Occasionally a seminal work appears that becomes a defining piece, a turning point, or breakthrough in a particular area. Considering the religious LGBTQ conversion movement, the documentary Pray Away, released on Netflix August 3rd, could very well be that work. After mental health professional organisations realised that gay and lesbian people were not sick and [...]
Have you seen Pray Away? Here is the only Australian conversion therapy documentary ever made. “The Cure” is an independent Australian documentary film on reparative programs and the mental health implications of trying to “change” sexuality. Told through the compelling narratives of people who have tried to transform their sexuality, the film lifts the veil [...]
In 2004, after reading Anthony Venn-Brown's recently published autobiography, A Life of Unlearning, Dr Shane Clifton from Southern Cross College, the Australian Assemblies of God Bible College of the time (now Alphacrucis College), met with the author. As the college leadership refused to have Anthony speak on campus, Dr Clifton arranged to interview both Anthony [...]
Sacred texts and LGBTQ -an interfaith trialogue Sacred texts and LGBTQ – an interfaith trialogue is a fascinating webinar with internationally famous gay Imam, Mushin Hendricks, Australian former high-profile Pentecostal preacher, Anthony Venn-Brown, and Jewish Bar Mitzvah teacher and Radical Faerie, Kim Gotlieb. Facilitated by educator and therapist, Sekneh Hammoud-Beckett, this panel will explore the communality of [...]
What is Conversion “Therapy”/Practice? Several definitions have been offered. To summarise these, these are the common elements: First, it is based on the false belief that a non-heterosexual, transgender or queer identity is abnormal and the result of damaged development. Second, conversion "therapy" can involve a variety of practices including personal prayer, informal or formal [...]
One of Australia's most popular podcasts, ABC's Conversations, interviews Anthony Venn-Brown OAM about his Life of Unlearning. Discovering he was gay in the 1960s was frightening. Homosexuality was a criminal offence and mental health professionals were attempting to cure gay men and lesbians. In 1969 Anthony turned to God for help, became a born-again Christian, [...]
A Life of Unlearning - a preacher's struggle with his homosexuality, church and faith. “Human stories, like the one in these pages, play a part in advancing understanding and acceptance. It is the story of a quest to find not only self-acceptance but one of the most powerful forces in nature—human love…” – The Hon. [...]
Why do LGBTQ people of faith experience inner conflict? What about the sacred texts? How does one resolve their faith and LGBTQ identity? About this event Don't miss this fascinating webinar with internationally famous gay Imam, Muhsin Hendricks, Australian former high-profile Pentecostal preacher, Anthony Venn-Brown, and Jewish Bar Mitzvah teacher and Radical Faerie, Kim Gotlieb. [...]
The Ideas Digest podcast is about understanding the people we disagree with & humanising our enemy. It humanises controversial ideas by learning about where we found them and how they change us. Whether they be religious, political, taboo or politically incorrect. On 21st March I did two things I've never done before. Firstly, I did an [...]