We fell for the 'conversion therapy' lie. No other family should be given the chance Opinion: This pseudoscience, rejected by every notable professional medical association, brought our son to the brink of suicide and almost tore our family apart. Glen Traasdahl opinion contributor Feb. 27 2021 on AZCentral No parent wants to harm their child, [...]
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 [...]
MEDIA RELEASE Australian Conversion “Therapy” Organisation Closes A just released paper “‘Beyond Egypt’ Closes - lessons from the rise and demise of an LGBTQ conversion organisation” reveals the duplicity of conversion “therapy” leaders, some of their bizarre beliefs and messages, and lifts the veil on what has been the most secretive organisation in Australia. Anthony Venn-Brown, [...]
'Beyond Egypt' Closes Lessons from the rise and demise of an LGBTQ conversion organisation Anthony Venn-Brown (Updated 22.01.21) Abstract Reflecting on the history and closure of yet another conversion "therapy" organisation has several benefits. It creates an opportunity to educate people about the beliefs, practices, and language of the LGBTQ conversion movement. It also enables [...]
“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 [...]
Do you want some holiday reading? You’ll find something of interest here I’m sure. Here are the top 10 most popular posts on the Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International site in 2019. Welcoming, accepting, affirming – When a church says they are welcoming and accepting, what does that really mean? Is it safe for LGBTQ people [...]
"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 [...]
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 [...]