Former ‘ex-gay’ couple to speak on movement

[kweerwolf]

A gay couple who met while involved in an “ex-gay” ministry will speak 7 p.m. May 14 at Fusion Baptist Church at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St.

The couple, Stephen Parelli and Jose Ortiz, will share their experiences of trying to unsuccessfully suppress their sexual orientation, and how they have reconciled their sexuality with their faith, with Baptist congregation for sexual minorities.

Parelli and Ortiz met in 1997 at an “ex-gay” group at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City. At the time, Parelli was a married pastor and Ortiz was battling sexual addition. Both had tried, unsuccessfully, to change their sexual orientation for years.

“Ex-gay” groups, of which Exodus International is the most prominent, are generally religious organizations that attempt to change one’s sexual orientation through prayer, meditation and Bible reading.

http://www.epgn.com/051206/03formerexgay.htm

[AmericanErrorist]

1. So they're ex-ex-gay

Hmmm...

[Maat]

2. Yep, and this is all detailed on:

http://www.exgaywatch.com/blog/index.html .

This is a great site, that helps many people. This PFLAGer recommends it highly! Spread the word!

[TallahasseeGrannie]

3. Kind of ironic

going to Ex-gay events and meeting a new love. Guess they ran out of rubber bands to snap on their wrists when they had "the urge."

I feel an urge to giggle.

[valerief]

4. Reminds me of a funny Will and Grace episode where ex-gays

go to a 'straighten-out' support group, but it's really a meeting place for gays to meet gays.

[davidinalameda]

5. I'd love to hear them