Sunday, February 17, 2008

Thank you Wendi...and the Commercial Appeal

In this Sunday's edition of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Wendi Thomas, who interviewed me a couple of weeks ago, wrote a article, that is not only controversial, but touching. It has been 2.5 years since I attended Love in Action, and it is great to know that since then, a movement for education on the myths and lies of the Ex-Gay movement are starting in full swing. The story published is at the following link:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/feb/17/formerly-gay-survivors-go-forth----still-gay-and/

I expect that there will be many people who will not be please with this article...those who are stuck in the rut of religion rather than spirituality...those who see a black and white world, but I welcome a dialogue that is healthy and constructive. I look forward to seeing other survivors in Memphis this coming weekend. I encourage anyone who reads this article who is curious or wants more information from a loving, affirming group of people to attend. Where as my views may not completely match everyone who reads this artice or my blog, I respect those who want to believe in the ex-gay movement, especially LGBT people. For me, if I would not have attended LIA, I would not have made the self-discoveries that have led me to my happiness and self-acceptance today.
Please remember in reading my blog and other ex-gay survivors blogs, that we are making ourselves very vulnerable. I just hope everyone, regardless or ideology can be civil and accepting of different vantage points.
Thanks for reading, and thank you Wendi for a well written, honest, and touching article.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

A very difficult ordeal to be sure.
I commend you for taking these first steps through what may be prove to be a very arduous journey.
People who do not understand that we are born this way are hell bent on telling us what will happen if we don't change.
I have to wonder what they think about all of recent religious leaders that have been "outed" by their sexual partners.

Anyway, take care, hang tuff, be strong.

Anonymous said...

read the article. Just as expected, the comments section is overflowing with ignorance, but as you have noted, progress is being made. Stories like yours will no doubt give courage to many coming behind you that are confused and scared to not be ashamed of who they are, and for that, you are to be commended.

Peterson Toscano said...

Jacob, thank you for stepping up and telling your story. I appreciate your integrity and courage.
-Peterson

Anonymous said...

I emailed Wendi, as once again she says something that is effective, and we certainly know that by provoking some of the comments that are posted. Thankfully for you, Jacob, there are people who provide the feelings and the stories for columns such as these. I give you my best wishes, as I do for others on your/our journey.

Anonymous said...

Hey there Jacob,

I like your story.
I hope things are goin good for you.

Peace,
Marcus

Anonymous said...

Jacob, the article tells it like it is. Thanks for being willing to participate in the bXg weekend. I saw the YouTube video of your time in LIA and was very impressed by your clarity of thought and expression. I hope many take heart from your courage and faith.

You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill aka Gur Tus from the Gay Christian Network