Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have been breeding grounds for much harm to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and to the community as a whole. Within the context of the Christian faith, the greatest harm has occurred to those LGBT individuals who have submitted themselves to ex-gay / reparative / conversion ‘therapies’ (i.e., SOCE; Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) and organisations. The practice of seeking to turn homosexual to heterosexual has predominately existed within Christianity, but not exclusively. Programs have operated and still exist in association with Jewish, and more recently Islamic religious communities. This article is a personal account from a former evangelist that details the ‘life cycle’ of SOCEs in Australia and beyond and the author’s personal experience in an ex-gay residential program.

Contents

• Background
• Mental Health World
• Christianity takes up the Role of Healer
• The Birth and Growth of Christian SOCE
• The Evolution of the ‘Ex-gay’ Movement and Message
  • Phase 1
  • Phase 2
  • Phase 3
• SOCE Participants
• The Devastation Caused by SOCE
• The Current State of SOCE
• Conclusion
  • Ignorance and misinformation in churches.
  • Research in the areas of faith and sexuality is extremely limited.
  • The LGBT community accepting and embracing people of faith
  • Educating mental health professionals and community workers
  • The challenge of Islam, global hotspots and cultural issues

To view or download entire article PDF click here  Sexual Orientation Change Efforts within Religious Contexts