Queer Action Coalition

Afternoon Demonstration of Love In Action Update.

2006-06-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

The afternoon protest was incredible. We had the largest turnout since the protests began. Pictures will be posted sometime tomorrow. We just want to thank everyone for having the love, and courage to come out and stand up for what they believe to be right. We thank Bruce, and Bob for traveling from across the country to come and show their support. We thank Bob P, a former client, and staff member of LIA for having the great strength to come and stand alongside everyone and show his presence. To Lance Carroll, we cannot say thankyou enough for being so incredibly strong, and caring...and to Lance's many friends who drove to Tennessee in support of their very loving friend as he told his his story to all of us. This day is not to be forgotten. So many individuals...especially those allies who may not identify as a marginalized minority of any sorts, but in their hearts knew it was right to come out and show their support. It brings great joy to us to see such incredible outreach in our city. It was also nice to hear the ever-encouraging words of support from Peterson Toscano, which came via Bob P's telephone.

We also would like to thank a particular current staff member of LIA who came forth and respectfully showed care for Lance. One might have thought more LIA staff members would've lended such words of care, and concern for an individual who spent two months inside their facilities, and then experienced traumatic times since. We are, afterall, all children of this world, and indeed deserve the respect of those we've spent such precious time around. Hopefully Lance's story will be one of hope to those who may experiece similar situations in their lives. One reporter questioned Lance about the effectiveness of these demonstrations, and in response, he recounted the hope he felt last summer when he saw, and heard those gathered outside. "It gave me ease to know that I was not alone in what I was feeling during those sessions...and maybe now I can also offer this sense of ease to others who may be where I was."

Although we cannot confirm this, we were told today that so far, there are no teenage participants attending Love In Action's Refuge program.

Lance will be flying to Washington, DC, to tell his story infront of national news outlets on Wednesday, at the National Press Club, for the launch of "Truth Wins Out", a new national organization founded by Wayne Besen, author of "Anything But Straight". The organization's goal is to help share stories from those affected by "ex-gay" organizations, and to monitor/educate the public about the strategies they are using to spread their messages.

We wish Lance the best, and thank him for a brave return to Memphis, which he described as "therapeutic."

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PROTEST...

2006-06-05T10:25:00.001-07:00

People from all over the country gathered this morning at Love In Action, chanting "It's ok to be Gay", and "This is what Love In Action Looks Like" to celebrate the one year anniversary of the protests at LIA's headquarters a year ago surrounding the controversy of their treatment of teenagers. Make no mistake, this isn't "the gay community" out there...these are all sorts of indivduals, of all sorts of belief systems, orientations, and genders...parents, children, former Love In Action clients, Memphians, and people who travelled up to 14 hours to show their support.
Lance Carroll, who last summer was forced into the teen program, REFUGE, traveled from Missouri with several friends to attend the protest. Lance, now 18, returning to Memphis for the first time in a year, read the following statement to the press:

In January of 2005, I came out to my parents as being gay. After an initial positive and supporting reaction they began to change their minds…I was sent to several different counselors, the last of which worked for a fundamentalist Christian church. This “counselor” informed me that I was not Gay, in fact, he said no one was really Gay…and anyone who claimed to be gay was living a lie. This pastor recommended to my parents that I be sent to Love In Action’s REFUGE program for teens.

On June 6, 2005 I left Jackson, Missouri at five o’clock in the morning to make the long trip to Memphis, Tennessee. The first things I saw at the Love in Action campus were the protesters. I spent the entire summer between my junior and senior year of highschool in Memphis, against my will, at Refuge, where I underwent many forms of “therapy” that were supposed to turn me away from being gay. These so-called “therapies” included group activities where one person was singled out and made to be ashamed of very personal occurrences in their lives. I had to participate in this activity many times. Other “therapies” included isolation, where you wouldn’t be allowed to communicate—we were not even allowed to make eye contact, with any of the other participants; making the women wear skirts and makeup to help them become more feminine; and making the men play sports in an attempt to help them become more masculine.

These are just a couple of examples of the type of “program” they use to turn people straight. Though while I was there, it just seemed to make people more depressed and self-loathing than they already were. I, myself, went through several of these depressive periods. After enduring this time in Memphis I returned home, unchanged.

My parents were very disappointed and didn’t know what to do next, feeling that they had tried everything. My mom took it upon herself to somehow change me. This began with daily bouts of verbal abuse, her telling me how ashamed she was of me. After a few months of this, the verbal abuse escalated into small episodes of physical abuse, with her cornering me and slapping me, while telling me what an abomination I was. This type of behavior continued until I could no longer stand to live at home. One day I packed up all of my belongings into my car, and told my parents that I was moving out right that minute. My mother got so angry when I told her this that she exploded and beat me into a corner, ripping my shirt and giving me scratches and bruises in the process. My dad had to pull her off of me so that I could get to my car to leave.

Fortunately I am now living with a wonderful, and supportive family who are very empathetic toward my situation. They have taken me in, and made me their son-in-spirit. Now that I am in a much-improved situation, I feel that I need to speak-out against the things that I went through. Parents should not be able to force their children to attend any type of program like the one I went to. When a child comes out to their parents as gay, lesbian, or bisexual they need the love and support of their parents. They don’t need to be made to feel that there is something wrong with them, something that needs to be fixed.

We commend Lance for speaking up, as it is the personal concern of so many concerned citizens that Love In Action is openly preying upon vunerable youth, and their parents through tactics of manipulation including an upholding of social bias and pervasive myths. As Love In Action makes the following statement on their newly designed REFUGE website:

God has admonished us to respect our parents. God has given them to us as vessels of His choosing to bring us into His world. Whether or not our parents are worthy of respect.

As concerned individuals, we feel that it is deeply dangerous for ANY organization to support a parents wishes to change their children through so-called therapies which have been widely discredited by every major medical and mental health organization. We worry about every child that enters Love In Action’s doors, and ask the important question...where is THE Love In Action when their therapies don’t work? When the miracle doesn’t work, what are the families left with? Shame? Fear that their child will fulfill the untrue stereotypes that LIA taught them? Where does this lead? In Lance's case it lead to physical abuse, putting him in the extremely dangerous and vunerable position of having to leave home in order to feel safe...where, we ask...was the LOVE IN ACTION then? Luckily Lance had people who cared for him who he could turn to, and now is able to live happily in a safe, welcoming space. We should also note that neither John Smid, or any other counselor came to ask Lance how he was, or greet him in any manner as he stood outside their facilities for an hour and a half this morning.

More to come after the 4:00pm demonstration.

CONCERNED CITIZENS TO DEMONSTRATE TRUE LOVE IN ACTION

2006-06-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

FOR OFFICIAL RELEASE-Sunday, June 4, 2006

Concerned citizens to hold a peaceful, loving demonstration of TRUE Love In Action, at 4780 Yale Road-Memphis, TN 38128 . Teen who was coerced into program returns a year later to speak out against it.

MONDAY JUNE 5th 8:30-10:00am, and 4:00-5:30pm - Love In Action headquarters-4780 Yale Road Mem, TN 38128

As concerned citizens, we fear that Love In Action is openly preying upon vunerable youth, and their parents with the launch of their newly extended, and more agressive 3 month long REFUGE program which teaches Gay teeens that they "inherently broken, and sinful". We feel that it is deeply dangerous for ANY organization to support a parents wishes to change their children through so-called therapies which have been widely discredited by every major medical and mental health organization.

This demonstration celebrates true LOVE IN ACTION, and is taking place ONE YEAR after our initial protests at Love In Action, which began when a teenager, named Zach
wrote in his online journal that his parents were forcing him into the program. These protests eventually led to international news coverage-including CNN, New York TImes, Good Morning America, and TIME magazine.

ONE YEAR LATER, another teen that was forced into the extremist Chrisitan program last summer now returns to Memphis once again....but this time he's joining the demonstration outside the camp.

Now 18, Lance Carroll will travel to Memphis, and speak to the crowd of demonstrators, and also the press...

I am attending the protest in reaction to my own horrendous experience last summer, and as an opportunity to voice my personal opinions concerning the Love in Action Refuge program...while I was there, it just seemed to make people more depressed and self-loathing than they already were. I, myself, went through several of these depressive periods.

With our knowledge of LIA's attempt to further their attack on youth, and the one-year anniversary of our first protest at their facility nearly one year ago, the Queer Action Coalition calls the local, national, and international community to raise their voices, and open their hearts....to make a stand and continue to show what LOVE IN ACTION looks like.

LANCE CARROLL WILL TALK TO THE PRESS AT 9:45am outside Love In Action in hopes to share his story so that other teens may not have to endure the experience so many teens already have.

FOR THE RECORD(again, and again)

2006-06-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

If Love In Action works for you. Congratulations.

We're not standing up and speaking out to try and take away your rights, or tell you how to live your life.

But there are kids inside Love In Action's walls who've been forced to be there....

Why?

Because of who they love.

That's a dangerous lesson to teach someone.

We want an end put to these messages.

Especially when a parent can force their children into a camp that is built around them.

We feel it is inhumane, and damaging to the spirits of those who aren't given the choice.

You may disagree, but disacknowledging the fact that others may have a different experience from the one you've had is simply being blind.

We know that some teens have gone through REFUGE, and had what they are currently referring to as a positive experience...Love In Action then takes their messages and posts them in the form of testimonials, and distributes them in literature...often individuals like this are paid sums of money, and offerred paying positions to speak and tell their stories. These stories are used to promote what is happening behind those walls. Those stories are used to keep Love In Action afoot-to pay the bills, and employ individuals who continue to do this work for a living. We cannot say that these stories are false...so we honor that....again...for the record...WE HONOR THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE POSITIVE EXPERIENCES AT LOVE IN ACTION.

HOWEVER.

What about those who don't? Thousands of dollars later. Many years of time spent trying later. A summer of your precious teenage years later. A destroyed relationship with your family later. Etc....

What about these people, who are speaking out more and more. Hopefully you, as we do, would also care about their stories, and understand that these people have testimonies to write. The difference here is that we, as QAC, don't have a budget. We don't have the ability to pay people to put their stories together, and getting them to tell their stories will not keep our busniess alive. Instead, it will only allow us to feel just a few steps closer to our hope that homophobia be laid to rest, and all Lesbian, Transgendered, and Gay people be allowed to live, love, work, smile, and laugh IN PEACE...without the threat of being forced to attend a camp that teaches people otherwise.

ONCE AGAIN: If it works for you. Good.

We just simply feel that LIA should not target, and prey upon youth.

2006-06-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

FORMER REFUGE CLIENT RETURNS TO MEMPHIS A YEAR LATER...

The summer of 2005, for those aware of the ex-gay world, the name Zach will probably never be forgotten. What most people don't know is that Zach, still a year from being 18, wasn't the only kid forced into the REFUGE program during those two months of protests, and world-wide media coverage. Another teenage boy, Lance Carroll, now 18, entered the program the same day as Zach did...and remained in the program for two months....just as zach did...

In January of 2005, I came out to my parents as being gay. After an initial positive and supporting reaction they began to change their minds. They had me see three separate counselors, the last of which was a Christian counselor in St. Louis who worked for a fundamentalist, evangelical church. He told me that I wasn’t really gay, in fact no one was “really” gay. He tried to convince me that the whole idea of homosexual orientation is a lie, and that I felt the way I did because of some sort of early emotional/psychological deficiency. This counselor recommended Love in Action to my parents.
On June 6, 2005 I left Jackson, Missouri at five o’clock in the morning to make the long trip to Memphis, Tennessee. The first things I saw at the Love in Action campus were the protesters. That morning began my summer as a participant in the Love in Action Refuge program.

So, as this Monday, June 5th marks the one year anniversary of a very different and unforgettable kind of summer in Memphis, Tn...for the most of us who stood outside and watched both Zach, and Lance walk into LIA everyday, we got to then walk away...But in a dramatically different way, this "one year later" protest brings things full circle for Lance, who will now stand outside Love In Action and demonstrate in hopes of helping those kids who may be coerced into this summers REFUGE program.

I am attending the protest in reaction to my own horrendous experience last summer, and as an opportunity to voice my personal opinions concerning the Love in Action Refuge program...while I was there, it just seemed to make people more depressed and self-loathing than they already were. I, myself, went through several of these depressive periods.

It's a beautiful, full circle situation for those who followed the protest last year, and for those who are at all concerned about the well being of these kids. To know that this time Lance returns to Memphis, he won't be silenced, forced into isolation, or told he should be ashamed for who he is. Lance is taking his experiences and making something positive out of them, as so many former LIA clients have done.

More soon.

WE CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH...IF YOU HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE AT LOVE IN ACTION...IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL WHOLE, AND HAPPY...THEN WE TOO...ARE HAPPY FOR YOU.

2006-06-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

The following is a sort of dialogue...two comments left by "Anonymous", a former participant of Love In Action, and a response from a member of QAC.

ANONYMOUS(in 2 entries):

I am a graduate of the 9-month program at Love In Action. But, it's not so much about what Love In Action has done, but what God has done. It is written in God's Word that the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ cleansed and brought to righteousness "homosexual offenders" (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Why would Jesus empower this to happen, and then permit this sanction to be documented for eternity in the Bible?

The Bible commands that we confess Jesus as Lord--not our sexuality as lord--over our lives. Many Christians even have a hard time believing that God would want someone to change from homosexual behaviors and mindsets, but Christians who profess God's salvation over their lives must be willing to acknowledge the truth of Scripture; this is a commandment of the God from whom the ministry of Love In Action draws its direction.

Perhaps the Jesus of the Bible is not the same Jesus this blog refers to. Yes, my Jesus loves gay people and other people unjustly oppressed and ridiculed by society. But I thank God that my Jesus cares enough about me--and anyone who will trust Him--to give me another option.

Does the person supporting the Queer Action Coalition have such freedom? I think not. But God's redemption is available to those who are willing to receive it.

1:59 PM

Bet you didn't count on a story like that....one of truth and non-shame. Shame on you for being judgemental of people who want to and are able to change their lives to glorify and follow Jesus.

7:45 PM

QAC RESPONSE:

Dear anonymous...as always, QAC has been, and will continue to be supportive of anyone's personal decision to make these choices for their lives. How can we judge you for making such a choice...if it makes you happy, and through this you feel more whole, and fulfilled...then you may indeed be doing what is right for you, and in that-we support your personal journey. It has never been a mission/goal/stated intent of QAC to condemn such personal choices. Our concerns are for those who are coerced into such places of shame, fear, isolation, and judgement AGAINST THEIR WILL....as their experiences with such programs as Love In Action have been quite different.

We can respect you as a fellow human being, and do not feel it necessary to co-opt, or exploit our personal idea's of a higher power in order to say that we have greater freedom's, opportunities, or understandings than those who may indeed hold quite a different personal understanding of such things. It is our hope that we may, over the process of our amazingly diverse lives, continue to learn and understand things...and from this...may we grow...

We come from this standpoint...It would be wreckless for us to ignore the countless stories of those who have both volluntarily attended LIA, and those teenagers who've been coerced into the REFUGE program...We cannot ignore their experiences. Just as we respect you for your choices, and the happiness it's brought you, hopefully, if only for a moment, you may look at the pain, and suffering many people have experienced inside those walls, and the choices they've made since, which have also brought them fullness, and peace of mind.

We certainly all have choices to make, and with each word...with each action...with each beat of our hearts...there are choices involved...sometimes we make them...sometimes others make them for us...sometimes we just do not have the answers, and do not know what choice to make...so we follow the path that we feel is right for us...we make decisions...and hopefully...we learn from these decisions...about our choices...about our words...about our actions...

In your first comment, you make several very all-knowing, absolute statements which present yourself as having a complete and full understanding of something that billions of people over the passing of time have also professed to have an all-knowing, absolute understanding of, however in many different ways. We can not be certain, but we wonder, if you feel as if YOUR UNDERSTANDING is THE RIGHT ONE, infallibly. It is impossible to know, from reading a comment on a blog, what is behind the words...as i'm sure many emotions, differing understandings, and questions lie. We just aren't sure how to respond....we suppose God may have wanted us to all be understanding...and thus we understand you have your perceptions of HIS word...what can we say, but "we understand", although we may percieve differently the same words, as so many have over the years-errupting in bloody wars, so much oppression, and misguided hate..people die while the argument over who knows the TRUTH plays out, as other people who "know the truth watch the people doing the dying and the killing, and say neither of them are right....but WE are right...we, personally choose not to engage that argument of who's right or wrong at the expense of putting vunerable human beings through a living hell of judgement, shame, fear, self-hatred, or worse...

In your second comment, you wrote:

"Bet you didn't count on a story like that....one of truth and non-shame. Shame on you for being judgemental of people who want to and are able to change their lives to glorify and follow Jesus".

Fortunately we've had the great experience of speaking to so many former clients of Love In Action, as well, one of QAC's organizers has had the opportunity to sit at length with John Smid. It is rather fortunate, because we are quite aware of the love and care that is experienced there at Love In Action. We are quite aware of the good intentions, and have never tried to demonize those involved. That's just it....we too, speak stories of truth, and thus understand the heart which exists inside everyone's personal truth...

We too, come with love. We too are fulfilled, we are whole, just, kind, and aware. You see, this may just be where we differ. It is our opinion that you are us, and we are you...That your Jesus, could indeed be our Jesus...just as ours, may also be yours...It is our perception that this life we're living-that we're working towards, working for so hard-everyday...is a life worth living...and that WE ARE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE...capable of understanding...of learning from what has come before us...from what we experience day in and day out...from both what we are...and what we will become.

We stand in love, when we stand and say "we support you", and when we come out there this coming monday, please be assured, when we hold sign's that read "we support you", and "be as you are"...not only are we speaking to those teenagers inside who may be forced there against their will...but we're also speaking to the person that they'll be once they leave...just as we are speaking to you.

Hopefully, you will understand when we feel the love in our hearts for those whose experiences have been different from yours, that this is not in spite of you...but merely out of our own love ....just as real, worthy, whole, and alive...

These individuals, their experiences, and where it had led them to this moment, may not look exactly like yours...but surely "your Jesus" would not ask every human being to live by YOUR personal understanding.....perhaps your understanding is not the correct one...as I'm quite sure those of us who make up QAC have plenty to learn about our personal understandings of life...

Maybe...hopefully...eventually...if not NOW...we may learn to embrace these different understandings...as opposed to forcing others to see it our way...

Be well.

Voices Encouraged

2006-05-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

As we take a stand on Monday, June 5th(8:30-10:00/4:00-5:30) to emanate love in action through a peaceful demonstration outside "Love In Action", we highly encourage former clients to tell their stories. We feel it is important for those who are able and willing to speak up and share their truths, in order to help those who may need to hear them. Your stories are important. Your experience is something we can all learn and benefit from as we stand for those who've been silenced by homophobia, misinformation, and shame. We have an already long list of individuals whose testimonials we've compiled over the past year, and if you wish to be apart of this voice...please contact us by email(fighting.homophobia@gmail.com) in advace of the June 5th demonstration. All correspondance is strictly confidential.

**Several former clients of both REFUGE(the teen program), and LIA's adult program will be attending the demonstration...

We are very concerned for the any individuals who may be forced into Love In Action's summer youth program, REFUGE, and with respect to anyone willfully choosing to attend, we merely hope to offer a positive reflection...an embrace...images, and sounds of love and support...to let any willing ears to hear...that it's ok to be who you are, and if someone is forcing you to be otherwise...we're here to let you know that there's another side. We are concerned that misleading information, manipulated facts, and tactics of shame and fear can lead to people making misinformed choices. It is our hope that those who've been personally affected, and those who wish to show support, will speak out, stand up, and offer a voice for those whos voices have been dimmed.

More soon on the demonstration.

With love,
QAC

Love In Action launching expanded "ammunition" on youth...QAC asks concerned citizens to show true Love In Action.

2006-05-24T01:17:00.000-07:00

In May/June of 2005, a 16yo teenager, named Zach, in the outskirts of Memphis, TN wrote some chilling words in his myspace.com blog that would spark outrage and protest amongst both the local community, and around the globe. Anyone currently reading this blog entry is undoubtedly familliar with this story which eventually led to headlines in the NewYork Times, on CNN, Good Morning America, and just about anywhere imaginable. There were also many state investigations, and a lawsuit, in which LIA claimed, amongst other things, that they had lost half of their business, resulting in the selling of one of their two live in houses.

Many of LIA's former adult clients, such as the incredibly gifted, and generous Peterson Toscano, and the amazingly kind and courageous Brandon Tidwell(to name only a few) offered their first hand experiences of the program. John Evans, one of the original founders of Love In Action back in 1973 in California also spoke up/out about the danger of reparative therapy during this last year.

Not too long after this, another teenager, named DJ Butler spoke out about his experience of being forced into LIA's REFUGE program, and more teens have followed, prompting the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to compile the massive report, Youth in the Crosshairs: The Third Wave of Ex-Gay Activism.

As the one year anniversary of last summer's protests nears, an un-publicized/somewhat hidden document on Love In Action's REFUGE website outlines a new plan to expand their targetting of youth.

From LIA's document: REFUGE International BOOK/Summer 2006:

Although we have seen success in our ministry, we see the culture relentlessly fighting back. So, we are expanding our ammunition to battle for young people and their families. Our experienced counselors and staff will offer a whole new array of options starting during the summer of 2006:

• Residential recovery for young adults (ages 18-25)
• College campus outreach
• Revamped summer program for youth (ages 13-17)
• Seminars to equip church and community youth leaders
• Conferences to heal wounds within families
• Creative support for parents and families

It appears, in this 8 page document, that LIA will launch a 3-month pilot program this summer for youth ages 13-17, and have begun to request funds for its operation. They have also launched a MYSPACE.COM blog in an attempt to further target youth by adopting main-stream/pop-cultural avenues of communication/outreach....these tactics seem to be the stepping stones towards a much larger front in an attack on youth, and their vunerable parents...

The Queer Action Coalition is rather concerned about these actions on LIA's behalf, simply because WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELL BEING OF OUR FELLOW CITIZENS.

Our concerns continue to be as follows:

Love In Action holds biased, homophobic views, equating homosexuality with mental health issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, and this, at its very root promotes manipulated shame and judgement.

Love In Action does not present that GBLT people can, and do live happy, productive, whole lives. They refer to homosexuals as inherently broken and lonely people, which is, at is base, misleading and therfore a manipulation of facts that both parents, and their children are wrecklessly mislead by.

Love In Action enforces many pervasive myths and stereotypes that are unfounded in research, and they back these stereotypes with slanted statistics, and false information disguised as “truths”, endangering the well-being of those seeking their help.

Love In Action blatantly negates valid research that warns of the possible harmful effects of their practices.

Love In Action ignores and discredits numerous former clients suggestions that their practices are deceiving, rooted in bias, misguided, and potentially harmful.

At the very least, we feel that Love In Action should offer a disclaimer to what they do, noting that all major mental health and medical associations warn that their practices may further shame, self hatred, isolation and suicidal ideation.

We feel that due to the promotion of the idea that GBLT people are sinful, broken, and in need of changing, Love In Action is in fact contributing to the very brokenness, isolation, and self hatred that they claim to treat, and that their view encourages hate, and stigmatization that GBLT people may already face on a daily basis.

On MONDAY, June 5th, from 8:30am until 10:00am, and then again from 4:00pm until 5:30pm, we will hold a peaceful, loving demonstration of Love In Action, at 4780 Yale Road-Memphis, TN 38128.

More info soon.

2006-02-17T13:08:00.000-08:00

Pre-op Transsexual Shot and Killed

02/16/2006 5:11:17 PM

Police are looking for the person who shot and killed 21-year-old Ray
Berry, a pre-op transsexual known as "Tiffany."

Police say Berry was shot and killed at the Camelot Manor Apartments
in South Memphis in what appears to have been a robbery-homicide. A
friend who saw Berry's body shortly after the shooting has doubts.

She still had her purse and everything. They shot her in the chest.
They shot her three times. I'm sure they would have taken the purse,
says the friend says.

Berry's friends say she had stepped outside for some fresh air. About
that time, neighbors say they heard about five gunshots. Minutes
later Berry stumbled up to the house looking for help and then died
inside a short time later.

The neighbor upstairs says she hears people arguing in Berry's
friend's apartment all the time. She says just two weeks ago, police
were called because one man had a knife and another had a sledgehammer.

Memphis police won't comment about the victim being a transsexual
because they say it has nothing to do with the case.

If you have any information on Berry's murder, call Memphis Police
Homicide at (901) 545-5300.

Well written article by Ben Popper:

2006-02-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

Love In Court
Gay-to-straight ministry and the state go to court.

2006-02-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

We have disabled all comments on this blog for the time being due to the sensitivity of the situation at hand. Yesterday an anonymous poster commented on this blog making accusations that to our knowledge have been disputed and in some cases proved incorrect in a court of law, etc...

Regardless, due to information that we know...we are extremely concerned about the sensitivity of this story, and the safety of those involved. D.J. has spoken about his experience at Love In Action, and as of yet we have not published the entire story...We are aware that what D.J. speaks as facts, could be disputed by someone on the other side of the issue with their own words, their own telling of the story. Judging from past circumstances, we know that this could get really threatening and serious. At this time we are backing away from a public representation of this story b/c we cannot be sure how those involved will be affected. We do know this...in a court of law, a judge determined D.J.'s parents unfit to be his guardian for various reasons, purportedly including both emotional and physical abuse. We also know that there is much, much more to this than that, and it's very complex. We know that there are many allegations on both sides of this issue, and for us to blindly take a stand one way or another would be both foolish and without our best judgement.

For those of you who read the anonymous comment on this blog yesterday, just know that the reason we hid that comment is the same reason we've not posted the three page summary of D.J's story here. We do know for a fact that we've had alot of traffic on this blog from Georgia, which is where his parents live. We do know that some facts were misrepresented in that anonymous statement, and we're not going to publish our own knowledge of everything that's happened assuming that everything is 100% true that we've come to know...

We encourage anyone to send us an email about your concerns, comments, disputes, etc...

fighting.homophobia@gmail.com

Yes, we feel that homophobia has no place in our world today...and we fight for the equality of GBLTQ people, however...we realize the importance of advocating, first and foremost, for the safety, protection, and support of all human beings...and therefore we understand the importance in this situation to make sure that what's being said...what's being represented, and what's being revealed is truthful, and in the best interest of those who are doing so.

We have been told that there is alot of money, some private investigators, and highpowered lawyers involved in this case as well....Needless to say, so much of this is over our heads, and beyond our capability of involvment and the last thing we want to do is get caught up in a he said she said argument between parent, and child that has already been so intense that a judge had to intervene, a private investigator has been hired to "dig dirt" on friends of D.J., and allegations have been flying all over the place.

If anyone has comments, questions, etc, please send them via email and we'll do our best to respond, and/or post them if they're relevant and of benefit to readers.

For the record, although we have to be careful about what we present, state as truthful, and get involved in...we feel that regardless of the arguments at hand...D.J. wanted to speak out about Love In Action because of his coercion into the program. It was made very clear that this was his decision, based upon his experience that driving him towards speaking out. Many other things are relevant to this story outside of his stay in/departure from Love In Action...We stepped up to help D.J. speak out at his request, and have tried to take the handling of his story, on a larger level very slowly, although we could've revealed it several days ago. We're stressing the process behind this so much, b/c the details of this situation are somewhat frightening, and therefore the sensitivity of the issues at hand, is overwealming.

LIA has state Reps on their support list...

2005-12-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jeff Harwood for the following tip off...
It appears, through some quick-thinking research, that there are at least two state representatives that LIA sends out information to. They are the following:

PAUL STANLEY
R - Memphis
District 96 - Part of Shelby County

S Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ).

This confirms what was rumoured earlier in the year about LIA taking two state rep's to a meeting with the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Dissabilities.
This comes after the termintaion of Nathan Bell from the staff of LIA, and him sending out a form letter to "supporters"...Nathan aparently did not Bcc the emails and these two reps were traced down.

Is Love In Action in need of some Love In Action?

2005-12-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

Over the past week we have been informed of a few interesting, yet unconfirmed, incidences that lead us to believe that Love In Action may be experiencing difficult times:

As has been public knowledge LIA has had two live in facilities for their adult program The Source. Over the weekend we were informed that they have been forced to shut down one of their houses due to lack of enrollment. Again, this is unconfirmed, however, if true, would mean this has happened since the infamous summer of '05 in which the "Christ Centered Ministry" faced numerous protests, and world-wide media attention for their dealings with youth.
At a screening of "What Does Love In Action Look Like: The Preface" this past weekend we were informed by a source close to Dr. Stephen Rice, LIA Borad Member, that he has been heard murmuring that the devil is in the midst at Love In Action, refering to internal conflicts within the organization.
Sources close to us who've happened to be driving by LIA have noticed fewer and fewer visitors at their facilities in Memphis.

These "unconfirmed incidences" combined with LIA's Oct. 3 "Letter to LIA Supporters", which seems to be a sort of "cry for help" from the communities that have supported them, lead us to believe things have become more and more difficult for Love In Action.

An excert from their "Letter to LIA Supporters":

This past summer will definitely be remembered as the most turbulent on record for Love in Action. All of you have continued to stand with us as we faced picketers, investigations by the Department of Children’s Services and the Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Licensing (clearing us of any wrong doing) and the ensuing local and national media onslaught. Even before these events, you were faithful as we sought God’s direction for the purchase of our new property. Now, more than ever, as we seek to serve Christ in the midst of current events and defend our constitutional right to minister as a faith-based organization, we are very grateful for your continued prayers and financial support. Please continue to remember us and stand in partnership with us as we go through this time.

If you have any questions or comments I would enjoy hearing from you and would welcome the opportunity to clarify our current situation. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Rev. John Smid. We can be reached at (901) 751-2468 and I can be e-mailed at gerard@loveinaction.org.

It is troubling to continually hear the heart-breaking stories of those whose lives have been affected by Love In Action. It is troubling to know, for fact that they support parents wishes to coerce their minor children into LIA's Refuge program. It is troubling to know that LIA seems blinded so by their own "faithful journey" that they support a families oposition to a gay relative, child, or otherwise that they can watch family after family fall apart in their midst. It is troubling to know that they are so passionate about what they do that they cannot see it another way, that they are unable to see the pain and suffering they cause in their support of what essentially is a pushing away of the love that could instead bind and bring closer familes and loved ones.

We hope, whole-heartedly, that over this holliday season, in a possible time of extreme difficulty for LIA, that those involved may see that there is another way. We hope that they may see that love is what binds us, and that this beautiful thing that we all know, as human beings, as LOVE, is what we feel, as do they. It is unfortunate that this very thing we know as LOVE, is what has driven such a strong line between an ability to LOVE.

We extend LOVE to LOVE IN ACTION this holliday season, in hopes that they may open their hearts, and their minds to see passed the division that has created so much pain and strife for Gay, Lesbian, BiSexual and Transgendered human beings in this world. We extend our hearts, and our love in hopes that they may extend theirs.

Happy hollidays, from the Queer Action Coalition.

FUNDRAISER FOR LOVE IN ACTION DOCUMENTARY

2005-12-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

The QUEER ACTION COALITION, Director Morgan Jon Fox, and Sawed-Off
Collaboratory Productions seek your kind assistance.....

FUNDRAISER SCREENINGS FOR a SAWED-OFF COLLABORATORY PICTURES/QUEER
ACTION COALITION project...This Is What Love In Action Looks Like.
@The MeDiA Co-op 1000 S. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104

901-278-9077 for more info PAY WHAT YOU CAN!

Friday December 16th

7:30 What Does Love In Action Look Like: a preface (plus short films)

9:30 Blue Citrus Hearts (watch a preview here)

Saturday December 17th

7:30 Away(A)wake

9:30 What Does Love In Action Look Like: a preface (plus short films)

The Documentary follows an international news story that unfolded in
Memphis in the summer of 2005 surrounding the controversial "get
straight camp" Love In Action, and their teenage program called
Refuge. Sawed-Off needs funding to complete this documentary and then
promote it around the country for distribution and festival
screenings. What does Love In Action Look Like: a preface, the
companion piece to This Is What Love In Action Looks Like was awarded
the "Ron Tibbett Excellence In Filmmaking" award at the 2005 Indie
Memphis film festival.

Sawed-off's previous films which will screen the 16th and 17th have
been screened around the country and are distributed by Ariztical
Entertainment nationally on DVD.

Acclaim for The 2003 Feature, Blue Citrus Hearts:

"one of the top 15 films of 2003"
-The Commercial Appeal
-The Chicago Reader

"this movie captures all the awkwardness, angst, despair, exhilaration
and confusion of being a teenager. It's raw and aching, beautiful and
honest...
I am adding Fox to my list of filmmakers to watch and I am wondering
just what is going on in Memphis, Tenn., to foster work so solid and
accomplished"
-Chicago Free Press

All screenings will be accompanied by Q and A sessions....

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation...

Donations can be made through this page by double clicking the PAY PAL button.

Checks also can be made out to Sawed-Off Collaboratory Productions and
be mailed to:

Morgan Jon Fox
c/o MeDiA Co-op
1000 S. Cooper
Memphis, Tn 38104

If you'd like to make a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION, please email us, and
this can be arranged.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

WHERE HAVE WE BEEEN???

2005-10-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

So, the documentary premiered last monday night to a great reception, including a standing ovation. The festival also awarded the film/filmmakers the "Ron Tibbett Excellence In Filmmaking Award".

"What Does Love In Action Look Like: the preface" will screen again, Tuesday November 1st, 7pm at the University of Memphis ROSE Theatre in conjunction with BGALA. Big Thanks to Will Carter and Robin Yow for their encouragement and participation with setting this screening up. Please help spread the word to get a big crowd out for this.

As many of you are aware there has also been an on-going dialogue with Progressive Talk 680 radio host Leon Gray after his comments a couple of weeks back that expressed what many percieved as anti-gay sentiment. The dialogue has continued and yesterday Dr. Arnold Drake of Memphis PFLAG was a guest on the show. We have had some correspondance with Leon and will post them here soon. We highly encourage people who are hurt by the sentiments of "being gay is wrong" to speak up in times like these. We, gay, straight, transgender, black and white, of all religions and walks know how detrimental the promulgation of shame and judgement can be upon the well-being of our fellow human beings can be....And while it's important that people have the freedom of speech, it is also vital that we protect the fragility of the human spirit, and let it be known when we feel like one's views expressed under this right are hurtful towards our fellow citizens.

More on this to come....

PROGRESSIVE TALK RADIO turns OPRESSIVE TALK RADIO...

2005-10-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

PLEASE GO AND CONTACT LEON GRAY AND LET HIM KNOW THAT THIS IS OFFENSIVE, and UNACCEPTABLE...

FROM LEON GRAY ON THE PROGRESSIVE TALK BLOG:

I will now cut my own throat… Gays and Lesbians wanted feel free to flaunt their sexuality, excuse me their sexual orientation, which without any doubt is a personal choice, and now have managed to force society to see it their way (meaning that their right)… or at least act like it.

A GREAT WRITE-UP ON THIS FROM FLYPAPER THEORY

YOU MAY EMAIL LEON DIRECTLY WITH YOUR THOUGHTS HERE: lgray@entercom.com
YOU MAY CALL PROGRESSIVE TALKS BUSINESS LINE HERE: (901)767-0104
YOU MAY CALL THEIR "BLUE HOTLINE" AND LEAVE MESSAGES HERE: (901)761-5607

LET IT BE KNOWN LEON HAS BEEN cordially iNVITED TO OUR FILM SCREENING MONDAY NIGHT...

LIA/REFUGE DOCUMENTARY TO PREMIERE IN MEMPHIS

2005-10-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

WHAT DOES LOVE IN ACTION LOOK LIKE: a preface

Premiering Monday October 24th 6:30 pm
@ Indie Memphis Film Fest(click for more info)
Peabody Place Muvico 22 Theatres
(70min-2005)

a Sawed-Off Collaboratory/MeDiA Co-op production
in cahoots with: Queer Action Coalition
in June of 2005 a Memphis teenager tells his parents he is gay, and they respond by telling him he must go to a fundamentalist christian program for gays. The teenager recorded his experiences leading up to his time in the program on his MySpace.com internet blog...This documentary follows the story as it unfolds into a national concern. As the story unfolds, people from Memphis, and around the country tell their own stories of coming out, featuring former clients of Love In Action, parents, teens, those who've sinced gone on to accept themselves through years of pressure and fear, as well as the people who share their struggles, and have come to stand against homophobia. This documentary, a preface to an ongoing story here in the MidSouth, also poses the question: What does love in action look like?
The screening will be followed by a talk back session with QAC members who took part in protesting Love In Action, as well as former clients of the organization.

As always, Peterson Toscano speaks words of wisdom...

2005-10-02T00:33:00.000-07:00

A MUST READ, as usual:
LIA Protest/Lawsuit Dream Sequence

Peterson, the former LIA client, turned superhero is currently blogging from the UK where he's on tour and doing the work any good superhero does....educating the public, and learning from human beings through the power of stories and experience. COME BACK SOON.

2005-10-01T18:58:00.001-07:00

LOVE IN ACTION LAW SUIT DETAILS FILLED WITH LIES ABOUT QAC

In the 29 page document(PDF) outlining Love In Actions lawsuit against the State of Tennessee, the following false allegations have been made:

From Item 40) "Members of QAC publicized the blog entries(of a adolescent participant of LIA) to other groups that support the homosexual lifestyle. "

From Item 43) "Many emails sent to Rev Smid from members of QAC and PFLAG stated their explicit intention to restrict LIA's ministry or cause it to dease altogether. Members from both groups, among others, expressly stated a goal to cause LIA's demise"

From Item 44) "In their efforts to bring this goal to fruition, upon information and belief, members of both QAC and PFLAG besieged the governors's office and various state agencies for the State of Tennessee, demanding that LIA come under state regulation or be forced to cease operation."

From Item 45) "As a direct consequence of the pleas made by QAC and PFLAG, as well as other lobbying efforts, various departments of the State of Tennessee began to investigate LIA"

FOR THE RECORD..........

QAC's goal was never to have LIA closed down, come under state investigation, or the like...

QAC was not apart of the initial spreading of "an adolescent participants" blog entries, we in fact tried to stop the spread of these blog entries, encouraging individuals to cease from publicising them.

QAC never, repeat NEVER besieged any state office, official, or the like for any reason, and specifically not to pressure anyone in any position in regards to any of the investigations. The only contact we had with the State of TN was with Rachel Lassiter, who is responsible for dispensing information to the public about investigations, and we contacted her on a few occasions only to get updates about the investigations.

QAC HAS NO CONNECTION WITH THESE INVESTIGATIONS. We never filed complaints, pressured state officials, nor did we make it our mission in any way to have Love In Action shut down. We feel that it is unfortunate that LOVE IN ACTION would feel the need to distort facts, specifically in a document that will be used in a court of law. When one of our representatives met with John Smid, director of LIA in August, many of these issues actually were discussed, and cleared up. Mr. Smid acknowledged that he understood it wasn't QAC sending emails to him out of hate, and it wasn't QAC who spread "an adolescent participants" blog entries, and also that it wasn't QAC who filed reports with the state. With this knowledge, the only conclusion we come to is that these are direct deceptions on the part of Love In Action and their attourneys in an attempt to slander not only QAC, but the State of TN and their investiagtions as being nothing more than "politics of the left".

We also would like to state that QAC is currently preparing official statements on this for the press, and to speak with Alliance Defense Fund, who is representing LIA, since we are named in their lawsuit under the heading: STATEMENT OF FACTS, with the suheadings of: Advent of State Involvement, and Efforts to Regulate LIA.

More soon on our offical statements.

NEWS STORIES ON LIA VS. TN

2005-10-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Love In Action Files Suit Against Tennessee

READ, OR WATCH

Ministry Sues State to Keep "Gay Changing" 12 Step Program

Love In Action Files Suit

READ, OR WATCH

Gay-rights target sues Tennessee

Love In Action denies that it's providing mental health services

By Lawrence Buser

Love In Action International, a faith-based organization that tries to counsel gays into turning straight, filed a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to block the state from imposing licensing requirements and claiming its rights of religious freedom are being violated.

The Memphis-based group accused state officials and Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities of "grossly manipulating, misapplying and misusing" state statutes and licensing rules to impose what LIA calls unconstitutional requirements on its organization.

READ IN FULL

CIVIL RIGHTS????

2005-09-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

On Love In Actions website, they claim the following in regard to their law suit:

Love In Action Files Suit to Protect Civil Rights

Ok, this is just too much...

Plain facts....they offer services that have hurt people. Former clients testify to this, all major mental health and medical associations testify to this.

The spokesperson for the ADF today stated, "LIA is offerring services no different than a homeless shelter"...are they serious about this??

2005-09-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

LOVE IN ACTION SUING THE STATE OF TENNESSEE

The Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian right powerhouse law firm is defending Love In Action in a law suit claiming:

Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund will defend the Christian ministry Love in Action International against claims by the State of Tennessee that it must obtain a license in order to continue operations. ADF attorneys filed a lawsuit on the ministry's behalf today in federal court.

"This is harassment, pure and simple," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Nate Kellum. "There is no legitimate state interest here. There's no health or safety violation, and there's no fire code or overcrowding concern. Love in Action's ministry has nothing to do whatsoever with mental health as defined by law, but the Department of Mental Health wants to regulate it anyway."

Love in Action (www.loveinaction.org), a private 501(c)3 organization, exists to be a Christ-centered ministry for the prevention or remediation of unhealthy and destructive behaviors facing families, adults, and adolescents.

Last month, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities deemed Love in Action a "mental health supportive living facility" and informed the ministry that it must cease operations by Sept. 30 if it doesn't apply for a license or comply with the department's demands.

"The state is trying to turn a Christian ministry into a state-regulated mental hospital," Kellum explained. "By the state's reasoning, a homeless shelter would become a medical clinic if a homeless person were taking antibiotics for some minor infection. Do we want the state to shut down private organizations that are helping people who are struggling?"

The ADF is notorious for combating the ACLU, claiming:

we work to preserve and defend religious freedom throughout the year and throughout the country...in the areas of religious freedom, sanctity of human life, and traditional family values....we work to combat present threats to religious freedom, we are constantly alerted to issues on the horizon.

We were notified about this today by reporters, first giving an interview in studio at Fox 13, and then being alerted that a spokesperson from the ADF was giving a statement downtown at the Federal Courthouse, where we caught the tailend of his statement and then having every news station in Memphis turn their camera's around and ask questions...tonight every local News will lead the story.

The full text of the complaint and motion for preliminary injunction filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Tennessee, Memphis Division, in the case Love in Action International v. Bredesen can be in a read HERE

As expected....more delay, more delay

2005-09-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

State gives Memphis facility another week to seek license

NASHVILLE, Tenn. State officials have given two unlicensed personal care facilities in Memphis another week to apply for a license or change their operations before facing an order to shut down.

The state Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities extended a deadline from today to next Friday.
The facilities are run by a Christian group -- Love In Action International -- that counsels gays to give up homosexuality.
The state contends the group needs a license to provide the services they are now doing.
Love In Action's work, particularly with teenagers, has drawn protests from gay rights advocates.

That comes from the AP. State officials denied having any information about the LIA going to the lisensure dept with state rep's, etc...We also recieved reports that LIA would be closed on Friday from other sources. More info as it comes.

and so the story goes

2005-09-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

We're waiting for verification from the state of TN, however, we've got the following from former LIA client/counselor Bob P.

"In a meeting earlier this week with the Tennessee Department of
Licensure, LiA showed its political muscle. Two Tennessee state
representatives along with a competent attorney attended the meeting
in favor of Love in Action.

According to licensure requirements, LiA cannot house anymore than
one person who falls under the state's jurisdiction. At this time,
LiA has two persons who are considered "mentally ill."

Even though LiA was adamant about the fact that they do not fall
under the state's guidelines since they are a "ministry," it was made
known during the meeting that one of the two clients in question will
be discharged by this weekend."

Two TN state rep's? Oh man, I can't wait to find out who these guys are...
Now, Bellevue Baptist most likely has its own state rep, right? So, ok, that's one, and the other? Hrm.

More soon when the word from the DMHDD comes in.

But honestly, they got two state rep's?

Channel 13 on Love in Action

2005-09-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Fox News local in Memphis TN will air a piece on the LIA investigation that could have their facilities shut down this week. THe pice will air at 5 or 5:30. They inteviewed former client Jeff Harwood, and Morgan Fox of QAC. Apparently LIA refused to comment, which seems to be their new tactic in media relations, a sharp contrast from when all of this begun.

As Love In Action faces this deadline, QAC is aware that most likely they will find some way to bypass being shut down, however, we are aware of the facts. This organization has hurt many people's lives, costing them not only financially but also through years of emotional/psychological repair. It is our mission of allow the voices of former clients, and those hurt by homophobia to be heard regardless of the outcome of this investigation. We encourage all of those effected by this program to speak up and unify so that a campaign may fully be brought forward to make known the damage done by so many years of an organization operating under the false guise of offering refutable treatment, when it is well known that these so-called treatments lack the credibility LIA would like you to assume they have. Please contact us with your stories of being effected by such organizations, and we will, with the help of other former clients help initiate a unified voice of those effected by their practices. The State of TN has already stated they've been operating illegally, so essentially, this proves their practices have been in violation of the best interests/well-being of those paying thousands of dollars for their assistance. More soon...

please read Peterson Toscano's latest blog

2005-09-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Peterson Toscano, former Love In Action client is an amazing person. He has taken great strength from the situations in his life that have created the greatest strife. He has turned his experiences into action that is affecting so many. His support for the equal rights of all, as opposed to just few is inspiring ans reaffirming. Peterson has been so supportive of QAC in so many ways and we hope to work with him in the near future on projects.
His latest article, The False Image of LIA, is very insightful, and well put.

Peterson, we love you. Thanks for all that you do.

UPDATE ON THE INVESTIGATION

2005-09-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

A lawyer for Love In Action contacted the State of TN late yesterday claiming to have recieved their letter that day, and thereby requested to still recieve the one week time span in order to apply for licensing, or cease operation. It appears that information will be made available about their decision next friday.

Washington Blade journalist, Eartha Melzer continues to write the most insightful and well-informed articles on the LIA debacle

2005-09-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

Eartha Melzer has continued to dig in deep and cover this story with the most insightful articles on Love In Action, the investigations, and their relation to homophobia in our society.

Read her latest story "Tenn may shut down "ex-gay" facility"

Tomorrow we will find out if LIA has complied with minimal regulations with the state, or not. QAC members will be standing by to document any possible developements, which will be updated asap. Once any news comes to light we will immediately announce our plans for some form of action, be it demonstration, or celebration.

More articles from Eartha Melzer on LIA:

2005-09-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

LOVE IN ACTION FACES POSSIBLE CEASE AND DESIST ORDER.

After a tip-off from former Love In Action client, turned activist/superhero Peterson Toscano, who phoned yesterday in regards to "possibly big developments" in this investigation, which he recieved from an anonymous source...today it has been confirmed....

The summary from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD) review of Love In Action:

DMHDD staff met with Mr. John Smid, Executive Director of Love In Action, on August 19, 2005. Based on the meeting, it was determined that Love In Action is operating two unlicensed mental health supportive living facilities in Memphis.

In accordance with DMHDD's licensure procedures, a certified letter was sent to Mr. Smid. The letter dated August 23, 2005, stated licensure staff's determination that Love In Action was operating two unlicensed facilities. The letter further stated that he must stop operating the homes within seven (7) days of receiving the letter, or apply for a license within the same time period.

The Department's Office of Licensure determines the seven day period based on the date the organization receives the letter. This is verified by return receipt from the Post Office. Licensure did not receive a return receipt from the post office, so another letter was sent Thursday, September 8th.

If Mr. Smid does not respond by September 15th, licensure staff will revisit Love In Action, to determine if the agency is still operating the two homes. If the homes are still operating, licensure will recommend to the Department's Commissioner that a cease and desist order be issued to Love In Action, in accordance with DMHDD Licensure Law.

Rachel Lassiter
Deputy Press Secretary
Governor's Communications Office

Stay tuned for more information about the progression of this story, what is means in the long run for Ex-Gay facilitites, and for Love In Action in Memphis, TN.

_________________

QAC PRESS RELEASE IN REGARDS TO INVESTIGATION:

_________________

LOVE IN ACTION FACES POSSIBLE CEASE AND DESIST ORDER

Queer Action Coalition
Email: fighting.homophobia@gmail.com
Web: http://fightinghomophobia.blogspot.com /

FOR IMMEDITATE RELEASE…MONDAY, SEPT 12, 2005

LOVE IN ACTION, The Memphis-based organization that has come under fire over the past several months after a Bartlet teenager revealed his parents were forcing him into the “fundamentalist christian program for gays”, now faces possible cease and desist orders from the State of Tennessee Dept of Mental Health and Developemental Dissabilities. (see attached statement from the the DMHDD)

This investigation is the third that Love In Action has undergone since protests formed outside their facilities on June 6 of this year by the Queer Action Coalition, a group that seeks to educate the public about issues regarding sexual orientation through the dissemination of information, and community activism. It is the Queer Action Coalition’s belief that any services a counselor/facility provides to a person in need should be beneficial, unbiased and with professional merit, to insure that the person seeking their counsel will be able to do so in a well-informed, healthy atmosphere, and further more that no one should be coerced into any “treatments” for homosexuality considering that all major mental health associations1 clearly state that it is not an illness.

As concerned citizens we feel the negative/uninformed view of homosexuals held by Love In Action contributes to the “brokenness, abandonment, and rejection” felt by the very people they claim to offer treatment or counseling to. We are concerned that such views endanger the well being of gay, and lesbian youth on a daily basis who may already face prejudice, and hatred, which often leads to emotional and physical abuse.

1 The American Psychiatric Association

"God sent Hurricane Katrina to purify the nation of sins, including homosexuality"?

2005-09-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

Texas Gov. Rick Perry stands by without oppostition while fellow texan minister suggests that God may be using hurricane's to purify our nation of gay's, and the like...

Gov. Rick Perry spoke at two private events this week where a Texas minister wondered if God sent Hurricane Katrina to purify the nation of sins, including homosexuality.

The GOP leader didn't object at the gatherings in San Antonio and Houston on Thursday.

Gubernatorial spokesman Robert Black, contacted Friday, said: "The governor does not agree with that. But far be it for the governor to try to divine the will of the Almighty.

"Americans of all faiths need to come together at this point in time to help the victims of this tragedy," he said.

Black said Perry speaks at hundreds of events annually and "sure doesn't do public critiques of what every speaker says."

The Rev. Dwight McKissic, organizing pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, said he asked only if God sent the hurricane "to purify our nation."

Check out the whole story here

Call the California Governor's office to support same-sex marriage!

2005-09-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

This bill isn't dead yet. The legislature is holding back from submitting it so that ARNOLD can receive public comment.

Call 916-445-2841

Press 5 to voice your opinion on a current hot issue

then Press 2 for gender-neutral marriage

Then press the corresponding button to Support

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE YOUR ABILITY TO HELP MAKE CHANGE!

Arnold refuses to sign on the dotted line of equal rights...

2005-09-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

AS CBS NEWS TELLS IT...

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he will veto a bill that would allow gay marriages in California.

Schwarzenegger on Wednesday said the legislation, given final approval Tuesday by lawmakers, would conflict with the intent of voters when they approved a ballot initiative five years ago. Proposition 22 prevents California from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries.

Despite his promised veto, Schwarzenegger "believes gay couples are entitled to full protection under the law and should not be discriminated against based upon their relationship," the statement said.

I'm sorry, but this is such bullshit. "Should not be descriminated against"???? Ok. Then don't veto a bill that would give them equal rights. POLITICS. EVERYONE'S PLAYING POLITICS. WHO WILL ACT FIRST?

read the whole story

TRENT LOTT BOOKSIGNING CANCELLED

2005-08-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Due to the hurricane which is taking it's toll on alot of people, Sen Lott had to cancel his booksigning.

UPDATE ON TRENT LOTT BOOK SIGNING

2005-08-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 30 at 6:00 pM Davis Kidd Booksellers
(387 Perkins Road Extended)

QAC will be in attendance at this booksigning, meeting at the entrance of Davis Kidd that faces East(by their Restaurant, Bronte) at 6pm, a small meeting will take place outside and we will then "distribute positive messages" to deflect the stances Sen. Lott has heald that we feel are misinformed, and harmful to the well-being of our fellow citizens. Email us at fighting.homophobia@gmail.com for more info

2005-08-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

A MOMENT TO PRAISE....
FAMED HIP-HOP ARTIST MAKES MUCH NEEDED CALL FOR AN END TO HOMOPHOBIA

Hip-Hop artist Kayne West goes on MTV show "All Eyes On.." and calls for an end to homophobia in Hip-Hop culture.

In talking about a song called "Hey Mama" from his new album, West responded:

After my parents got divorced and we moved to Chicago when I was 3, I would go see my father on Christmas, spring break and summer. My father was my everything, but during the rest of the time, my mother was my everything. Of course there's a good side to that, but the bad side of that is that people call you a mama's boy. It gets to the point that when you go to high school and you wasn't out in the streets like that, and you ain't have no father figure, or you wasn't around your father all the time, who you gonna act like? You gonna act like your mother. ... And then everybody in high school be like, "Yo, you actin' like a f--. Dog, you gay?" And I used to deal with that when I was in high school.

And what happened was it made me kind of homophobic, 'cause I would go back and question myself, like, "Damn, why does everyone else walk like this, and I walk like this?" People be like, "Yo fam, look at you. Look at how you act." If you see something and you don't want to be that because there's such a negative connotation toward it, you try to separate yourself from it so much that it made me homophobic by the time I was through high school. Anybody that was gay I was like, "Yo, get away from me." And like Tupac said, "Started hangin' with the thugs," and you look up and all my friends were really thugged out. It's like I was racing to try to find that constant masculine role model right there, right in front of me. I would use the word "f--" and always look down upon gays. But then my cousin told me that another one of my cousins was gay, and I loved him, he's one of my favorite cousins. And at that point it was kind of like a turning point when I was like, "Yo, this my cousin, I love him and I been discriminating against gays."

But everybody in hip-hop discriminates against gay people. Matter of fact, the exact opposite word of "hip-hop," I think, is "gay." Like yo, you play a record and if it's wack, "That's gay, dog!" And I wanna just come on TV and just tell my rappers, just tell my friends, "Yo, stop it fam."

PLEASE LET MTV KNOW THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF KAYNE FOR TAKING A MUCH NEEDED STAND.

If just a few more popular, straight artists would take similar stands, then what we'd hopefully see is a huge shift in the stigmatization of GBLT people in the media, and hopefully beyond. We know that people amongst the religious right aren't going to change their idea's anytime soon, HOWEVER, we do know that the media has alot to do with public opinion, and also that the media is controlled by money. If it's becomes "ok", that is, if it will not risk loss in revenue for popular media to portray positive messages/images of GBLT people, then the ignorance, and miseducation about GBLT people would hopefully begin to decline, and in turn less kids would be exposed to homophobic views that are now entrenched in popular culture.

What do we learn, mainly from his story? That homophobia breeds homophobia, and that if GBLT people simply can find the means to openly be themselves, as the human beings that they are, then they will help educate the people around them.

SEN.TRENT LOTT (R-MS) TO SIGN NEW BOOK AT DAVIS KIDD, ACTION IN PLANNING

2005-08-28T03:05:00.000-07:00

Senator TRENT LOTT signs his new book Herding Cats: A Life in Politics

Tuesday, August 30 at 6:00 pM Davis Kidd Booksellers
(387 Perkins Road Extended)

Take a second and consider whether we're comfortable having this Senator come to Memphis, and profit from a booksigning without letting him know we don't all agree......

When asked if being gay was a sin, then-Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) responded:

Yes, it is... in America right now there's an element that wants to make that alternative lifestyle acceptable. You still love that person and you should not try to mistreat them or treat them as outcasts. You should try to show them a way to deal with that problem, just like alcohol ... others have a sex addiction or are kleptomaniacs. There are all kinds of problems and addictions and difficulties and experiences of this kind that are wrong. But you should try to work with that person to learn to control that problem.1

In case you didn't notice, that's direct advertising for ex-gay programs...."show them a way to deal with that problem, just like alchohol"....equating such destructive behaviors with who someone can fall in love with is completely insulting, and it's an exact tactic of Love In Action and other ex-gay get-up's. It's interesting that this statement was made by Lott at a time when Focus On The family, and the Family Research Council were putting millions of dollars behind an ad-campaign for Exodus. Wonder howmuch the ad out of Lott's mouth cost?

But it continues....

At the 100th birthday party of long time controversial senator, Strom Thurmond, who ran for president as a segregationist(i.e. keep the colored folks from drinkin out of my fountain), Lott had the following to say:

I want to say this about my state [Mississippi]. When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We're proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years either.2"

Sounds like the type of guy you want at the neighnorhood bookstore? Sounds perfect to us at QAC, that's why we plan to give him a visit, maybe even get a copy of "QUEER HISTORY" signed. You should too. More info on actions planned soon.

2005-08-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Straight and narrow: church's 'gay cure'
Alarm raised over Memphis evangelicals' therapy

Julian Borger in Memphis
Friday August 26, 2005
The Guardian

Love in Action International stands on a bluff in north Memphis, the steep roof of the ministry's angular modernist church offering itself as a beacon of hope for the world's reluctant homosexuals.
That should include every gay man and lesbian on the planet, according to the Reverend John Smid, the head of this evangelical group, whose mission is to take gays and straighten them out.

"I hope we can help men and women overcome ... mindsets counterproductive to their walk in Christ," Mr Smid said on a sweltering Tennessee afternoon as he showed Love in Action supporters around the new mission headquarters.

Read Entire Article Here

SLANTED AND BIASED REFUGE STATISTICS STILL UN-RE-SOURCED

2005-08-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

THESE WORDS ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NUMBER 8

BACK IN JULY Love In Action removed The International Organization of Heterosexual Rights as a source on their REFUGE Home page for a couple of very biased and seemingly unfounded statistics about gay people. The following stats still remain on their REFUGE site, however the source has been removed, seemingly due to complaints about the source of these quotes, and how hate-fueled, and nasty the rest of the IOOHR website, in fact, is.

People who engage in homosexuality, who make up only one to two percent of the population, account for three or four percent of all gonorrhea cases, 60 percent of all syphilis cases, and 17 percent of all hospital admissions (outside of STD's) in the United States.8

78% of homosexuals are affected by STD's, mainly AIDS, Gonorrhea, Herpes Simples Virus, and Chlamydia. 8

So, as we have the father of a LIA client going on national TV outlets in defense of his decision to place his child in such a program, making the following statements:

“We felt very good about Zach coming here because… to let him see for himself the destructive lifestyle, what he has to face in the future, and to give him some options that society doesn't give him today,” Stark said. “Knowing that your son... statistics say that by the age of 30 he could either have AIDS or be dead.”

We are deeply concerned as we realize that every person on this earth should have the right to make informed decisions about what they want to do with their lives. Unfortunately, when you are misled, and misinformed...then you do not have the opportunity to make the most informed, honest, and healthy choice for you, or those you love.

We cannot stress enough how much this becomes the basis for how such programs as LIA are able to continually build clientele and followers alike, using and withholding information in order to manipulate the circumstances. Unfortunately, people in need then fall further victim to their already instituted self-hatred, and shame as their fears are fed, and all practical, proven medical, and mental health knowledge of the feared "condition" is ignored.

Every former client that has spoken with QAC has repeated that they were never presented with the true facts. That any negative attribute which could be applied to one's "sense of being gay" was praised as a true stepping point towards "freedom in Christ", never questioned, never presented with the alternative of being able to move on, accepting oneself as a happy, whole, productive gay person.

The reason we bring up, again this issue of Love In Action removing the IOOHR as a source for the aforementioned statistics is that they've still left the little "8" beside these statistics, however, nearly a month later there still is simply no source listed, leaving us with a looming bit of highly biased information, yet no reference point in which to verify that this information has any credible grounding. The fact that much time has gone by, and no one has reposted a new source, leads us to believe that this organization may not care too much about the credibility of their "facts", or their "statistics".

It is also very symbolic, that the number 8 is simply invisible on their list of sources. It has been hidden, erased. It seems that Love In Action may have been ashamed of what the number 8 represented. It seems that the number 8 could have brought LIA some sort of judgment, that is, it could have made them look bad. So what does Love In Action do? They simply hide the source, hoping that people will not think that they too, like the IOOHR are a hate-filled and ignorant organization that couples biased information, with the promotion of shame and judgment. We can only hope, as many individuals in need might turn to these kind of organizations first for help, that the best interest of the client is what is heald most important, and that no crucial, potentially helpful information is heald from them due to shame, bias, or fear, as we know that in the long term, these qualities have harmful and unhealthy affects upon our fellow human beings.

THE WASHINGTON POST on rep. therapy

2005-08-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Vowing to Set the World Straight
Proponents of Reparative Therapy Say They Can Help Gay Patients Become Heterosexual. Experts Call That a Prescription for Harm

Read the entire article here

people speaking up, can be the most powerful thing.

2005-08-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Check out the followinjg article, and hope more like it will follow...

Brainwashed no more

QAC update, sort of

2005-08-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

The individuals who have been involved with QAC are currently busy re-adjusting to life as normal, while compiling resources, shooting, and editing a documentary, and the like.

We will keep everyone updated here with any events, programs, or for more info about the documentary.

We encourage everyone to continue all the hard work that has gone into these last couple of months. Please contact us if you have any questions, suggestions, news, or otherwise.

With all of our Love

-QAC

BBC2 Documentary "Sad To Be Gay" to finally air

2005-08-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

THE BBC2 Documentary, "Sad To Be Gay" IS GOING TO AIR on Tuesday...CHECK HERE FOR MORE INFO

This is the documentary that came through Memphis, following a man from England who was unhappy being gay. The BBC crew went into Love In Action to document this man, David Akinsanya's experience in the program. Word has spread that this was one of the first notices of youth being in the program, when David's experience was being documented, himself, and the crew being alarmed that a 16yo girl was there against her will, and he apprently could not take the experience and left in less than a week. It is unclear how the documentary will portray the situation, however, the program description seems to explain that his experience was "upsetting". It came to our attention that David, and the BBC crew was supposedly alarmed, especially that this 16yo girl was in counseling sessions with adults who were dealing with serious mental health issues, while her experience simply was related to her parents problem...with her liking girls. This documentary has the potential to be very explosive and essential in exposing the problems related to facilities such as Love In Action. Stay tuned for more info.

On a side note, QAC member/filmmaker Morgan Fox, who is currently making his own documentary with QAC about LIA, was actually filmed in this documentary serving "David" coffee at a local coffee house for part of the documentary when the crew was filming a conversation between him and a friend discussing issues related to the program. At that time Morgan had no idea what the doc was about, AND beyond potential speculation, was not/is not involved in their story, but, we must say, isn't it ironic...

STATEMENT ON ZACH, AND THE FUTURE...

2005-08-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Queer Action Coalition itself began when it became clear that a 16yo kid was being taken to Love In Action "against his will" back in early June. These events came to public attention first when the teenager posted a bulletin through his MySpace account, which then took people to his blog, where people then began to spread the message, first through www.cherrybloss.org. The media then responded and people on the internet began to find his blog from all over the world, making thousands of comments and forming groups, such as FREE ZACH, which now has over 5,000 members. At this point it became very clear for QAC that we wanted to focus on what we knew about LIA, rather than a certain individual, simply because we were very concerned about the possibility of the individuals situation becoming worse, however we did want to show support. At this point, the media had already caught on, and the teenager, the issue, the organization, etc…were all now focused around “ZACH”. The protests remained anonymous in their message. No organized protest ever had a single sign mentioning Zach’s name, and it was very clear that we were to be respectful, and fair, simply because the objective was to offer a different side to something we saw as unfortunate, and potentially harmful.

Now we reach the end of Zach’s stay at LIA and he posts a new blog, and suddenly media, and hundreds of people all over the internet are again going wild about what’s next, or what Zach meant, or what he’ll do, or even debating on the matter how “his new statement” will effect what anyone has been doing recently to try and fight homophobia, and share messages of love and acceptance, we’ve had media calling from around the country asking for statements about Zach’s new blog entry. This is getting out of hand. Yes, this began with this teenagers “cry for help”, but the reason people answered his cry is because of the situation he was being put in. The real question has to be about why we responded to the “cry for help”…while Zach will make his own decisions about what he wants to say, and do, we of course send our words of support, and love, hoping that he can find peace with himself, his friends, family, and the world of people around him who have gotten involved. AS of course we will do all we can to support Zach, we ask everyone to respect this individual, and understand, again, why his “cry for help” was most likely sent out…and why you responded so as to see the bigger picture…

HERE IS THE BOTTOM LINE....

LOVE IN ACTION is an isolated physical structure that represents a larger problem. They say, very clearly, that being gay is not ok. Former clients, one after another, testify that the organization promotes self-hatred, shame, and fear. ALL MAJOR MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH organizations say that they do not approve of any sort of therapy practicing out of bias, as it is well know that it potentially harms people, furthering the problems the clients already have. It is also a fact that these organizations do not provide clients with other resources if they do indeed decide they want to be a healthy, out gay person...which basically leaves their clients with no alternative resources after they leave, giving the gay person a feeling of "no where to go", similar for parents, who are not given PFLAG info so that just in case, they can go on to find other parents who accept their kids, also leaving the parents feeling isolated and alone if they do decide to seek other resources. It is also a fact that they use outdated, and disproven statistics on gay people, which then further encourages fear, shame and rejection of the gay person.

Look no further than what they mention about who founded their organization where they do not mention the actual founders, John Evans, and Kent Philpott. One can only assume they do not mention this because John Evans is an openly gay Christian man, who has recently sent letters of support for all gay people, explaining that what LIA does is "dangerous", and has been so since it began in 1973. Evans left the group when his best friend, Jack McIntyre, who was a client, killed himself because he was so ashamed of being gay, and the program wasn’t working for him.

At the very least, we realize the importance of giving people truthful information, so that they can make informed decisions, as opposed to misleading them into believing things so that what you offer seems more appealing and credible.

That said, Love In Action, as has been stated by all of its clients, can be a very productive place. For the record, QAC stands firmly in our respect for all of LIA's clients, and staff. We wish to, and have been engaging in dialogue with them. We have never made it our goal to shut them down, or hurt them. We also did not play any upfront role in the investigations that came from the state involving Love In Action. We would like to say also, that we have attempted to educate those who have expressed overly slanted views in this situation, noting that in speaking to former clients, such as Brandon Tidwell, or Jeff Harwood has been a very educational experience for us, as they both have a great respect for the people at LIA, yet they all share the same view of its negative impact on those who seek out, and have received their care. We understand, and have explained that LIA is not filled with evil people. It's important to point out the positives that people have gotten out of their time there. However, these positives are rooted in issues any licensed therapist would be able to address, only without the shame, and promotion of self-hatred which eventually leads one down a path of rejection, and fear, simply due to the misinformation provided by biased counsel.

A licensed therapist cannot misinform people by supplying biased, slanted statistics, or using techniques that have been proven to be harmful by every major health organization. A therapist cannot do this, because they would lose their license, because it would be considered unethical. It would be considered unethical, because the well-being of a person would be endangered. One would hope that the well-being of any person is looked after the first and foremost when in a therapeutic setting.

THESE ARE OUR CONCERNS. There is a reason, time and time again that people go through these programs..why parents send their kids...PEOPLE ARE ASHAMED, BROKEN, FULL OF FEAR BECAUSE our a large portion of our society, and a large section of Chrisitans are sending messages to gay people...these messages are perfectly represented by LOVE IN ACTION: you should change, you should be ashamed, it's not right to be who you are.

We firmly believe in the importance of fighting these messages by giving examples of TRUE LOVE IN ACTION. We hope to provide truthful education, and to show that Gay people can be happy, productive, healthy people. This current fight began with Zach, but it's one that has been going on for a very long time, and one that will not end soon, as we to continue with education, advocacy, and the living of our lives in ways that will allow us to overcome what boundries are presented, therefore to live the change we seek....

NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO BE ASHAMED OF BEING GAY. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO HATE THEMSELVES. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO BE SUBJECTED TO PEOPLE, OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT ENCOURAGE SHAME, SELF-HATRED, AND THE UTILIZATION OF BIASED INFORMATION TO ACCOMPLISH ITS GOALS. WE HOPE THAT IT WILL BE EASIER AND EASIER FOR GAY, LESBIAN, TRANSGENDER, AND BISEXUAL PEOPLE, AND THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS TO BE ACCEPTING, AND EDUCATED ABOUT THEIR RELEVANT ISSUES.

More about out future plans soon.

PHOTOS FROM FRIDAYS PROTEST

2005-07-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE

Founder of Love in Action Speaks Out Against LIA

2005-07-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

John Evans, one of two founders of Love in Action, speaks against Love in Action.

Read his letter to John Smid on Wayne Besen's Blog.

Here are a few quotes for you:

"In the past 30 years since leaving the 'ex-gay' ministry I have seen nothing but shattered lives, depression and even suicide among those connected with the 'ex-gay' movement," Evans writes in his letter to John Smid, Love In Action's current director. "I challenge Christians to investigate all sides of the issue of being gay and Christian. The Church has been wrong in the past regarding moral issues and I'm sure there will be more before Christ returns."

Evans, a gay man, founded what may be the first modern ex-gay group in San Raphael, Calif. in 1973, along with a heterosexual preacher Kent Philpott. Evans left his life partner of ten years to start the gay conversion group. He later dropped out after he realized it didn't work and his best friend committed suicide because he could not turn heterosexual.
Love in Action has deleted him from their history as evidenced on their Facts about Love In Action International where they state that the church was founded by Frank Worthen in San Rafael, California.

Washington Blade Article on Exodus

2005-07-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Scores seek help to be ‘ex-gay’
Inside look at Exodus meeting

Frank and Anita Worthen warned a group of ex-gay men and
their would-be wives that it is best to avoid deep kissing until
after marriage, and that prudent couples wait a year after
wedding before attempting intercourse. (Photo by Jeremy Bigwood)

The Washington Blade lets Exodus conference speakers speak for themselves.

Some key quotes from the story:

From Falwell:

Falwell said parents must intervene. Allowing a teen to be gay is as dangerous as allowing a son or daughter to play on the interstate, he said.

From Frank and Anita Worthen's workshop:

Frank Worthen, an Exodus founder, and his wife, Anita, offered tips on how the ex-gay male can marry a woman and meet the expectations of family and friends. They addressed a classroom packed with about 60 people, about half with what appeared to be their spouses.

“Men are ready for marriage when their desire to be protected becomes a desire to protect,” Frank Worthen said. “A man should also have three years of celibacy,” he added, “and have been free of pornography and masturbation for some time.”

A wife needs to be prepared to offer extra help so that her husband can have an erection, she said. Also, she said some men do not enjoy the feel of a woman’s skin.

On Point Story

2005-07-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

WBUR.ORG has created an amazing piece that features the following speakers:

·	Alex Williams, style reporter for The New York Times
·	John Smid, Love in Action Director Christine Sneeringer, Director of Worthy Creations Ministry, which offers support groups for gay people who want to become straight
·	Joseph Nicolosi, Director of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality
·	Jack Drescher, Chair of the American Psychiatric Association Committee on Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual issues
·	Leah Deriel, recent graduate and engineer who has sought help to stop her strong feelings toward women
·	Brandon Tidwell, a former client of "Love in Action," a evangelical program in Memphis for gay men and women who want to become straight. Listen to it here: Windows Media Player : Real Player

WMCTV Channel 5 story on QAC Protest

2005-07-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

Once again we want to that WMC TV Channel 5 for a wondeful story covering today's morning and evening protest. They were out in the morning covering the protest and came back again in the afternoon for a high quality live report go to this pageand click on Love in Action Protest: George Brown in

QAC Press Release

2005-07-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: 7pm CST July 28, 2005

Contact: fighting.homophobia@gmail.com

QUEER ACTION COALITION TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY AND UNITY WITH RALLIES AND A SILENT VIGIL

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 26, 2005: Queer Action Coalition will be hosting two rallies on Friday, July 29, 2005 at the Love in Action facility at 4780 Yale Road, Memphis, Tennessee to create awareness of the harmful practices of Love in Action. The first rally will start at 8:30am and end at 9:30am. The second rally will begin at 4:30pm and end at 5:30pm.

Queer Action Coalition will also host a silent vigil on Saturday, July 30, 2005 from 11:00am to 1:00pm to honor the voices of those silenced by homophobic ex-gay organizations such as Love in Action. Queer Action Coalition spokespersons will be available for comment at all rallies.

Queer Action Coalition is comprised of people of all ages and sexual orientations working together to advance the civil rights applicable to any person regardless of sexual orientation. Queer Action Coalition was founded June, 2005 by a group of Memphis youth to further the dissemination of information about programs that claim to “treat homosexuality” and to combat homophobia in the United States.

###

CNN Part Two

2005-07-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

Watch CNN Today 7pm Central Time for a Follow up on
Conversion Therapy

Let's hope this piece actually addresses the facts and not the opinions of Love In Action's paid spokesperson.

Thursday's show

Gay to straight. One man says he has changed his ways. We’ll tell you how he says he did it. Tune in at 8 p.m. ET.

Good Morning America

2005-07-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

GOOD MORNING AMERICA

The GMA story went much further than last night's CNN story in uncovering the truth and the lies associated with so-called "reparative therapy". The program featured Brandon Tidwell, LIA paid spokes person Gerard Wellman, John Smid and also made sure to mention the fact that all major medical and psychological associations have fully discredited "reparative therapy" as a healthy and viable way to deal with one's coming-out process.

Ex-Gay watch provides a great critique of both stories here.

Most important was the fact that this story had many different points of view and did not present the two sides as having equally valid arguments.
Brandon's statements carry a lot more weight than those of the paid staffers of Love in Action. In fact, his statements and those of Peterson Toscano , two former Love in Action clients, are those that people will actually believe.

Take a look at the story that ABC posted on their site about the ex-gay issue "Do Christian-Based Reparative Therapy Programs Help or Hurt Those Troubled by Their Sexuality?"

THE TV NEWS BLITZ BEGINS

2005-07-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT ON The Paula Zahn Show.... 8pm eastern...7pm Memphis time.

"Your child says he or she is gay. Now there’s a camp that says it can set these kids straight. Would you put your child through this? Tune in at 8 p.m. ET. "

A VIDEO OF THE SHOW SHOULD BE AVAILABLE HERE LATER TONIGHT

Tomorrow morning Good Morning America will air a piece at 8am Eastern Time

More info on this should be available HERE tomorrow.

Feel free to comment here about your views of both broadcasts.

PFLAG NATIONAL MAKES OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON LIA/R, AND ZACH

2005-07-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

July 26, 2005 – Washington, D.C.

As Zach Stark, the Tennessee teen who recently gained national attention after blogging his fears of being sent to Love in Action, is released from the program this week, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) calls for an ongoing and substantive discussion about the effects of “reparative therapy” on young people and their families.....

Mary Lou Wallner and her husband Bob know the damage of “reparative therapy” all too well. Speaking at a recent PFLAG conference in Bothell, Washington, Mary Lou told the audience that her reaction when her daughter came out was based on the teachings of Dr. James Dobson, a leading “reparative therapy” proponent. “I raised my kids on Dobson. I read his books and listened to his radio broadcasts for years. In December of 1988, when she was about 21 years old, my daughter wrote us a letter and told us that she was a lesbian. I flipped out and…the next nine years were pretty stormy. Then in February of 1997, at age 29, she committed suicide.”

READ THE ENTIRE STATEMENT HERE...

Wayne Besen's Column on LIA

2005-07-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

Read Wayne Besen's excellent analysis of the CBN debacle and the distorted facts used by ex-gay organizations to sensationalize homosexuality and deceive their clients and the media.

Wayne Besens's Column: Zach vs.Pat

Love in Action Featured on NPR

2005-07-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

As part of a roundtable discussion on topic such as the PATRIOT Act, random searches of New York City subway passengers the "News and Notes with Ed Gordon" covered Love in Action and Queer Action Coalition protests on Friday July 23rd. Click here for a Real Audio or Windows Media Player file. The discussion of love in action starts about 13:00 minutes into the program.

WHAT DOES LOVE IN ACTION LOOK LIKE?

2005-07-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

THIS IS WHAT LOVE IN ACTION LOOKS LIKE

TWO RALLIES AT LOVE IN ACTION

Queer Action Coalition will be holding TWO rallies at Love in Action Headquarters 4780 Yale Rd., Memphis TN on FRIDAY, JULY 29TH...8:30-9:30a, and 4:00-5:30p

Please join us for what we anticipate will be the largest peaceful demonstration against the practices of "Love" in Action to date, and possibly the last for awhile. We anticipate major national media present and we hope that all of those who feel strongly about this issue will come show their support at either, if not both of these rallies. Please bring appropriate, non-judgemental, positive signs, banners, and attitudes.

LET'S SHOW THE WORLD
WHAT LOVE IN ACTION LOOKS LIKE.

Get directions here: "Love" in Action HQ.

Salon Article Part Two

2005-07-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Click here for part two of the Salon.com articles on the ex-gay movement:

My gay therapy session
To find out how "reparative therapy" works, I pretended to be gay. My licensed Christian therapist explained to me why homosexuality is a mental disorder, what the "Wizard of Oz principle" is, and why kids who can't "hit the ball or fire the gun" are more likely to be gay.

Monday's DEMONSTRATION, and words of support from John Evans.

2005-07-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

The demonstration went really well today. Participants were at the Love In Action headquarters for a little over an hour. A plethora of new people came out to show support, including a mother and her daughter, who are pictured at left. LIA employee's greeted protestors kindly from their cars as they departed the facility. A "client", taken away by his parent also noticed the colorful array of youth and parents alike, showing their love, in action. As usual, cars continued to honk in support as they drove down Yale road, giving the group their support.

The protest got off to a great start, as has every day of demonstrations, with blue, sunny skies. Today, however started special for QAC, as we received a package from one of Love In Action's two original founders, John Evans, now an openly gay Christian living in California. QAC spoke with John on the phone last week. He was very encouraging, expressing the importance of voicing alternatives to LIA's practices, calling what they do "dangerous", and "harmful". At the time he had no knowledge that LIA had formed REFUGE, or that they had been counseling kids in any way. He was surprised, and reacted with disbelief.

"Love in Action is a very, very dangerous organization that has been destroying people's lives since 1973, and they continue to do so today"

When informed that LIA no longer referred to him as a founder of the organization, Evans responded:

"Well, of course they don't, because they're scared...they're scared of letting people know the truth"

He concluded the letter that came in the packet of information he sent us with:

"Keep up the good work...God Bless You, John Evans."

You can read more about John Evans here

Pictures from today's protest.

Also, check out a blog entry from MSNBC's Ron Reagan, titled Conversion Camps?

"Summer’s here, meaning thousands of kids are heading off to camp and participating in a host of familiar activities: hiking, canoeing, archery, re-programming their sexual orientation. Don’t you remember that from your summers at camp?"

Rally at Love in Action Today

2005-07-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

RALLY AT LOVE IN ACTION

Download the flyer here.

Queer Action Coalition will be holding a rally at Love in Action Headquarters 4780 Yale Rd., Memphis TN today starting at 4pm.
Please join us for a peaceful demonstration against the practices of "Love" in Action.

Get directions here: "Love" in Action HQ.

Salon.com Investigates Reparative Therapy

2005-07-17T23:53:00.000-07:00

Turning off gays
A loose network of Christian ministries and social workers, with the blessing of the political right, are putting gays and lesbians on the couch, determined to "cure" them.

Follow this link to Salon.com, you will need to either get a 1-day pass or sign-up or go here to view it as a PDF. The article is part of a 4 day series exploring the vagaries of the "ex-gay" movement.

New York Times Covers Love in Action

2005-07-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

The New York Times is running a story about Love in Action.

Take a look at the article here and buy the paper tomorrow.

Gay Teenager Stirs a Storm

Rollin Riggs for The New York Times

The headquarters of Love in Action in Memphis was under siege by protesters over the case of a teenager named Zach.

A rally will be held at Love in Action headquarters on Monday, July 18th at 4780 Yale Rd. starting at 4pm. Please repost this widely.

Directions to LIA from Google Maps.

LIA Still Offers Drug and Alcohol Counseling

2005-07-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Despite promises in this Commercial Appeal article published July 12th where John Smid said

LIA executive director John Smid says they'll tweak their services -- and the wording on their Web site -- in an effort to remain unregulated by the state.
"It's a very minor aspect of what we do," Smid said. "It's really not our focus."

The website for Refuge, Love in Action's "outpatient program for young men and women ages 13-18" still contains the following text:

Refuge is designed to minister to adolescents struggling with broken and addictive behaviors such as…

-Pornography
-Drugs and alcohol
-Sexual Promescuity
-Homosexuality

Take a look here: Refuge Site

Love In Action changes face.

2005-07-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Love In Action today has removed the source for their statistics relating to STD's and HIV. The statistics remain, however, the source, a hate-fueled anti-gay website called The International Organization For Heterosexual Rights, simply has dissappeared in their footnotes.

Love In Action has also changed their official mission statement from:

a Christ-centered ministry for the prevention or treatment of unhealthy and destructive behaviors facing families, adults, and adolescents

to:

Christ-centered ministry for the prevention or remediation of unhealthy and destructive behaviors facing families, adults, and adolescents.

Also, in many places they have removed "drug and alcohol addiction" from the list of addictive behaviors they "minister" to, leaving only "promiscuity and homosexuality", however, on the official Refuge website they still claim to offer help for those with Drug and Alcohol addictions.

Here's the problem though...the fact is that the negative view of homosexuals held by Love In Action contributes to the very “brokenness, abandonment, and rejection” felt by the people they claim to offer treatment or counseling(uhm, "prevention or remediation") to. The heart of the matter is that we are concerned that such views endanger the well being of gay, and lesbian youth on a daily basis who may already face prejudice, and hatred, which often leads to emotional and physical abuse. This is what we must keep fighting for, so that more people don't have to get harmed, miseducated, and/or condemned to a life of unnecessary self-hatred, guilt and shame.

Love In Action to Stop Drug and Alcohol Treatment

2005-07-15T01:18:00.000-07:00

According to 365gay.com

A second probe of "Love In Action" was begun this week - this time by the state Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Department - because the group was offering counseling in drug and alcohol addiction. State officials say they can't do that without a license.

In an effort to head off the new examination of the camp, Love in Action executive director John Smid said the organization will change its Web site wording and direct clients to established, off-site drug and alcohol counseling services.

The original source is this Commercial Appeal article.

Pat Robertson's Take on Homosexuality

2005-07-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

Pat Robertson asks readers of CBN.com in his "Bring it On" daily question:

My high school has all these different programs that support homosexuals. I recently found out that one of my close friends was a homosexual, so I attended some events with him just to show him heÂs still my friend. Is this going too far? How do I show him heÂs still my friend without making him think I approve of his lifestyle?
Read his answer here.

THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF HETEROSEXUAL RIGHTS

2005-07-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

As appearing in CBN's story yesterday, Joe Stark, Zach's father states:

“We felt very good about Zach coming here because… to let him see for himself the destructive lifestyle, what he has to face in the future, and to give him some options that society doesn't give him today,” Stark said. “Knowing that your son... statistics say that by the age of 30 he could either have AIDS or be dead.”

One Has to consider how unfortunate, and misleading it is that Love In Action uses such blatantly biased sources for their statistics on homosexuality, found here on their Refuge Resources page. The International Organization Of Heterosexual Rights is the "official source" LIA uses to show how the "homosexual lifestyle" is destructive. Their website contains some of the most distasteful, and inappropriate anti-gay rhetoric available. It's very disappointing that Love In Action has to use such slanted, hateful sources to promote their "love and acceptance", as Christians, one would have to wonder what Jesus would think about such rude, hateful, and misinformed condemnation being spewed towards other human beings. Here's an example of what you'll find on their website:

"DO TERRORISM AND HOMOSEXUALITY ALWAYS WALK HAND IN HAND?"

"Are You, The Homosexuals of This Country, Stupid? Are You Trying To Kill Everybody!"

"Gay Activists made false allegations against "Love In Action" and "Refuge Program". Gay Activists make false claims to further the gay agenda. They have used the " were the victim", and "need special rights" avenue many times in the past. Groups Like "Queer Action Coalition" and GLSEN's "Gay Straight Alliance" have used tactics like Intimidation, mass protest, harassment and flat out LIES to further their agenda."

"Homosexuals will commit violence to silence the truth. the beating of a church worker. So who is really committing the hate crimes, HOMOSEXUALS are!"

"homosexual activist groups insist that your children are taught how to perform homosexual acts by the time they are in junior high school"

"Medical research now shows that homosexuality and gender identity disorder may be caused by SOY TOXINS and environmental poisons! Are you choosing your child's sexuality for him/her? "

Contact the International Organization For Heterosexual Rights with your comments.

A peaceful demonstration at Love In Action

2005-07-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 18th, from 4 to 5 pm...a demonstration will be held in front of Love In Action. More info soon.

MSNBC Article on Ex-Gay Conversion Therapy

2005-07-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Read the MSNBC.com article "Most gays, psychologists reject conversion" and go to the on-line poll here to vote on whether "gays can change".

The ex-gay movement is a “big industry,” said Dr. Doug Haldeman, a psychology professor at the University of Washington who is president of the Association of Practicing Psychologists.

The fact that Focus on the Family was able to draw more than 1,200 people to its conference two weeks ago is troubling, said Haldeman, who co-wrote the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Clients. So-called conversion therapies are ineffective and dangerous, he said, because “sexual orientation can’t be changed.”

Focus on the Family and allied ministries, such as Exodus, Day Seven and CrossOver, preach that hatred and confrontation are wrong. A cornerstone principle of such ministries is the injunction to “love the sinner but hate the sin.”

Zach's Father Speaks

2005-07-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Zach's Father Speaks out on Christian Broadcasting Network

According to cbn.com Zach's father Joe Stark spoke out about Love in Action and Zach's internment at the LIA Refuge Program. Also quoted were ex-LIA client Brandon Tidwell and the eminently quotable John Smid.

Zach's Father Speaks:

"To me it's not what's right and what's left, it's what's right and what's wrong,” Joe said. “My wife and I will stand by that 'till the day we die, as far as homosexuality is not in God's plan – it's wrong."
----Joe Stark

Read the CBN Story Here

Also, take a look at this story linked on the same CBN site : "Loving Your Gay Son"

Why is QAC's voice not in this article?

Read this e-mail from a CBN.com reporter:

I know there may be some trepidation on your part because CBN is a Christian organization, but I can assure you that this will not be some kind of propaganda piece against the local gay community.I want to be as balanced as possible and present both sides of the story. I know that Zach is going through an extremely difficult time right now, and no matter what your opinion about his situation, his story deserves to be told, and told fairly.

Now read the story and figure out why we didn't let them interview us.

What is CBN?

A few links to the history of CBN-- these are as objective as CBN itself:

What you can do:

Send an e-mail to CBN Editors here and comment on this story
Send an e-mail to your local news outlet and let them know what's going on and reffer them to us at fighting(dot)homophobia(at)gmail(dot)com
Send us your reactions through e-mail
Leave a comment on this post

From the HRC's "Finally Free" Personal Stories: How Love and Self-Acceptance Saves Us from the "Ex-Gay" Ministries

2005-07-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

“I entered the ‘ex-gay’ ministries because I believed I was going to hell. I left when I realized that hell was life in the ‘ex-gay’ ministries.” —Tracey St. Piere

Download the entire manual here(38pages)

ANTI-GAY HATE CRIMES.....

2005-07-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

MIDDLEBROOK, Va. - A small fire and anti-gay graffiti were found Saturday at a church belonging to the United Church of Christ, a denomination that endorsed same-sex marriage last week. READ ENTIRE STORY HERE

BIRMINGHAM, Al.-Anthony Dean Morrow, a 28 year old gay man , spoke with his mother at approximately 10 pm, Mon., June 27, 2005. Three hours later he was being admitted into Carraway Hospital. He had been beaten to near death in his own apartment, where he lived alone, then taken approximately 10 blocks away and dumped into the street and left.....
READ ENTIRE STORY HERE

The Documentary, One Nation Under God

2005-07-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

With the reemergence of popular anti-gay sentiment linked with political platforms centered on the issue of same sex marriage, it might just be time for the documentary One Nation under God to reemerge as well. [1] This film comprehensively and chronologically presents the history of homosexuality in the United States since the 1950s. It describes the attitude taken toward homosexuality prior to the American Psychiatric Associations 1974 decision to remove it from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Moreover, it effectively displays how homophobia was present in mental health treatments during that time, and how present day reparative therapies emerged in the wake of the APA decision. The strength of this documentary is its organization. It juxtaposes interviews and testimonies from those who work for the ex-gay movement and those whose lives have been affected by it. Though the presentation of the film is somewhat dated, the material it presents is disturbingly timeless. It will be particularly interesting to those knowledgeable about gay culture and the ex-gay movement; however it is possible that anyone, regardless of prior knowledge, will relate to the sentiments it expresses.

[1] Teodoro Maniaci and Francine Rzeznik, a First Run Features film, 1993.

_____________________

As a side note, upon looking at the website for the film, we find the following quotes:

"Very funny! An excursion into a strange world. Truly bizarre!" - LA Reader

"Funny and fascinating! Right out of A Clockwork Orange!" - Variety

"Hilarious, surreal! A whirlwind history of the gay movement in America." - San Francisco Bay Guardian

The fact is, one watching the film might have said reactions, however, the sad truth is that the rhetoric and philosophies portrayed in this film are laughable, "bizarre", and "hilarious" only because you want to assume they're so outdated and embarrassing that they could never still exist. Here's the problem...They do. Elizabeth Moberly's seemingly pre-scientific assessments of how people "become gay" are identical to John Smid's in his 1993 paper "The Root Causes: The Child Development Process", where he states that: "homosexuality develops out of a series of decisions in response to our life development process." Outlining healthy ways for parents to avoid making their children gay:

"Healthy activities might include wrestling, sitting on dad's lap, and bathing or swimming together...An example of healthy interaction might be the mother and daughter sitting in front of a mirror while the mother is putting on make-up. "Jennie," the mother says playfully, "let's put a little lipstick on you, too. Then you can be just like Mommy!"

The point here is that today, 2005, organizations like Love In Action are still able to present such "truly bizarre", "funny", "fascinating", and "surreal" idea's about gay people, and yet there are actually people who take their messages seriously enough to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to send their children into their care. In that regards, there's nothing funny about it, because these people obviously love their children, and truly believe they're making the right choices....Watch One Nation Under God, and show it to anyone you know who might support Love In Action.

LATEST STATEMENT FROM THE TN DEPT. OF HEALTH: Investigation still open

2005-07-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

As first outlined Here, in the Washington Blade, by Eartha Melzer on July 01.

The Investigation specifically deals with Love In Action's claims to offer drug and alcohol counseling.

The questions seem to lie in the semantics of LIA's statements about what it is they actually do.

Are they simply a "Christ-centered ministry" that does nothing more than offer a Christian alternative, or are they a "treatment center" that is offering services to people by unprofessional practitioners in an unlicensed, unaccountable environment?

The real danger seems to lie in the fact that when a counselor is operating in an unlicensed environment, they aren't held accountable to even minimal professional standards of ethics, allowing the practitioners to exhibit, and inflict social bias with their clients. This appears to be the particular difficulty in this case, because legally they can be homophobic, biased Christians, and offer these views to others in a form of counseling draped as "ministry". However, it is illegal for them to operate as a "Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility" as defined by the State of Tennessee, because in this case the State recognizes the danger of such therapy, or treatment offered by unprofessional practitioners to clients with addiction and mental health issues.
Since no major mental health organization views homosexuality as a mental illness, or disorder, any licensed practitioner who approaches a homosexual person with bias, and/or offering "treatment", may lose their license permanently for being in violation of ethics. That said, it seems that Love In Action really has no choice to become a licensed facility, simply because their model of therapy does not follow the ethical standards that are required to acquire such licensing,

WHAT DOES LOVE IN ACTION DO?

Love in Action makes several statements about who they are and what they do, on their official site alone they describe themselves as:

"an addictions treatment center"
"a professional recovery treatment center"
"a Christ-centered ministry for the prevention or treatment of unhealthy and destructive behaviors facing families, adults, and adolescents."
"a Christ-centered Memphis-based international recovery treatment center"
"a leading authority on healing from sexual brokenness."

Most recently in an interview with Family and Friends magazine they refer to their program as:

"a Christian discipleship program"

As stated on the official Refuge Website:

"Refuge promotes change among clients through the use of therapeutic groups, individual counseling and family support..."

It claims also that Refuge is:

"a safe place for young people and their families to find true freedom from addictions through the power of Jesus Christ...
....Designed to minister to adolescents struggling with broken and addictive behaviors such asÂ
-Pornography-Drugs and alcohol-Sexualpromiscuityy-Homosexuality

As defined by: American HeritageÂ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

adÂ·dicÂ·tion : Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance
therÂ·aÂ·peuÂ·tic: Of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods
treatÂ·ment: Administration or application of remedies to a patient or for a disease or injury

A copy of the letter that the Tennesse Department of Health sent to Love In Action 29th June 29th.

What the major mental health organizations say about therapy based upon sexual orientation, and reorientation therapies.

American Psychiatric Association
American Psychological Association
National Association of Social Workers

QAC Weekly Newsletter

2005-07-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Queer Action Coalition will be publishing a weekly e-mail based newsletter to bring together information about our activities, updates on Love In Action and other ex-gay organizations, current GLBT news and calls to action.

To sign up click here, create an account at qaconline.org and you will get your first newsletter at the end of this week.

Great Comparison of US and Spain/Canada

2005-07-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

The following news story does a great job of weaving together the complex web of anti-gay bias in light of the current court approval for gay marriage equality in Canada and Spain.

http://www.counterbias.com/333.html

Thanks to Abby for the tip.

Also thanks to all of you that have donated to QAC. For those of you that haven't feel free to do so. Your donations have helped us to create literature, travel to churches and meetings, set up qaconline.org. Future projects include a speakers bureau and a documentary based on these events.

Peterson Toscano Speaks Out

2005-07-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

Read Peterson Toscano's new op-ed on Planetout.com. He writes about what's been going on in Memphis and his own personal journey out of the ex-gay movement. More information to come tonight. Check back.

Church Form Letter

2005-07-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Available in the Media section of qaconline.org is a letter written by a QAC supporter that was sent to Bellevue Baptist. Use this letter as a template for your inquiries. All of the supporting churches' addresses are available here: Supporting Churches.

Click here to download the letter in MS Word Format.

Here's part of the letter for you:

Dear Sir:

I am writing about a concern I have with a ministry that your church may be supporting. I have been researching the practices of Love in Action and specifically the teen program Refuge. I am concerned about a number of the rules and procedures for the participants and their parents. The most troubling of the rules include:

Ï Restricting participants to selected parts of Memphis
Ï No outside education while in the program, including public or private high school
Ï Required attendance by participant and parents to a specific Baptist church, which may not be their home Baptist church
Ï Limits on communication with immediate family, friends, other participants, or even self in the form of journals and diaries
Ï No verbal contact nor even gesturing to communicate during first two or three days—only written notes.
Ï A separate set of rules for the parents which are to be hidden from their child.

QAC Call to Action

2005-07-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

Now posted at The Official QAC Site is a list of all churches that are listed as supporters of Love in Action according to their website. The list contains links, phone numbers and contact information for these churches.

What you can do:

Contact these churches and get them to answer whether they know what they're supporting and where their money goes.

CC Queer Action Coalition at fighting.homophobia(at)gmail.com .

TENNESSEE OPENS NEW PROBE INTO LIA

2005-07-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

TENNESSEE OPENS NEW PROBE INTO EX-GAY FACILITY
Experts say children should not be forced into counseling

By EARTHA MELZER
Friday, July 01, 2005

The state of Tennessee continues to probe Love in Action, the Memphis facility that has drawn protests since a 16-year-old known as “Zach” blogged that his parents were sending him there for treatment intended to change his sexual orientation.

The Tennessee Department of Health has sent a letter to Love in Action notifying the group that it is suspected of operating illegally, according to Andrea Turner, communications director for the department.

Turner said that if the program is strictly faith-based it would not require licensing by the state, but that according to the group’s Web site, Love in Action has licensed counselors and provides services related to alcohol and drug addiction on site.

Read the full Washington Blade article here.

John Smid Speaks Out on QAC's Offer

2005-06-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for the letters of support and for e-mailing John Smid and Tommy Corman.
We have recieved a response to the inquiry abour our offer from Love In Action.

A supporter inquiring when LIA would accept our offer recieved the following response from John Smid:

"At Love In Action, we offer a conservative Christian viewpoint in which we believe that homosexual sex and romantic relationships are against scripture. Based upon the convictions of the parents who enroll their kids in our program, we offer them what they are seeking. The parent's guardianship is in place and we cooperate with them to bring their children what they are looking for.

There are other places where a young person can look in to other viewpoints.
As a matter of fact, I am sure they have already done that before coming here. I am quite certain that if a young man were to go to a QAC meeting no one there would suggest he look in to living a life free of homosexual relationships and to consider the possibility of healthy singleness or
marriage.(Emphasis ours.)

John J. Smid"

We thank John for his response, but have to wonder why our inquiries are ingnored while others get answered in haste. Perhaps because we're too old for Refuge?

A few questions I suggest e-mailing John about:

1. How does John know what a QAC meeting is like?
2. Why does he only reffer to young men when talking about this issue when his program also purports to "treat" women?
3. How is the testimony of John Paulk former leader of Exodus who was caught in a gay bar by Wayne Besen beneficial to the cause of Love in Action?
4. According to this page

There is no such thing as a homosexual! There are many individuals, however, who struggle intensely with homosexual temptation and addictive behavior. Once we get the message right, then we will be effective in ministering to those caught in this kind of deceptive bondage.

What is John's attitude towards those people that are engaging in homosexual behaviors but are content with their actions and are not struggling with "temptation and addictive behavior?"
5. Why does Love in Action continue to treat youth as beings competent and knowledgable enough to hear their message of shame and sin, but not competent enough to choose not to be in the program?

If you have any other questions you'd like to ask John make sure to also send a copy to fighting.homophobia@gmail.com.

QAC Offers LIA Workshops to "Show the Other Side"

2005-06-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

During todays rally at Love In Action headquarters Tommy Corman (read his testimony here), Development Director at LIA extended a hand of friendship to Queer Action Coalition. Our offers of dialog with John Smid were not repulsed and Tommy also stated on camera that LIA's Refuge program was created to "help children and their parents see another side of homosexuality" this and John Smid's statement that Love in Action "[has] nothing to hide" led us to offer the following:

* QAC will host a workshop for the youth going through the Refuge program so that they can get to know queer youth like themselves and have the ability to make informed choices.

If you would like to see this happen send an e-mail of support to Tommy at info@loveinaction.org or give them a call at (901)-751-2468. We hope that Love in Action accepts our offer.

DCS Finds Allegations of Child Abuse Unfounded

2005-06-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

Tenn. ends investigation of ex-gay camp for teens
Dept. of Children's Services says child abuse allegations 'unfounded'
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) | Jun 27, 9:39 PM

Tennessee said Monday it has found no evidence to support child abuse allegations against a Christian group that works with gay teenagers.

John Smid of Love In Action teaches gay teens not to act on their gay sexual desires. The country's leading psychological and psychiatric associations have stated that such therapy can be emotionally harmful.
The group, Love In Action International, believes instilling strong Christian beliefs can keep gays from acting on their gay sexual desires.

The group, which also works with adults, has a program called Refuge for teens 15 to 18 years old.

The state Department of Children's Services said last week that it was looking into a report of child abuse at the Refuge program. The program drew protests earlier this month from gay advocacy groups.

Read more here: Southern Voice

2005-06-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

THANKS TO PETERSON TOSCANO for coming to Memphis this weekend and performing his show. It was an incredible experience, to say the least. His show is amazing, and he had so many great things to share with us. CHECK OUT HIS VERSION OF THE MEMPHIS EXPERIENCE HERE.

Today's protest/rally was really good. Peterson came out in support, and the former PFLAG National President, Dr. Arnold Drake, now with the local PFLAG Chapter, came to show support as well. We had a short dialogue with Tommy Corman, LIA's Development Director who we've communicated several times previously with. We brought up the idea of holding a formal dialogue between LIA, QAC, PFLAG, licensed therapists, supportive churches, etc. Tommy seemed to be open to the idea, which would be a wonderful opportunity.

Just for everyone's "right to know", please check out THIS WEBSITE so you can see where LIA gets some of the vital statistics they use on the OFFICIAL REFUGE PAGE to help show why the "homosexual lifestyle" isn't healthy. If you scroll down this page you'll see quotes such as:
"Homosexuals By Their Lack Of Responsibility Have Started Numerous Epidemics Recently.
A Question? Are You, The Homosexuals of This Country, Stupid? Are You Trying To Kill Everybody!"
And
"Medical research now shows that homosexuality and gender identity disorder may be caused by SOY TOXINS and environmental poisons! Are you choosing your child's sexuality for him/her? "

PHOTO'S FROM TODAY'S RALLY

QAC Rally Today

2005-06-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

QAC Rally at LIA Headquarters

What: Queer Action Coalition Rally at Love in Action Head Quarters
When: 4:30-5:30pm Monday June 27th,2005
What you can do: Attend the rally and/or publicize this event to your friends and family and get in touch with your local politician.

Major QAC Online Update

2005-06-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Take a look at qaconline.org for major updates in the Media Section. New media includes LIA rules, press coverage from across the world and new Love In Action documents.

QAC Rally Flyer

2005-06-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

A flyer for Monday's Rally is available for download here: QAC FLYERS. Please download and distribute to every interested person. Ask to put them up in your local coffee shop, announce this at your place of worship, give it to your family etc.

Love In Action Story Picked Up by Associated Press

2005-06-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

The story of LIA's Refuge conversion therapy program is now being run by the Associated Press this means that it will be an item in most newspapers today or tomorrow. Hope you read it in your neck of the woods and send us a comment telling us where it was featured. Email us at fighting.homophobia@gmail.com you can also e-mail through this page:CONTACT QAC

Now that this is national main stream news it is doubly important that Memphians send a clear message: we will not support the actions of Love In Action. Read the next post down for information about the QAC Rally on Monday at Love in Action's headquarters.

QAC Rally at LIA Headquarters

2005-06-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

What: Queer Action Coalition Rally at Love in Action Head Quarters
When: 4:30-5:30pm Monday June 27th,2005
What you can do: Attend the rally and/or publicize this event to your friends and family and get in touch with your local politician here.

Queer Action Coalition invites all interested members of the public to show their support for the youth going through the Love In Action program Refuge. Refuge is a program that aims to change the sexual orientation of youth and adults through "Bible based reparative therapy". Come and show your support on Monday for open and honest dialog and for all people affected by this issue.

This rally will be fun. We also encourage all those that couldn't make it to the previous rallies to come to this one. The more people the stronger the message.

Check back tomorrow for a downloadable flyer.

4780 Yale Road, Memphis, Tennessee, 1.5 miles north of I-40 on Austin Peay Hwy

Click here for directions.
See you there!

State of Tennessee Investigates LIA

2005-06-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

QAC thanks the Washington Blade for an excellent article about LIA. Check these links for further developments-full story will be in Washington Blade tomorrow.

Washington Blade

This Article

Tenn. investigates ex-gay camp
Teen's blog leads to outcry, charges of abuse at unlicensed facility
By EARTHA MELZER | Jun 23, 1:53 PM

The state of Tennessee has begun an investigation in response to allegations of child abuse at Love in Action, a Memphis facility that advertises homosexual conversion therapy for adolescents, according to the state department of health.

K. Daniele Edwards, a spokesperson for Child Services at the Tennessee Department of Health, confirmed an investigation is underway but declined to comment on the details. She noted that she presumes the Love in Action program would require licensing by the state.

Gay activists protested outside an unlicensed 'ex-gay' facility run by Love In Action, which Tennessee officials are investigating to see if teens are being mistreated.

Read More Here

QAC Now Accepting Donations

2005-06-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

Queer Action Coalition is currently accepting donations to help offset the cost of running the organization. Many people have volunteered countless hours of their time to make QAC a reality and much more remains to be done. Please take a moment to make a PayPal donation. These donations are secure, safe and verified. All monies will be used only for Queer Action Coaltion to promote workshops, collect and distribute information and to create a library of information about the Ex-Gay movement at the MGLCC.

Those wishing to donate: QAC is not a registered nonprofit or 501(c)3. These donations are not tax deductible.

NEW QAC SITE

2005-06-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

Queer Action Colation Announces New Website

Thanks to generous donations of server space and design help from Queerplanet.com.au and QP webmaster and star designer Andrew Stopps. QAC now has its own website available at http://www.qaconline.org.

Take a look at these articles:

Margaret Cho Letters and Articles

http://www.margaretcho.com/blog/hangintherezach.htm

Planetout.com

New Article- very well researched

http://planetout.com/news/article.html?2005/06/16/1

Older Article
http://planetout.com/news/article.html?2005/01/26/3

QAC Message to Friends and Allies

2005-06-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY JUNE 24TH 7:00PM
MGLCC-892 S. Cooper
The MGLCC ( www.mglcc.org ) will host the QAC (http://fightinghomophobia.blogspot.com/ ), and the community to speak about the recent protests,talk about further events, as well as to discuss an agenda for the future of educating the public and further actions.

FRIDAY JUNE 24TH 8pm, and SATURDAY JUNE 25TH 8pm
@ The MeDiA Co-op 1000 S. Cooper Memphis, TN http://www.mediaco-op.org

PETERSON TOSCANO ( http://www.a_musing.blogspot.com/ ), a former Love in Action client, will be coming to Memphis to perform his one-person play, "Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House".

THIS IS NOT TO BE MISSED! PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

See for yourself what happens behind the doors of America's zaniest ex-gay residential program! Through five characters Toscano takes you on a tour of the Homo No Mo Halfway House, a 12-Step Christian program that attempts to save men from the snares of homosexuality through bizarre rules, a masculine resuscitation regime and brain numbing reconditioning. Based on Toscano's real life experience floundering in various Ex-gay ministries, he weaves together humor, program jargon and outrageous eyewitness accounts to form a piece that is hilarious, poignant and inspirational.

"The play is intelligently written, hysterical at times, poignant, and most of all, deeply spiritual because of its underlying themes of self-examination and self acceptance...Toscano's acting skills as well as the format of the piece recall the one-woman shows of Lily Tomlin and Whoopi Goldberg whose character studies unearth the neurotic complications in all of us."
-John W. Sykes, in newsweekly

SATURDAY JUNE 25TH @ 4pm
Perterson also will be doing "Talking Trash in the Homo No Mo' Halfway House --Language, Life and Lies in the Ex-Gay Movement", a more lecture-stylized piece.

For more info http://www.homonomo.com/ http://www.mediaco-op.org

QAC Update

2005-06-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

QAC would like to announce that we are very pleased with the way this morning's rally went. We got to show support for those people in the program and a chance to get out our message of respect for those people involved in LIA and the rallies outside. For now we are not planning any more support rallies. We've managed to have a very positive relationship with the police, LIA, and the media. We ask all those interested to keep up this same level of respect in any dealings with any one who is connected to this story.
Please come to our events such as Peterson Toscano's performance at the Media Co-op.

Also, if you are just looking at this story, please note that QAC is unaffiliated with any media outlet or web page that you may see. All official news about our actions will be diligently updated on our blog. Thank all of you for your support. Check back soon for more information on what we're doing.

LAST DAY OF OFFICIAL PROTESTS/NEWS

2005-06-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

THE LAST DAY OF OFFICIAL PROTESTS infront of LIA were a success.

It's been incredible to see people coming out everyday, as we have all been a part of a huge effort among so many people who have been fighting really hard to expose the practices of LIA and show support for people being driven to this place day after day that might not otherwise know that they have other options. All of the energy, time and dedciation from teens, parents, former LIA clients, professors, psychologists, bloggers, etc...has been incredible. Now the challenge is, can we continue to remember that this is not a one-situation, one-person, one-protest issue? Let's keep the awareness and continue to provide "TRUE LOVE IN ACTION".....
MORE PHOTO'S FROM TODAY

UP-COMMING EVENTS

FRIDAY JUNE 24TH 7:00PM
The MGLCC will host the QAC, and the community to speak about the recent protests, and talk about further events, as well as an adgenda for the future of educating the public, and taking action when action is callled upon.

FRIDAY JUNE 24TH 8pm, and SATURDAY JUNE 25TH 8pm
@ The MeDiA Co-op 1000 S. Cooper Memphis, TN

PETERSON TOSCANO, a former Love in Action client, will be coming to Memphis to perform his one-person play, "Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House". THIS IS NOT TO BE MISSED...PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!

SATURDAY JUNE 25TH @ 4pm
Perterson also will be doing "Talking Trash in the Homo No Mo' Halfway House --Language, Life and Lies in the Ex-Gay Movement", a more Lecture-stylized piece.

All events are FREE. Donations will be welcomed. PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD BY EMAILING OUT AND LINKING TO THIS PAGE, OR POSTING THESE EVENTS ON YOUR OWN PAGES!! THANKS!

QAC Media Update

2005-06-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you that came out and to all of you that are watching this story unfold from around the country and around the globe. Several members of QAC were interviewed today by local news media. In order to view many of these stories you will have to have pop-ups enabled.

WMC 5 Viewer Comments (many about the Scared Straight story)

WMC 5 "Gays in the Church" This is a story about the archdiocese of Central Tennessee discussing the Catholic view of homosexuals.

Scared Straight: George Brown

A story was also done by Memphis Fox 13 but their site does not feature a copy of the story.

The Commercial Appeal will be running a story soon and also take a look at this week's Memphis Flyer.

For those of you outside of Memphis that are hearing about/reading/seeing media around this issue please send us a link or some other format to fighting.homophobia@gmail.com.

Finally, all comments will be disabled on this site from now on. Please post letters of support and anything else you'd like to say to the QAC Forum.

DAY EIGHT...LIA PRESS CONFERENCE>.

2005-06-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Alot of people turned up today to demonstrate infront of Love In Action. Very polite police officers arrived around 9:00am and joked around with us. They left. Around 10:00AM the media begins to flood the action and we get high energy, chanting "this is what love in action looks like". They start instantly grabbing everyone for interviews, and we hand them QAC press packets including handouts from organizations like the APA, and a history of EX-GAY organizations. Then our friend, Tommy from LIA comes out and informs the press they should be getting inside, and they do so.

The press conference was closed to the public, you had to either be a "friend of LIA, or from the PRESS". EJ, and Brett both got inside, and we will be posting a fully uneditted mp3 of the press conference later today, as well as pictures. Be on the look out for major news coverage on every station, as well as print tomorrow in the CA, and the Flyer next week. I'm not sure how the press is going to turn out, as we all know, these folks are trained to do these sort of things and back up their reasoning without having a spot left to shine, so it's hard to tell what the media will do with everything they've shot today. More soon.

PLEASE COME OUT TOMORROW-8:30-the last official day of protest.

QAC Press Release

2005-06-16T02:41:00.000-07:00

QAC Press Release for Rally on June 16th, 2005

Available for download here: PDF ---- MS Word

See you at the rally.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

2005-06-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT REQUEST FOR ALL OF MEMPHIS. Tomorrow morning, Thursday June 16th, please spread the word and attend the protest in front of Love In Action, 4780 Yale Rd. Memphis, TN at 8:30 Am.

Love In Action has called a press conference for 11:00am, and we need to be out there all morning showing our biggest display of TRUE LOVE IN ACTION.

IMPORTANT…since the press will be there, we’ll have to also answer questions before and/or after the press conference. WE NEED ANY FORMER “LOVE IN ACTION” CLIENTS, AND LICENSED THERAPISTS who would be willing to talk to the media. If you have more information for us or send us an AIM at: QACMemphis. Only IM us if you have information. If you want to send a letter of support e-mail us at fighting.homophobia@gmail.com or visit the QAC forum at http://groups-beta.google.com/group/Fighting-Homophobia.

We ask that everyone all help spread the word about this protest and help make this the largest show of support possible. We encourage everyone to visit fightinghomophobia.blogspot.com for links to get more information about Love in Action, and organizations that work to expose the practices of the Ex-Gay movement. It is very important that we are all very knowledgeable about the practices of these organizations, so that we understand how to speak out against and further educate people about the stance we take in regard to what they’re doing.

It is also very important that all messages, and signs are positive, and supportive.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN. SEE YOU IN THE MORNING!

LIA on WMCTV.com

2005-06-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

An interview with John Smid and Brandon Tidwell, a participant of LIA, who has now rejected their teachings.
Go here and click on "Sacred Straight: George Brown".

QAC thanks Brandon for having the courage to speak out about his experiences.

Inside "Love in Action"
Jun 14, 2005, 10:57 PM Brandon Tidwell lives his life as an openly gay man but years ago he wasn't as proud so he turned to Love In Action in hopes it would change his life...and it did, "They're representing the radical extreme element of evangelical faith." Tidwell says he soon realized the Love in Action program wasn't working for him, "There were rules, intimidation techniques, manipulation and poor counseling or inappropriate counseling techniques used to continue to shame and guilt and manipulate people." Program director John Smid disagrees, "People come out of being here stronger, better, more authentic, more real, more honest and more potentially able to lead a positive life than when they came." Smid says his program which is based in Memphis and currently has 19 members doesn't dispute some people are born gay instead it teaches not to act on those feelings, "It is a form of re-thinking, it is a form of therapeutic principals to help us think differently so that we respond differently with the choices we have." Tidwell, "What it leads to is self hatred and denial." Love in Action has graduates who say the program benefited them and changed the way they feel...Tidwell isn't one of them, "I didn't shift my theology so I could be gay. being gay helped me to look at my theology though a whole new lense and see Christ through an embracing point of view rather than one through condemnation." John Smid said he wants people to know the program is voluntary. The teens that take part are often sent by their parents but he says they can leave on their own and if the resist the program they are asked to leave.

from WMAC Action News Page

LIA in the News

2005-06-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

QAC thanks Wendi C. Thomas for her well reasoned and impassioned article about LIA in today's Commerical Appeal. If you've only seen the print version also look at the on-line only article about a former Love in Action participant and his acceptance of himself and his religion.

Article about Love in Action:

Both are in PDF format and a link to the on-line section follows the pdf link

Article 1: PDF --- On-Line

Article 2: PDF --- On-Line

Finally, QAC was interviewed to day by Michigan's Pride Source newspaper. Check them out here, and come back next Wednesday for the article.