“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, 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 found numerous references. [...]
How, when and why Hillsong banned ‘ex-gay’ referrals Another controversy. What is an anti-gay church?. Brian Houston and AVB - the early days. The ‘ex-gay’ story begins. The undercover years 1999-2005. Reaching out Meeting with the Assemblies of God Executive. The dialogue continues. Mercy Ministries. Lifting the lid on the underground. Hillsong bans referrals to [...]
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 [...]
FULL ARTICLE NOW HERE Do you know about the recent Hillsong drama? It involved Chris Pratt, a Hillsong-attending award winning actor, famous for his roles in “The Lego Movie,” “Jurassic World,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” Ellen Page, multi-award winning Canadian actress who is a declared atheist and been an out and proud lesbian since [...]
It will take more than policy to ban gay conversion therapy History has taught us that churches have been able to move dramatically on social issues. Eradicating gay conversion therapy will take pressure and a lot of faith. CHARLIE LEWIS FEB 15, 2019 The Andrews’ government announcement that “gay conversion therapy” would be banned was [...]
Conversion therapy and LGBTQ people of faith Webinar for counsellors, therapists, chaplains, youth workers, telephone counsellors, pastors and LGBTQ service providers Presented for the Australian College of Relationship Counsellors (ACRC), the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA). The mental health challenges of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender [...]