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, [...]
I am gay in a straight marriage People find themselves in these situations because of a number of factors. These are, where a person lives geographically, family or society pressure, the culture you come from, the influence of religion or even the belief that getting married like "normal" people do will solve your "problem". It [...]
“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 [...]
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 [...]
Hi Anthony I’ve just finished reading A Life of Unlearning. I actually really enjoyed it in spite of the fact that it disturbed me greatly! You write so well. I would have liked to hear you preach. What a legacy you created in Youth Alive and in your ministry. That fruit remains in spite of [...]
Gay Partner and Straight Partner Two Separate Journeys by Anthony Venn-Brown Introduction A mixed orientation marriage (MOM) is where one partner is heterosexual and the other is same-sex-oriented (gay or lesbian) or bi-sexual. The situation we find ourselves in is not usually one of intentional deception. (In some cultures, families and geographical areas this may [...]
When a married 'straight' man falls in love with another man Thanks for your email Anthony and reaching out to me like this. It is wonderful to finally have someone to talk to about these things who understands my situation. In your email you said ‘I guess the question arises Joe - what happens if [...]
They're out. They're in. They're out. They're in. They're out. They're in. They are playing closet hokey pokey. Closet hokey pokey’ is a phenomena I have observed working with gay men and lesbians from faith backgrounds for many years now. Closet hokey pokey doesn't occur as frequently amongst those from non-faith backgrounds. If you come [...]