Beyond Ex-Gay
 

Beyond Ex-Gay is an on-line community and resource for those of us who have survived ex-gay experiences. So often healing comes through community and through sharing our stories and experiences with each other.

Our kinship in this journey gives us the opportunity to hear each other deeply, particularly in a world that sometimes scoffs at the many things we have done to change or contain our same-sex attractions and gender differences. Many of us have found healing, wholeness and understanding through facing our pasts.

This is your space to connect with other survivors, read survivor narratives and to share your own.

Scenic path through trees by a river

 
We believe that ex-gay experiences cause more harm than good. Certain people who currently identify as ex-gay say they are content as such. We don’t seek to invalidate their experience. For us such a lifestyle was not possible or healthy.

Not that it was all bad: Some of us received positive help through our ex-gay experiences. We grew to understand our sexuality better and in some cases even overcame life-controlling problems.

But for most of us, these experiences brought us inner turmoil, confusion, and shame. We are still in a process of recovery from the damage. Through sharing our stories with each other, we find wholeness and healing.

 

How you can participate: Ex-gay survivors are stepping forward to tell their stories. Do you want to tell yours? Get started with questions found at the bottom of our Narratives page. Are you an artist? A poet? Please send us your poetry or artwork at bxg (at) beyondexgay.com.

Want to know what's going on? If you'd like to be on our e-mail list to receive periodic updates (we'll let you know when we've added new articles, narratives or other features to the site or let you know about upcoming events), send an e-mail to bxg (at) beyondexgay.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.

Image of donation fund

How you can help us: Beyond Ex-Gay has been a labor of love. We have accepted (with much gratitude) donations and have at times been able to partner with other organizations, but we need to pursue non-profit status to continue this important work (and that costs money). It also costs money to fund our upcoming events.

Any donation would be appreciated (although please note, it is not tax-deductible at this time). We invite you to be an active part of the ex-gay survivor movement. Donate using any major credit card or e-check through paypal. If you would like send a check or a money order, please contact us and we will give you further contact information. Thank you for your generosity.

 


Beyond Ex-Gay in the Media!

Peterson on Logo

Peterson was just featured on Logo's Be Real show. It follows Peterson as he retires his play "Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House–How I Survived the Ex-Gay Movement". He talks about survivors coming forward to tell their stories, and bXg member John Holm is featured telling his story for the first time. Take a look (Peterson's story is in clips part 1, 3, 5 and 7).

Advocate Front page

The Advocate magazine published long article about ex-gays and ex-gay survivors and the changing landscape of the ex-gay movement. They mention the apologies, beyondexgay.com and quote both Christine and Peterson.



Upcoming Events

 

May 26th and May 30th, 2008
Catalonia, Spain

Map of Spain and portugalBeyond Ex-Gay, along with Sin Verguenza and other gay-affirming organizations in Catalonia, Spain, will offer two conferences highlighting the potential harm of reparative therapy and ex-gay ministries. bXg co-founder, Peterson Toscano, along with other panelists will answer several questions relating to why some people pursue reparative therapy and ex-gay ministries, some common techniques and trends in trying to alter sexual orientation, and the potential harms that come from attempts to suppress and change one's sexual orientation. Sessions with the University of Barcelona are on May 26, 2008 and at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia on May 30, 2008. More details will be posted on the Barcalona event page as they get confirmed.

 

October 23, 2008
Nashville, TN

Ex-Gay Survivor Regional Gathering in Nashville, TN (part of the Our Family Matters Conference). Beyond Ex-Gay has been given Thursday evening of the conference for an ex-gay survivor (and allies) regional gathering. If you are interested to see what our gatherings are like, check out our recent Memphis one. We will provide more details as they become available.

 

November 7-9, 2008
Denver, CO

small denver postcardBeyond Ex-Gay will host another regional gathering in Denver for ex-gay survivors, allies, and concerned therapists. Stay tuned for more information about our art show, entertainment and schedule for the weekend. The main gathering event will take place on Saturday, November 8th but you'll want to participate in the whole weekend of events.



 

Featured Art

NEW!

Gregg Moreland Photograph "Opening"
"Opening"
by Gregg Moreland


Featured Narrative

NEW!

"It starts with a desire.
And it ends with conflict.
That’s why it’s called the Struggle."

Read the rest of Marcus Lira's narrative.

Featured Resource

NEW!

"She has been through a very tough ordeal with the program she attended and continues to struggle with “right” or “wrong.” How do I give her the space she needs as well as prove to her that I’m committed to her and am not going to abandon her?"

When your Partner is an Ex-Gay Survivor.