org/about/who-we-help



I hope to see you in the forum soon.





Anthony Venn-Brown

An Ambassador for the LGBT Community

Author of  <http://www.anthonyvennbrown.com/book.html> 'A Life of Unlearning
- A Journey to Find the Truth'

Co-convenor of  <http://www.freedom2b.org/> Freedom 2 b[e]

Honoured to be on the 2007 & 2009 list of the
<http://www.samesame.com.au/25/2007/AnthonyVennBrown>  25 Most Influential
Gay & Lesbian Australians

Tel: + 61 (0)2 9699 2448  Mobile: +61 (0)416 015 231

Blog:  <http://alifeofunlearning.blogspot.com/>
http://alifeofunlearning.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  <http://www.facebook.com/gayambassador>
http://www.facebook.com/gayambassador

Twitter  <https://twitter.com/gayambassador>
https://twitter.com/gayambassador

Website:  <http://lgbttraining.blogspot.com/>
http://lgbttraining.blogspot.com/

YouTube Channel  <http://www.youtube.com/user/avb7>
http://www.youtube.com/user/avb7



From: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Monday, 28 June 2010 8:09 PM
To: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [ExExGayMinistry] Digest Number 691




<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/exexgayministry;_ylc=X3oDMTJkdXFidGZyBF9TAzk3
MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzUyMjUzNzIEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDc0NjgzBHNlYwNoZHIEc2xrA2hwaARz
dGltZQMxMjc3NzE5NzIz> ExExGayMinistry: Surviving the "Cure"


Messages In This Digest (1 Message)


1.

Introduction From: Tim


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1.



<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/exexgayministry/message/4300;_ylc=X3oDMTJxbnJ
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Posted by: "Tim"
<mailto:timalexwar7@...?Subject=%20Re%3AIntroduction>
timalexwar7@...    <http://profiles.yahoo.com/timalexwar7> timalexwar7



Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:50 pm (PDT)




I have been rethinking the
"gay/Christian" conflict. I have spent the previous 20 years doing
everything I
could find to do in order to "deal with my homosexuality" within a Christian
context: 4 yrs residential Love In Action program in San Rafael, Ca.; 3 yrs
Orthodox community in Ben Lomond, Ca, with church attendence 2 times per
day, 6
years living in Eastern Orthodox monastic communities pursuing monastic
life,
frustration with Orthodox theology, 1 year back in Love in Action on staff
here
in Memphis Tn. Throughout these 20 years, I never expected to become
heterosexual. However, I see that I was trying to become a-sexual for the
sake
of the Kingdom. I am extremely disappointed to find that at best I have been
repressing, denying, running from, and ignoring my very strong homosexual
responses and desires. I guess the "cork came off the bottle" last winter. I
have been celibate these past 20 yrs and I intend to remain so. But I
honestly
do not know what is God's absolute and perfect will for 1) me, a Christian
man
who is homosexual and 2) all Christians who are homosexual. I had been
thinking
that as a homosexually driven person it was up to me to deny myself - my
homosexuality- and take up my cross daily to follow Jesus. I consider(ed)
homosexuality a result of the fall of man and therefore a brokenness which
resulted in sin (homosexual behaviour) and therefore something which needs
to be
"healed" or to be repented of. Now I honestly do not know. As I wrote above,
I
have no intention of giving up hard fought for celibacy, (although I
recently
have begun again to indulge my solo-sexual practice after 15 yrs of total
abstinence therefrom.) I am making honest inquiries into all sorts of
"accepting" or "affirming" Christians as well as the oputright "pro-gay"
faction
although I really am far too conservative to ever become "pro-gay." So here
I
am at 60 yrs old with a ton of questions!

Sat Jun 26, 2010 2:36 pm

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18:35:00



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Great sites- thanks Anthony.

I see you are in Australia. Most of my journey was undertaken in New
Zealand, and I will pass these to a family member who is in Brisbane, and
working through gender identity and sexuality questions, as well as the very
painful reality of a family who find anything other than
heterosexual-marriage-not=consummated-until-the-wedding-night unspeakably
abhorrent. They also don't believe in mental health issues, of which she has
had many.

I now live in the United States, and wanted to add a story here.

I have lived here for four and a half years. I moved over to be with my
partner, and really had no idea how difficult it would be to get a visa.
Same-sex relationships here are totally invisible to the Federal Government,
even if gay marriage is legal in the state you live in (as it is in my own).
Basically we were told that if we got married, that that would be held
AGAINST my petition for a visa.

When I was psychiatrically hospitalized I was a manager in a community
mental health service. I lost my job, and reincarnated myself as an advocate
for those who use mental health services, and a human rights activist for
marginalized people. You can imagine, then, that I am NOT the sort of person
who the United States government normally falls over themselves to grant
visas to.

However, with the help of Immigration Equality (immigrationequality.org )
who specialize in immigration issues for LGBTI persons, I found a GREAT
lawyer (who's name I will happily pass on to anyone interested).

We filed an O1 petition, and I'm darned sure I'm one of the only people who
has ever been granted a United States visa on the basis of having used
mental health services (and advocating for human rights).

Just wanted to flag to folks that here in the US

1.       Immigration issues are still exceptionally discriminatory towards
the LGBTI community- it's wise to look at all options if embarking upon an
trans-national relationship

2.       Even with those odds stacked against you, it's possible to work
through this stuff, and there's a bunch of good resources and folks out
there to enable it. (Although the process I found not for the
faint-hearted!)

Cheers

Chris





From: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anthony Venn-Brown
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 6:34 AM
To: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
Subject: FW: [ExExGayMinistry] Digest Number 691





Hey Tim..its been quite a journey..but you are not alone. I've worked with a
number of guys who have come out at the age of 60 and beyond..amazing. Some
had not even acted on the sexual orientation up until that point.

You might find lots of help at freedom 2 b[e] http://www.freedom2b.org/
......that can be a support network for you.

Post your story here http://www.freedom2b.org/forum/13 and then I and others
will respond. That way you'll not only get my perspectives on things but
others as well. It is a very safe, respectful and supportive space.

Read this first before you post http://www.freedom2b.org/topic/6 it will
give you some helpful guidelines. You will have to register on the site as
well and you do that here http://www.freedom2b.org/user/register/

If you are not sure what Freedom 2 b[e] is all about you can read our
mission statement here. http://www.freedom2b.org/about/mission

We also have an FAQ page http://www.freedom2b.org/faq

And also a page that talks about the different types of people we connect
with. http://www.freedom2b.org/about/who-we-help

I hope to see you in the forum soon.

Anthony Venn-Brown

An Ambassador for the LGBT Community

Author of <http://www.anthonyvennbrown.com/book.html> 'A Life of Unlearning
- A Journey to Find the Truth'

Co-convenor of <http://www.freedom2b.org/> Freedom 2 b[e]

Honoured to be on the 2007 & 2009 list of the
<http://www.samesame.com.au/25/2007/AnthonyVennBrown> 25 Most Influential
Gay & Lesbian Australians

Tel: + 61 (0)2 9699 2448 Mobile: +61 (0)416 015 231

Blog: <http://alifeofunlearning.blogspot.com/>
http://alifeofunlearning.blogspot.com/

Facebook: <http://www.facebook.com/gayambassador>
http://www.facebook.com/gayambassador

Twitter <https://twitter.com/gayambassador>
https://twitter.com/gayambassador

Website: <http://lgbttraining.blogspot.com/>
http://lgbttraining.blogspot.com/

YouTube Channel <http://www.youtube.com/user/avb7>
http://www.youtube.com/user/avb7

From: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:exexgayministry%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:exexgayministry%40yahoogroups.com> ]
Sent: Monday, 28 June 2010 8:09 PM
To: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:exexgayministry%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [ExExGayMinistry] Digest Number 691

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/exexgayministry;_ylc=X3oDMTJkdXFidGZyBF9TAzk3
MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzUyMjUzNzIEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDc0NjgzBHNlYwNoZHIEc2xrA2hwaARz
dGltZQMxMjc3NzE5NzIz> ExExGayMinistry: Surviving the "Cure"

Messages In This Digest (1 Message)

1.

Introduction From: Tim

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1.

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/exexgayministry/message/4300;_ylc=X3oDMTJxbnJ
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Posted by: "Tim"
<mailto:timalexwar7@... <mailto:timalexwar7%40yahoo.com>
?Subject=%20Re%3AIntroduction>
timalexwar7@... <mailto:timalexwar7%40yahoo.com>
<http://profiles.yahoo.com/timalexwar7> timalexwar7

Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:50 pm (PDT)

I have been rethinking the
"gay/Christian" conflict. I have spent the previous 20 years doing
everything I
could find to do in order to "deal with my homosexuality" within a Christian
context: 4 yrs residential Love In Action program in San Rafael, Ca.; 3 yrs
Orthodox community in Ben Lomond, Ca, with church attendence 2 times per
day, 6
years living in Eastern Orthodox monastic communities pursuing monastic
life,
frustration with Orthodox theology, 1 year back in Love in Action on staff
here
in Memphis Tn. Throughout these 20 years, I never expected to become
heterosexual. However, I see that I was trying to become a-sexual for the
sake
of the Kingdom. I am extremely disappointed to find that at best I have been
repressing, denying, running from, and ignoring my very strong homosexual
responses and desires. I guess the "cork came off the bottle" last winter. I
have been celibate these past 20 yrs and I intend to remain so. But I
honestly
do not know what is God's absolute and perfect will for 1) me, a Christian
man
who is homosexual and 2) all Christians who are homosexual. I had been
thinking
that as a homosexually driven person it was up to me to deny myself - my
homosexuality- and take up my cross daily to follow Jesus. I consider(ed)
homosexuality a result of the fall of man and therefore a brokenness which
resulted in sin (homosexual behaviour) and therefore something which needs
to be
"healed" or to be repented of. Now I honestly do not know. As I wrote above,
I
have no intention of giving up hard fought for celibacy, (although I
recently
have begun again to indulge my solo-sexual practice after 15 yrs of total
abstinence therefrom.) I am making honest inquiries into all sorts of
"accepting" or "affirming" Christians as well as the oputright "pro-gay"
faction
although I really am far too conservative to ever become "pro-gay." So here
I
am at 60 yrs old with a ton of questions!

Sat Jun 26, 2010 2:36 pm

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'm 68.. was in my 50s before I found my peace and  acceptance.
You must know that God does not want you to live a  conflicted
life.....right?  God bless on your journey to find your  peace.
I've always wondered.. if God does not see us as male nor  female..

28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you
are all one in  Christ Jesus.    Galatians 3:28 (New International  Version)


  ...why would gender even be an issue where there is  love???
Chuk


In a message dated 6/27/2010 8:50:37 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
timalexwar7@... writes:




I have been rethinking the
"gay/Christian" conflict. I have spent the  previous 20 years doing
everything I
could find to do in order to "deal  with my homosexuality" within a
Christian
context: 4 yrs residential Love  In Action program in San Rafael, Ca.; 3 yrs
Orthodox community in Ben  Lomond, Ca, with church attendence 2 times per
day, 6
years living in  Eastern Orthodox monastic communities pursuing monastic
life,
frustration  with Orthodox theology, 1 year back in Love in Action on staff
here
in  Memphis Tn. Throughout these 20 years, I never expected to  become
heterosexual. However, I see that I was trying to become a-sexual  for the
sake
of the Kingdom. I am extremely disappointed to find that at  best I have
been
repressing, denying, running from, and ignoring my very  strong homosexual
responses and desires. I guess the "cork came off the  bottle" last winter.
I
have been celibate these past 20 yrs and I intend to  remain so. But I
honestly
do not know what is God's absolute and perfect  will for 1) me, a Christian
man
who is homosexual and 2) all Christians who  are homosexual. I had been
thinking
that as a homosexually driven person it  was up to me to deny myself - my
homosexuality- and take up my cross daily  to follow Jesus. I consider(ed)
homosexuality a result of the fall of man  and therefore a brokenness which
resulted in sin (homosexual behaviour) and  therefore something which needs
to be
"healed" or to be repented of. Now I  honestly do not know. As I wrote
above, I
have no intention of giving up  hard fought for celibacy, (although I
recently
have begun again to indulge  my solo-sexual practice after 15 yrs of total
abstinence therefrom.) I am  making honest inquiries into all sorts of
"accepting" or "affirming"  Christians as well as the oputright "pro-gay"
faction
although I really am  far too conservative to ever become "pro-gay." So
here I
am at 60 yrs old  with a ton of questions!

Sat Jun 26, 2010 2:36 pm

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"Tim"  <_timalexwar7@..._ (mailto:timalexwar7@...) >
timalexwar7
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Delete





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thx for your encouragement. You pose an EXCELLENT question, by the way. Tim

On Sun Jun 27th, 2010 11:49 PM EDT MrChuk@... wrote:

>I'm 68.. was in my 50s before I found my peace and  acceptance.
>You must know that God does not want you to live a  conflicted
>life.....right?  God bless on your journey to find your  peace.
>I've always wondered.. if God does not see us as male nor  female..
>
>28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you
>are all one in  Christ Jesus.    Galatians 3:28 (New International  Version)
>
>
> ...why would gender even be an issue where there is  love???
>Chuk
>
>
>In a message dated 6/27/2010 8:50:37 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
>timalexwar7@... writes:
>
>
>
>
>I have been rethinking the
>"gay/Christian" conflict. I have spent the  previous 20 years doing
>everything I
>could find to do in order to "deal  with my homosexuality" within a
>Christian
>context: 4 yrs residential Love  In Action program in San Rafael, Ca.; 3 yrs
>Orthodox community in Ben  Lomond, Ca, with church attendence 2 times per
>day, 6
>years living in  Eastern Orthodox monastic communities pursuing monastic
>life,
>frustration  with Orthodox theology, 1 year back in Love in Action on staff
>here
>in  Memphis Tn. Throughout these 20 years, I never expected to  become
>heterosexual. However, I see that I was trying to become a-sexual  for the
>sake
>of the Kingdom. I am extremely disappointed to find that at  best I have
>been
>repressing, denying, running from, and ignoring my very  strong homosexual
>responses and desires. I guess the "cork came off the  bottle" last winter.
>I
>have been celibate these past 20 yrs and I intend to  remain so. But I
>honestly
>do not know what is God's absolute and perfect  will for 1) me, a Christian
>man
>who is homosexual and 2) all Christians who  are homosexual. I had been
>thinking
>that as a homosexually driven person it  was up to me to deny myself - my
>homosexuality- and take up my cross daily  to follow Jesus. I consider(ed)
>homosexuality a result of the fall of man  and therefore a brokenness which
>resulted in sin (homosexual behaviour) and  therefore something which needs
>to be
>"healed" or to be repented of. Now I  honestly do not know. As I wrote
>above, I
>have no intention of giving up  hard fought for celibacy, (although I
>recently
>have begun again to indulge  my solo-sexual practice after 15 yrs of total
>abstinence therefrom.) I am  making honest inquiries into all sorts of
>"accepting" or "affirming"  Christians as well as the oputright "pro-gay"
>faction
>although I really am  far too conservative to ever become "pro-gay." So
>here I
>am at 60 yrs old  with a ton of questions!
>
>Sat Jun 26, 2010 2:36 pm
>
>Show Message  Option
>----------------------------------------------------------
>
>View  Source
>Use Fixed Width Font
>Unwrap  Lines
>
>----------------------------------------------------------
>
>"Tim"  <_timalexwar7@..._ (mailto:timalexwar7@...) >
>timalexwar7
>Send IM
>Send Email
>
>Delete
>
>
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

there doesn't seem to be much of a conversation going on here. IS that normal?
are there other ex-ex-gay groups that are more active regarding topic
discussions? Let me know if there are others....thnx!

You can try to connect with the Beyond Ex-Gay community site. Go to
www.beyondexgay.com for more info.

Peterson  Toscano
Theatrical Performance Activist
www.petersontoscano.com

On Jul 21, 2010, at 12:36 PM, "Tim" <timalexwar7@...> wrote:

> there doesn't seem to be much of a conversation going on here. IS that normal?
are there other ex-ex-gay groups that are more active regarding topic
discussions? Let me know if there are others....thnx!
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I think that groups like this go through cycles.  New people seeking
answers/peers will come in & there will be some discussion.  Then after some
time, the discussions die down again.

Largely the groups tend to be quiet unless there is something scandalous
that happens, or when one of the ex-gay programs hits the news.

There's a few groups around.  Beyond ex-gay which Peter has already sent
around & there is also Freedom 2 be. http://www.freedom2b.org/ it's not
necessarily ex-ex-gay, but it has a number of resources online, and many of
the contributors to that site have been through ex-gay programs.

Regards,

Pete Zayonce

On 22 July 2010 02:36, Tim <timalexwar7@...> wrote:

>
>
> there doesn't seem to be much of a conversation going on here. IS that
> normal? are there other ex-ex-gay groups that are more active regarding
> topic discussions? Let me know if there are others....thnx!
>
>
>



--
Pete Zayonce
m: 0410248621
e: pete.zayonce@...

"I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I
realized I was somebody."
– Lily Tomlin


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Good morning, everyone.  I've been part of this Yahoo group for several years,
sometimes more active, but always monitoring.
 
I have written a new novel (my second), and this one deals extensively with the
ex-gay issue, and shows an extreme attempt at reparative treatment.  Since
you've all experienced the attempt to be "cured," I'd welcome your thoughts and
insights.  (Sorry for the commercial, but I regularly get people writing to me
who don't believe the ex-gay groups are that bad or dangerous.)
 
I just started a new discussion on my Facebook where I will be dealing with some
of techniques/methods used my book (which I admit, for the sake of fiction, was
a bit extreme). I've already gotten two private messages from those who think
I'm slamming these groups and being too harsh.  "Surely they do some good," one
guy told me.  "I have a friend who used to be gay, but who's now happily
married."  <SIGH>
 
Hope you'll check it out.  And if you get the book, please let me know your
thoughts.
 
Thanks!
 
Bill Prickett

The Mind Set on the Flesh
A story of deception in the name of religion.
But what happens when the truth comes to light?

www.BillPrickett.com
Let's connect on Facebook


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

How much is your book?   I briefly looked at your site and starting reading the
intro, but that's as far as I got.   My experience was good with ex-gay
ministries.   I don't subscribe to everything they teach, but the particular
group I was in was loving, non-judgmental, so it might not be the experience
than so many seem to have had.   If your book is exploring the issues in a
fresh, but truthful, way - I might be interested.


Rex





________________________________
From: Bill Prickett <bill_times2@...>
To: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, January 28, 2011 11:30:27 AM
Subject: [ExExGayMinistry] I welcome your thoughts and Insights




Good morning, everyone.  I've been part of this Yahoo group for several years,
sometimes more active, but always monitoring.

I have written a new novel (my second), and this one deals extensively with the
ex-gay issue, and shows an extreme attempt at reparative treatment.  Since
you've all experienced the attempt to be "cured," I'd welcome your thoughts and
insights.  (Sorry for the commercial, but I regularly get people writing to me
who don't believe the ex-gay groups are that bad or dangerous.)


I just started a new discussion on my Facebook where I will be dealing with some
of techniques/methods used my book (which I admit, for the sake of fiction, was
a bit extreme). I've already gotten two private messages from those who think
I'm slamming these groups and being too harsh.  "Surely they do some good," one
guy told me.  "I have a friend who used to be gay, but who's now happily
married."  <SIGH>

Hope you'll check it out.  And if you get the book, please let me know your
thoughts.

Thanks!

Bill Prickett

The Mind Set on the Flesh
A story of deception in the name of religion.
But what happens when the truth comes to light?

www.BillPrickett.com
Let's connect on Facebook

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Joiner, I do think my book approaches the ex-gay issue from a different
perspective.  It is intentionally a kind of "worse case scenario."  (It's
fiction, so it's merited)
 
As I outline on my site, it involves a young gay man who's is brutally beaten
(by a mentally unstable religious fanatic handing out tracts in the gay section
of Dallas) and is left with almost no memory of his past.  His parent, who are
famous TV evangelists, turn him over to a doctor who uses extreme methods to
change their son from gay to straight.
 
I'm glad you had a good experience with your ex-gay group, but I hope you
understand that many don't. I lost one of my best friends to suicide when he
could get straight. For years I've worked with those who have been damaged by
the dangerous teachings of these groups. The very premise of their
operation---the we can be changed and need to be changed---causes so much
damage.
 
My book is available at all the online booksellers.  You can click on the
Purchast tab of my website for specifics or you can also go to my Facebook page
and click on the Where to Buy tab.
 
Thanks for your comments.
 
Bill
 


--- On Sat, 1/29/11, exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
<exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


From: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com <exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [ExExGayMinistry] Digest Number 694
To: exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, January 29, 2011, 4:00 AM








ExExGayMinistry: Surviving the "Cure"

Messages In This Digest (2 Messages)


1a.
I welcome your thoughts and Insights From: Bill Prickett
1b.
Re: I welcome your thoughts and Insights From: Joiner Rex
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Messages


1a.

I welcome your thoughts and Insights
Posted by: "Bill Prickett" bill_times2@...   bill_times2
Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:30 am (PST)




Good morning, everyone.  I've been part of this Yahoo group for several years,
sometimes more active, but always monitoring.
 
I have written a new novel (my second), and this one deals extensively with the
ex-gay issue, and shows an extreme attempt at reparative treatment.  Since
you've all experienced the attempt to be "cured," I'd welcome your thoughts and
insights.  (Sorry for the commercial, but I regularly get people writing to me
who don't believe the ex-gay groups are that bad or dangerous.)
 
I just started a new discussion on my Facebook where I will be dealing with some
of techniques/methods used my book (which I admit, for the sake of fiction, was
a bit extreme). I've already gotten two private messages from those who think
I'm slamming these groups and being too harsh.  "Surely they do some good," one
guy told me.  "I have a friend who used to be gay, but who's now happily
married."  <SIGH>
 
Hope you'll check it out.  And if you get the book, please let me know your
thoughts.
 
Thanks!
 
Bill Prickett

The Mind Set on the Flesh
A story of deception in the name of religion.
But what happens when the truth comes to light?

www.BillPrickett. com
Let's connect on Facebook

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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Messages in this topic (2)
1b.

Re: I welcome your thoughts and Insights
Posted by: "Joiner Rex" rexjoiner@...   rexjoiner
Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:57 pm (PST)


How much is your book? I briefly looked at your site and starting reading the
intro, but that's as far as I got. My experience was good with ex-gay
ministries. I don't subscribe to everything they teach, but the particular
group I was in was loving, non-judgmental, so it might not be the experience
than so many seem to have had. If your book is exploring the issues in a
fresh, but truthful, way - I might be interested.

Rex

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Bill Prickett <bill_times2@ yahoo.com>
To: exexgayministry@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, January 28, 2011 11:30:27 AM
Subject: [ExExGayMinistry] I welcome your thoughts and Insights

Good morning, everyone. I've been part of this Yahoo group for several years,
sometimes more active, but always monitoring.

I have written a new novel (my second), and this one deals extensively with the
ex-gay issue, and shows an extreme attempt at reparative treatment. Since
you've all experienced the attempt to be "cured," I'd welcome your thoughts and
insights. (Sorry for the commercial, but I regularly get people writing to me
who don't believe the ex-gay groups are that bad or dangerous.)

I just started a new discussion on my Facebook where I will be dealing with some
of techniques/methods used my book (which I admit, for the sake of fiction, was
a bit extreme). I've already gotten two private messages from those who think
I'm slamming these groups and being too harsh. "Surely they do some good," one
guy told me. "I have a friend who used to be gay, but who's now happily
married." <SIGH>

Hope you'll check it out. And if you get the book, please let me know your
thoughts.

Thanks!

Bill Prickett

The Mind Set on the Flesh
A story of deception in the name of religion.
But what happens when the truth comes to light?

www.BillPrickett. com
Let's connect on Facebook

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello!

My name is Jan Gelech and I am a Canadian Ph.D. candidate exploring male ex-gay
ministry experiences as part of my doctoral dissertation.  I am interesting in
hearing the personal stories of those who have been involved with ex-gay
ministries.   In reviewing the literature, I noticed that both leaders and
participants in this area are often SPOKEN OF and seldom LISTENED TO.  I am
hoping that by speaking with people in depth, I can come to a deeper
understanding of ex-gay ministry experiences and share this with others in both
the academic community and general public.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in sharing your experiences with
ex-gay ministries with me (be they negative, positive, or anywhere in between),
please email me.  Wishing you all the best!

Thanks in advance for your consideration,
Jan Gelech, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Saskatchewan

Hello!
 
To provide you with more information about myself (yahoo only allows you 200
characters to ‘explain yourself’) . . .

 
My name is Jan Gelech and I am a Ph.D. at the University of Saskatchewan in the
program of Culture and Human Development. 

http://artsandscience.usask.ca/psychology/programs/chdevelopment/index.php 
I am exploring male ex-gay ministry experiences as part of my doctoral
dissertation.  I am interesting in hearing the personal stories of those who
have been involved with ex-gay ministries.   In reviewing the literature, I
noticed that both leaders and participants in this area are often SPOKEN OF and
seldom LISTENED TO.  I am hoping that by speaking with people in depth, I can
come to a deeper understanding of ex-gay ministry experiences and share this
with others in both the academic community and general public. 

 
The study is experience based in nature.  That is, rather than focusing on
politics and the ethics / effectiveness  of the ex-gay movement, I am
interested
in understanding why particular individuals choose to engage with such programs
and the spiritual, relational, and existential changes they consider themselves
to have experienced as a result.  I am not interested in promoting any sort of
political agenda. As an anthropologically inspired researcher, I seek only to
understand the moral decisions individuals make for themselves within the
context of a particular life and the shape they wish their lives to take. 

 
I am hoping that you will consider adding me to the group so that I will be able
to post a short invitation to your members to share their stories with me.  I
wish only to provide them with a brief introduction to my project and a chance
to contact me if they wish. 

 
The study has been approved by my academic committee, made up of four professors
from the University of Saskatchewan, and my research supervisor.  It has also
been reviewed by the university of Saskatchewan behavioural ethics review
committee and I have completed all required study modifications.   I am
intrigued by the diversity of human life and deeply respectful of the human
desire to attain ‘the good life’ according to their own moral compass.  I
can
assure you that I am a deeply respectful researcher who desires nothing more
than to understand the life experiences of others.
If you would like to confirm my identity, affiliation, or intentions, please
feel free to email my graduate supervisor, Dr. Michel Desjardins.  His email is
as follows:   

Michel.desjardins@...
 
I hope this email answers your questions and that you will consider contributing
to what I feel is an important and relevant piece of work.  I would be happy to
answer any other questions you might have.  Let me know what you think of this
proposition. 

Wishing you all the best
Jan Gelech




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello Again,



My name is Jan Gelech and I am exploring ex-gay ministry experiences as
part of my Ph.D. dissertation.  As a member of the Ex-Ex-Gay group, I
would like to respectfully invite you to participate in this project by
sharing your story and thoughts with me. The ex-ex-gay perspective is of
crucial importance in this line of study and I would hate to have it
unrepresented in the project.



This project is person-centered and seeks to create a rich and nuanced
account of how individuals understand their experiences with ex-gay
ministries.  I am not promoting any political agenda – I seek only
to better understand the lives people attempt to create for themselves
according to their own moral compasses.



Study participation involves a confidential phone interview session
lasting about 1.5 hours.   All information is kept confidential, with
identifying names, places, occupations, organizations, and other details
removed or altered in the interview transcript.



This study has been approved by the University of Saskatchewan Research
Ethics Board (10-342) and adheres to all ethical principles.  If you
have any questions or concerns, this board can be reached at
1-306-966-2084.  If you would be willing to participate in this research
study, or would like more information, please contact me.



Thank-you for your time and consideration.  I hope this request finds
you happy and healthy!



Jan Gelech





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have a section on my website about the ex-gay movement, which includes Ten
Myths of Ex-Gay Programs and my own ex-gay story. (For a while, I was Executive
Director of a local ministry)
 
My new novel, The Mind Set on the Flesh, also deals with the subject...in a
somewhat EX-treme manner.

Bill Prickett
www.BillPrickett.com
Let's connect on Facebook



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

To All Members, GLBT Worldwide needs your help

Right now, almost 80 countries around the world make it a crime to be gay,
lesbian or transgender.  In 10 of those nations, you can be sentenced to death
or life behind bars.  The majority of these nations share a connection - they
are members of the Commonwealth - an organization bringing together 54 nations
to collaborate on legal, cultural and economic development.

The Commonwealth leaders are gathering this week in Perth, Australia where
Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, just gave a courageous
speech calling on each of the Commonwealth nations to finally end discrimination
and criminalization of LGBT people. It's historic, but hardly a done deal:
Forces within the Commonwealth are working double-time to silence Sharma and
others, giving nations that send gays and lesbians to jail a free pass for yet
another year.

We need to support Secretary General Sharma and show the other heads of state
that a massive global outcry is bubbling up in their own countries and demanding
fairness.  The meeting kicks off this Friday - we need thousands to join
Commonwealth citizens around the world and sign on to our statement of support
for Secretary General Sharma in the next 48 hours, making his call impossible to
ignore.

Will you take a minute to add your name and share this letter far and wide:

http://www.allout.org/wearenotillegal

Good morning, everyone.
 
I know this group has been around for a while, but I did want everyone to know
that if you are still looking for a resource, and some interesting conversation
and useful information, there's a wonderful Ex-Ex-Gay Facebook group you might
want to consider. http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/166704399994/
 
The group was started and is administered by Michael Bussee.  In case you don't
know, Michael was one of the original founders of Exodus, the country largest
ex-gay organization. He has since left the ex-gay movement and is active in
getting out the message of the damage and danger of these groups.  Here's a
video where Michael talks about his story:  http://youtu.be/v2PLPyKmtas
 
I am certainly not trying to take anything away from this group, but thought
some might be interested in another avenue. 
 
Thanks!
 
Bill Prickett

The Mind Set on the Flesh
A story of deception in the name of religion.
But what happens when the truth comes to light?

www.BillPrickett.com
Let's connect on Facebook


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey Bill.......my exex-gay group is about the same size as
yours.......and eventually came to no activity.....probably for several
reasons.......one being I was giving my energies in other places like
the freedom 2 b[e] forum and facebook.....but I think the new forms of
communication also played a big role

I suggested my group also move over to Michaels page........he is very
diligent and puts are great stuff on a daily basis. Always interesting
and relevant

I left my group page up so if people are searching they can find it and
it lets them know to move to facebook
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Exex-gay/?yguid=409854159

love your work


Anthony Venn-Brown

An Ambassador for the LGBT Community

Author of 'A Life of Unlearning - A Journey to Find the Truth'
<http://gayambassador1.blogspot.com/>

Co-founder of Freedom 2 b[e] <http://www.freedom2b.org/>

Honoured to be voted one of the 25 Most Influential Gay & Lesbian
Australians <http://www.samesame.com.au/25/2007/AnthonyVennBrown>  (2007
& 2009) and ACON Community Hero finalist 2011.

http://lgbttraining.blogspot.com/ <http://lgbttraining.blogspot.com/>

Twitter: @gayambassador



--- In exexgayministry@yahoogroups.com, Bill Prickett <bill_times2@...>
wrote:
>
> Good morning, everyone.
>
> I know this group has been around for a while, but I did want everyone
to know that if you are still looking for a resource, and some
interesting conversation and useful information, there's a wonderful
Ex-Ex-Gay Facebook group you might want to consider.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/166704399994/
>
> The group was started and is administered by Michael Bussee.  In case
you don't know, Michael was one of the original founders of Exodus, the
country largest ex-gay organization. He has since left the ex-gay
movement and is active in getting out the message of the damage and
danger of these groups.  Here's a video where Michael talks about his
story:  http://youtu.be/v2PLPyKmtas
>
> I am certainly not trying to take anything away from this group, but
thought some might be interested in another avenue.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bill Prickett
>
> The Mind Set on the Flesh
> A story of deception in the name of religion.
> But what happens when the truth comes to light?
>
> www.BillPrickett.com
> Let's connect on Facebook
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]