This guy has an interesting perspective on the failures of the ex-gay programs, having been raised Baptist, son of a preacher, and attendee of Jerry Falwell's Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Moreover, unlike Exodus and the ex-gay programs, it appears that he can document the number of success he has produced. Here are some story highlights (http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071024/WDH0101/710240638):
Marc Adams grew up gay as the son of a fundamentalist Baptist minister in rural Pennsylvania. He attended Liberty University, founded by Jerry Falwell, and eventually came out and found what he calls "personal peace." Adams presented "Restorative Therapy and Faith-based Bullying at Religious Educational Institutions Uncovered" on Tuesday night.
"Marc is an inspiration to many people who are uncomfortable in today's society ... I hope his story speaks to you and gives you the courage that he has found," said James Sage, philosophy professor and faculty adviser for Students for Free Thought.
"Marc is an inspiration to many people who are uncomfortable in today's society ... I hope his story speaks to you and gives you the courage that he has found," said James Sage, philosophy professor and faculty adviser for Students for Free Thought.
"I went to Liberty University because I believed I needed to change my behavior," Adams said, adding he was first attracted to males in elementary school.
Adams learned from his Baptist upbringing that homosexuality was a sin, punishable ultimately by eternal damnation in hell. After seeing Falwell preach on television that homosexuals could change their ways, Adams decided to attend Liberty University. He graduated from high school early and began his undergraduate studies at 16. Adams said he soon felt he had been deceived by his faith.
Adams learned from his Baptist upbringing that homosexuality was a sin, punishable ultimately by eternal damnation in hell. After seeing Falwell preach on television that homosexuals could change their ways, Adams decided to attend Liberty University. He graduated from high school early and began his undergraduate studies at 16. Adams said he soon felt he had been deceived by his faith.
Adams eventually came out to his family, who claimed his coming out was a test of their faith from God. He has not spoken to his family in 15 years, with the exception of his grandmother, with whom he became very close. "My grandmother said, 'I've known since you were little that you would love men. I love your boyfriend like another grandson,'" Adams said.
HeartStrong Inc., which Adams co-founded, supports and reaches out to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students who endure faith-based bullying at religious schools, colleges and universities. Thus far, 1,004 students have been helped by his organization. "We believe our work is a rescue mission," he said. "HeartStrong exists to pick up the messes these schools create."
I understand Adams' feeling of being deceived by my religion. Unfortunately, too many "Christians" prefer to preach a message of hate and separation rather than a message of love and humanity. More information on Adams' organization can be found here: http://www.heartstrong.org/
2 comments:
This is refreshing. I am so glad he's doing this, helping others who are hurting specifically because of religious homophobia. I'd like to do something of this nature to help support gays and lesbians who are up against the wall somehow. Sort of like I'm doing with C and S, but on a larger scale.
You can help us at HeartStrong! We have lots of volunteer opportunities. http://www.heartstrong.org :)
Marc Adams
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