| 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 our photo album, watch video (special thanks to Daniel Gonzales!), learn about the Chalk Talk and read about ways people have recovered from their ex-gay experiences. |
February 22, 2008
Press Conference
Introduction, Len Piechowski
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Community Center of Memphis, TN
We kicked off the weekend with a press conference at the wonderful community center in Memphis. Len Pienchowski, a longtime champion of LGBT concerns in Memphis, shares some words to open the press conference and to make an official statement about the Love Won Out conference happening the next day in a nearby suburb of Memphis.
Jim Burroway
Founder, Box Turtle Bulletin
Jim Burroway, who has attended both Love Won Out and Exodus Conferences and has written extensively about them at his blog Box Turtle Bulletin, shares his firsthand account of what happens in Love Won Out and the stories of parents who attend desperate for answers and some of the misinformation they learn. Jim also expertly assesses the Jones and Yarhouse study. As he speaks, Jim's intelligence and heart shines through.
Brandon Tidwell
Former Love In Action client
Memphis resident Brandon Tidwell attended Love in Action and genuinely pursued an ex-gay life only to find that it was not necessary. He has found fullness of life as a Christian and a gay man. Here he shares some of his story as he offers a hopeful message to people with questions about faith and sexuality.
Jacob Wilson
Former Love In Action Client
In the summer of 2005 during the protests launched by local Memphis young adults, Jacob Wilson attended the Love in Action residential program. Jacob was 19 at the time and for the first time has begun to share his story with public through the media. Earlier in the week, he was featured in an article published in the Commerical Appeal. In this video he talks about his summer at Love in Action and about the harrowing family and friend event that took place during his stay in the program.
John Holm
Ex-Gay Survivor
Holding us a collage about his ex-gay experiences, John Holm, an ex-gay survivor, shares his story in public for the first time. He also informs the press about the collages that ex-gay survivors plan on presenting to Love Won Out staff the next day. Christine Bakke designed all the collages which you can view here.
Gallery Walk
Christine Bakke discussing ex-gay survivor art
At the close of the press conference, Christine Bakke gives a gallery walk of the Ex-Gay Survivor Art Show, where she highlights various pieces each done by ex-gay survivors in the US and Europe. You can also view this art here at Beyond Ex-Gay.
February 23, 2008
Chalk Talk
Mid-South Regional Gathering
Memphis, TN
Ex-gay survivors and their allies met at the MGLCC to share some of their stories, talk about recovery and connect with professional counselors. Like at the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference in Irvine, this group also did a Chalk Talk about their ex-gay experiences. In this video you will see what emerged from the "visual discussion" where individual contributes a word, a phrase or an image to create an overall message. You can learn more about the Chalk Talk here.
