Past Events

Ex-Gay Exposé in Denver

During the weekend of November 7-9, NARTH, a national association of "gay conversion" therapists, held its annual conference in Denver. Two local survivors of ex-gay programs, Christine Bakke and Daniel Gonzales, along with Beyond Ex-Gay, and a coalition of local and other gay organizations, formed a response to speak to the harm groups like NARTH can cause. Called "Ex-Gay Exposé: Exploring practices and harm in reparative therapy," the weekend was a huge success. We had performances by Peterson Toscano, a rally outside of the NARTH conference, a gathering for survivors and allies, and other events for mental health professionals who work with ex-gay survivors.

On February 22-24, 2008 Beyond Ex-Gay partnered with various Memphis organizations, national LGBT groups, and ex-gay survivors from the area and around the country to organize a series of events under the heading Deconstructing the Ex-Gay Myth—A Weekend of Action & Art.

The events included an art show, two plays, a film, a party, an ex-gay survivor gathering, and two press events. To recap all that took place we have created web pages where you can view photos, watch video, learn about the Chalk Talk and read about ways people have recovered from their ex-gay experiences.

Beyond Ex-Gay in Barcelona

Beyond Ex-Gay, along with Sin Verguenza and other gay-affirming organizations in Catalonia, Spain, offered a conference highlighting the potential harm of reparative therapy and ex-gay ministries. bXg co-founder, Peterson Toscano, along with other panelists answered 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. Located at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia on May 30, 2008.

Ex-Gay Survivor Conference, Irvine, CA, 2007 

Watch Brian Murphy's short film about the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference

Former Ex-Gay Leaders Apologize

Darlene Bogle, Michael Bussee and Jeremy Marks, all former Exodus leaders, made a historic public apology. Read the apology, and check out Peterson's blog entry (there's some video too), as well as Christine and Eric's reactions to symbolically accepting the apology. Kim Clark also writes about the apology.

Exodus Dinner Invitation

Christine and Peterson issued an open invitation to Exodus leaders for a private dinner in Irvine. Christine answered questions, and Peterson blogged after the dinner. One Exodus attendee shared her thoughts.

The Ex-Gay Survivor's Conference

On Saturday morning, we gathered for a powerful "Chalk Talk" (or "Chawk Tawk" as Peterson likes to say). Brian Murphy blogged about it, Peterson explained it, and Christine detailed some of the wall and shows what became of it.

Read reflections of conference attendees, and see photos of the conference.

Reactions to the Conference

The public apology, ex-gay survivor conference, and even individual survivors garnered some strange, interesting and even angry reactions. Christine responds to one, and Peterson explores the defensiveness. Steve Boese pens a response to the angry PFOX letter.

The Ex-Gay Survivor's Movement goes forward 

Responding to questions, Peterson writes about our goals and desires.