Sensoria – A Journal of Mind, Brain, and Culture

Special edition on Gender and Sexuality

Sexual orientation change efforts within religious contexts: A personal account of the battle to heal homosexuals

Anthony Venn-Brown

Abstract

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 the author’s personal experience with an ex-gay program.

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

Read Table of Contents of other articles of volume 11, no 1, of Sensoria – A Journal of Mind, Brain, and Culture here

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About the Author: Anthony Venn-Brown OAM

Anthony Venn-Brown OAM, is one of Australia’s foremost commentators on faith and sexuality. His bestselling autobiography 'A Life of Unlearning – a preacher’s struggle with his homosexuality, church and faith', details his journey from being a national Pentecostal leader and famous preacher, preaching to 1000s every weekend in Australia’s growing mega-churches, such as Hillsong, to living as an openly gay man. Anthony was one of the first in the world to experience religious gay conversion 'therapy' and has worked to see the practice cease. Anthony was the co-founder and former leader of Freedom2b. He is an educator and consultant on LGBT/faith issues and leader in deconstructing the ex-gay/reparative/conversion therapy myth. Anthony is the founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International. Anthony has been recognised on a number of occasions for his contribution and impact including being twice voted one of 'The 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians’ (2007 and 2009) and in June 2020 he was awarded the 'Order of Australia Medal' (OAM) for service to the LGBTIQ community.

2 Comments

Ray April 22, 2016 at 5:17 am - Reply
What an amazing, succinct and well researched summary of the “issue”! Well done mate, and I will be sending this out to my evangelical friends, and also encouraging them to get your book.
Ray USA
Warren April 22, 2016 at 5:19 am - Reply
This is a really valuable contribution. Given that the Uniting Church context is so different, I had never thought of the full range of issues you raise. They are systematised and described very effectively. You can be an independent scholar!
Warren