Right out of “but I’m a cheerleader”
This is horrible… right out of “but I’m a cheerleader”. Please please help stop this!
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From
http://www.mikeditto.com/index.php#entry000733Via Ex-Gay Watch:
A Tennessee-based religious organization euphemistically called “Love in Action” is running a brainwashing camp for gay kids.
Among the camp’s practices, posted on the blog of a youth whose parents are forcing him to attend:
* Kids in the program are not allowed to speak to anyone, not even their parents, for at least the first two days.
* Kids are not allowed to go anywhere unless they are accompanied by at least two other participants, one of which has to have at least 8 weeks of prior indoctrination.
* Kids are not allowed to keep a journal or a diary
* Kids are not allowed to discuss what goes on in the program with anyone, not even their parents
* Kids are not allowed to have contact with any family members other than parents, who also go through the program
* Kids are not allowed to have any physical contact with any human being other than a hand shake or a pat on the shoulder, and only when authorized.
* Kids are not allowed outside of a small geographic area within Memphis, even if accompanied by parents, without prior written authorization
* Kids are not allowed to listen to any music that is not explicitly Christian (Bach and Beethoven are specifically forbidden as being non-Christian)
* Kids are not permitted to enter restaurants that serve alcohol
* Kids are not allowed to speak after 9:00 p.m. under any circumstance
* Kids may be placed in a state of isolation where they are not allowed to communicate with one another
Ex-gay programs, however misguided, are fine for consenting adults who for whatever reason think they want to change their sexual orientation (despite zero proof that it is even possible). This program is administered to minors against their will. It is forced indoctrination, including dehumanizing, degrading treatment. I really hope some civil liberties types will get clued into this and put a stop to it.
In the mean time, a local group of gays and lesbians (largely kids themselves) is orchestrating a protest outside of this cult-like establishment every day for the next two weeks. Kudos to them. If I were within a reasonable distance I would be right there with them. The protest has garnered some local media coverage, and the story is heating up in the blogosphere. Let’s put an end to this outrageous treatment of innocent kids.
In the latest post on the Queer Action coalition blog, they posted a precis of an interview that they did with a former participant in the program, who outlined activities such as:
[…] “shaming sessions”, where the clients have to, once a day, describe in emotional detail “sinful activities” they’d partaken in…these sessions were then extended to having to describe these things in front of 50 or 60 people on “friends and family” nights, where the family was encouraged to shame them, not be supportive.
This is “love” in action.
Note: The blog from the youth whose parents are forcing him to go to this camp hasn’t been updated since before the camp started. Reading the comments, however, you will find updates from his friends who are sort of spying on him and showing up “accidentally” here and there so that he knows he is being supported from the outside.
What you can do:
s a quote circulating, attributed to Love in Action’s current director, suggesting that suicide is a lesser sin than homosexuality. Mike Airhart at Ex-Gay Watch suggests that the quote may not be accurate. I agree that the quote is so old that its accuracy should be questioned, which is why I haven’t used the quote on this site. Both Mike Airhart and I have messages in to the editor of the paper that first published the quote, and we will report on that as information comes available.
Many of the folks reading the story have been asking what they can do to help if they don’t live in the Memphis area. Many other folks have also come up with some good ideas along those lines. I’ll start with my suggestion:
1. Contact Senate Majority Leader, Tennessee Senator Dr. Bill Frist, and ask him what he thinks of this type of coercion happening in his state
2. Contact local TV media in Memphis: ABC/UPN, NBC (which has already done some coverage), and CBS, FOX
3. Write a letter to the editor of the Memphis newspaper, The Commercial Appeal
4. Write a letter to the editor of your own local newspaper
5. Contact your local ACLU chapter and ask how you can help
6. Contact your local Human Rights Campaign chapter
7. Write your senator or representative and express your concerns–Love in Action’s program doesn’t just affect Memphis, they target kids nationwide and bring them to Memphis for the residential program
Rule #1 when contacting these groups is to BE NICE. Write professionally. Use your spell checker. Refrain from using foul language. The overwhelming response this story seems to be anger, disgust, and anguish. These are all valid emotions that you can express through your writing. But don’t let it be your only expression. Make logical arguments, and back them up with facts. It’s okay to be seething mad about this (I am!), but if you write from a position of anger, your writing won’t get the kind of consideration it would get if it’s kept in a civil and logical tone. Provide specific examples and ideas.
Bad example:
I can’t believe these f—ing Nazi bastards! F— them all!
Good example:
When I read the story, I was overwhelmed with revulsion. I feel so bad for this teen. Love in Action may be in violation of the law (then cite an example).
Lastly, just keep the story going. And expose other organizations like Love in Action, which is not unique.
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