When I moved to the National Park, south of Sydney, in March last year, I hadn’t considered that the familiar surroundings would trigger memories of my gay conversion “therapy” experience nearly fifty years earlier. If it wasn’t for Covid, I wouldn’t be down here. I’m an inner city boy at heart. But when Sydney’s lock [...]
Anthony Venn-Brown talks with an Angel During the pandemic, Angel Huertas (originally from Puerto Rico, now living in Texas) has been doing many interviews. The series, is entitled Tertuliando en Cuarentena, which essentially means gathering during quarantine. Way back in 2005, Angel contacted me after serendipitously discovering my autobiography, A Life of Unlearning, while he [...]
“The Cure” is an independent 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 on Australian ‘ex-gay’ programs and ultimately brings to light underlying themes of hope and freedom. Released [...]
"Why I chose gay conversion 'therapy'" was presented at the Homosexual Histories Conference at the Australian National University, Canberra, 15-16 November 2019 and is part of my research for The Quest to Cure Queers. On the 13th March 1951 there was a lot of gay talk in newspapers all over Australia. Thanks to Trove[1], I [...]
How, when and why Hillsong banned ‘ex-gay’ referrals This is an extensive article of several 1000 words. You can read individual sections by clicking on the headings below. Or you can download the PDF HERE Another controversy. What is an anti-gay church?. Brian Houston and AVB - the early days. The ‘ex-gay’ story begins. The [...]
Fifteen years ago, in 2004, 'A Life of Unlearning - coming out of the church, one man's struggle' hit Australian book and department store shelves. I had no idea that: It would become an Australian bestseller and sell out twice There'd be two more revised and updated editions It would change the lives of literally 1,000s [...]
PUBLIC LECTURE "POST EQUALITY VICTORY: THE CHALLENGES AHEAD" Speaker ANTHONY VENN-BROWN THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 6PM WATT SPACE GALLERY Newcastle NSW
Who would have thought? Not me! Fifteen years ago, in 2004, ‘A Life of Unlearning – coming out of the church, one man’s struggle’ hit Australian book and department store shelves. I had no idea that: It would become an Australian bestseller and sell out twice There’d be two more revised and updated editions It [...]
Greenwich Village, New York, June 28 2019 I have no way of knowing exactly what I was doing on this night 50 years ago when the Stonewall uprising happened, but I have a pretty fair idea. On that Friday night in 1969, I would have been at one of four places; a bible study, a [...]