“I MADE A LOT OF FRIENDS IN MY YEARS OF CONVERSION THERAPY. OUT OF FORTY, ONLY SIX ARE STILL ALIVE (ONE DIED NATURALLY, THE REST SUICIDE.)”
Dear Anthony
I just wanted you to know that you are an inspiration to me.
Between 14 and 30 I tried to get rid of the gay through “ex-gay”, conversion “therapy” programs. I did informal programs with my pastors and read a lot of AWFUL workbooks about homosexuality being a sin and abomination etc. I also did a six week camp at Love Wins, a program of Exodus International. I’ve always been taught that God hates me.
When I turned thirty, I realised the futility of those efforts. Around 32 to 33 I became happy that I was gay. I’m 34 now. Half of my life does seem wasted.
Reading #ALifeOfUnlearning really assisted my mental health and acceptance for myself in a very tangible way. I used to be on six antipsychotic drugs and now I’m only on one mild antidepressant. Thank you. It truly did help.
I made a lot of friends in my years of conversion therapy. Out of forty, only six are still alive (one died naturally, the rest suicide.)
Your book gave me hope and let me see a truer Christ.
Thank you.
Matt
I know I attempted to end my life a month ago and I’m 77 years old. It just doesn’t go away.
Oh dear. I hope you are able to access support where you are Mike
Anthony,
Just where does a 77 year old that has been married for 48 years get support? It would devastate her to find out about my life long struggles and probably me also. I just put my head down and put one foot in front of the other. Enjoyed your book but we all have a story. I was put up for adoption at about 19 months because my parents liked sex but not so much children. I missed my Dad and was adopted at about 3. It set the course for me that I was always looking for a man to please because I didn’t understand what I had done wrong. It was too late when I finally realized that I had done nothing wrong but had given myself up to pleasing older men anyway they wanted me to please them. Thanks Anthony, have a great day