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
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
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