I want to tell all the people who are writing me that you are definitely not alone. For those who are formerly ex-gay, we all have a shared and common history in our time as ex-gays, and now in the process of coming out as ex-ex-gays. And with the support of others, we'll do more than survive -- we'll heal and thrive and have wonderful lives.
For those who are not ex-gay, or ex-ex-gay, or even gay, so many can relate to the experience of attempting to change who you are, or the feeling that who you are is not "right" for everyone else.
We have so much more in common with each other than we often realize."
This is what I typed this morning while being filmed by a local ABC crew in some pre-taping for Monday's Good Morning America. They just told me to type a blog entry. I'm supposed to be on there live on Monday, but I won't count these chickens until they've hatched and had chicks of their own. So much can happen in the world of news and TV before then.I really feel horrible that I haven't been blogging (I have so many thoughts going through my head and so much I want to blog and write about). I've also been so touched and inspired by the numerous e-mails and comments and I haven't had time to respond to those either. Maybe I just need someone to take dictation for me. :)
In my defense, I worked 80 hours in the last 6 days and now am flying out early tomorrow to be in NYC, where I'll be without a computer for a few days (sadly, don't have a laptop). If I can get some quality time with a computer in the next couple of days I'll try to do some blogging about the Good Morning America thing, and answer some of my e-mails.
For those of you who are just now finding out that it might be possible to reconcile your Christian faith with your sexuality, please check out gaychristian.net, and for other faiths, check out our links page on beyondexgay.com. And definitely think about attending the conference at the end of June. It is not just for survivors, it is also for allies, straight and gay and anywhere in between - anyone who wants to find out more about the ex-gay movement, folks who want to stand in solidarity with those of us who need healing from our experiences, who want to be able to understand this issue and help us help ourselves and others...
So please consider the conference. I'd love to see you there.
Oh, and hopefully you'll see me on GMA on Monday morning!
This is really spectacular, Christine. I can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteIs it unnerving, having a camera crew in your house, following you around, invading your sanctuary space? I think I'd feel compelled to spend about a week cleaning before something like that! (Of course, it would be pointless, because my kids would ensure it was a mess again two mintues before the crew arrived, but I'd feel compelled nonetheless!)
First Glamour. Now, Good Morning America! What's next.... CSI: Ex-Ex-Gay Lesbionic Detective?
ReplyDeleteYou're going to have to start wearing a feather boa, you know. I can be your assistant and say stuff like, "You never look Miss Bakke directly in the eyes, people. And what is this crap 'food' that you're attempting to give to her?! I demand to speak to craft services! Where's my bottled water?!"
(I'm proud of you, woman!)
...and you were going to tell me this WHEN???? GOD our family is dysfunctional. Nothing like making your FLESH AND BLOOD find out you're going to be on national TV by reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteJust kidding sweetie, good luck and shake a leg, or something like that. And this year if you call me on my birthday, I PROMISE I won't wait for 8 months to return the call. (as I'm standing in the check out line at the local grocery store READING YOUR ARTICLE IN GLAMOUR) Pick up the PHONE and CALL ME!
I saw the show this morning. You're very brave. I know how hard it is to have a whole church judging you. I don't know where you live, but ours is doing a series right now specifically and uniquely to apologize to folks like you and me who have been hurt by the incredibly insensitive, hurtful, judgemental, rude and damaging comments of pastors and church members.
ReplyDeleteYou said it - God loves you, just how you are.
You can listen online, too. www.trygrace.org.
If you know gay christians in Michigan, please, please, please check out the following blog:
ReplyDelete7passages.play.blogspot.com
We open on Sept. 27
there certainly are more exexgays than exgays. Often we haven't told our stories because we left with a sense of failure and shame and been traumatised. But more of us are coming into healing now. In Australia we are slowly seeing exgay leaders shift in thier position.
ReplyDeleteAnthony Venn-Brown
Australia's leading exexgay.....amongst other things
Saw your GMA piece on the internet. Very creditable. With respect to spiritual practice, you might consider The Science of Mind and The Church of Religious Science.
ReplyDeleteKarl Hogquist
khogquist@ca.rr.com