Real Life Stories - Entries for July 2008 (Best of Elise)

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Elise, In the last year I've become a big fan of your site and what you stand for. I have a somewhat unusual story. I am what I would call a formerly gay man. I don't know if you are familiar with what's known as "Conversion Therapy" or "Gay Conversion Therapy". Many of these programs are set up by well meaning conservative Christian groups and individuals to help homosexuals shed what they believe are sinful behaviors that go against the bible. These programs seem to have at best, very limited success. And to my knowledge, the success stories appear to have more to do with helping people cope with their feelings and handle situations, They rarely if ever help them to change their orientation. They don't stop being gay. And the individuals who enter therapy are usually conflicted in some way about being gay, either by fear of coming out, internal feelings of guilt or by some outside pressure, ie. friends, family, society.