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On August 12, 2000 James Dobson's Focus On the Family
is sponsoring a conference on preventing homosexuality and the use of
reparative therapy. My name is Jeffry G. Ford, I am a licensed
psychologist and former director of OUTPOST Ministries in Minneapolis.
For years I proclaimed my healing from homosexuality and counseled
hundreds of gays and lesbians to deny their sexual orientation and to
attempt to change using reparative therapy. My story was featured in the
St. Paul Pioneer Press on July 24, 1985. The headline read: "Counselor
says his life proves change is possible."
In an effort to get healed from homosexuality, I underwent months of
electric shock therapy called "aversive conditioning". I had demons cast
out of me. I led and attended Homosexuals Anonymous meetings. I prayed
and fasted. I went through "inner-healing" prayer. I attempted
reparative therapy. I got married and with my wife adopted two children.
I went to incredible lengths to attempt to become heterosexual. For
years I denied my homosexual attractions and thus proclaimed my healing.
Like John Paulk and other "ex-gays" who will be speaking, I too shared
my testimony of healing and deliverance on television, radio and in
print media. I taught at numerous conferences including several
presentations at the national "ex-gay" seminar sponsored annually by
Exodus International.
As a licensed psychologist and licensed marriage and family
therapist, I have come to realize that what I proclaimed as "healing"
was nothing more than sublimation and repression. The American
Psychiatric Association states: "Clinical experience suggests that
any person who seeks conversion therapy may de doing so because of
social bias that has resulted in internalized homophobia, and that gay
men and lesbians who have accepted their sexual orientation positively
are better adjusted than those who have not done so."
Focus on the Family is a fundamentalist Christian ministry sponsoring
a conference intended to appear "scientific". They are bringing in so
called "professionals" from NARTH, which is basically an Internet site
calling itself the National Association of Research and Therapy of
Homosexuality. They will quote "studies", none of which have been
published in peer reviewed scientific journals, claiming homosexuality
can be cured using reparative therapy.
As one who was deeply involved in the leadership of ex-gay ministries
for many years, I can attest to the unnecessary pain and suffering that
any form of reparative therapy brings not only to gay, lesbian and
bisexual people but also to their families and loved ones. As a
psychologist I must warn that in 1990 the American Psychological
Association stated that: "scientific evidence does not show that
conversion therapy works and that it can do more harm than good."
Thankfully, my wife and I sought the help of two wonderful and
ethical psychologists who helped us understand and accept my homosexual
orientation as a unique expression of God's diversity. We divorced many
years ago but remain close friends. We share joint physical custody of
our two precious children. I live with my partner of 11 years in the St.
Paul suburbs. I have a private therapy practice in Roseville. I regret
the pain and anguish I caused encouraging others to deny their
homosexuality and get married to "prove" their heterosexuality. I
currently lead support groups for gay men who are married and have
decided to accept their sexual orientation and face the truth with
honesty and integrity.
The so-called "ex-gay movement" may be well intended in their
attempts to offer Christian counseling and outreach to closeted gays
within the church, but the truth is, they are doing great harm. True
love unconditionally accepts and values the uniqueness and diversity of
all persons, true love does not tolerate any form of bigotry or
prejudice.
An alarming aspect of Focus on the Family's "Love Won Out" conference
is it's stated goal of attempting to influence and change public
opinion. Based on the faulty premise that sexual orientation can be
changed, they want this unscientific theory to be presented in the
public school system. Additionally, they oppose equal rights and hate
crime legislation aimed at protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender persons.
Biographical Information:
- Jeffry G. Ford, MA hold three licenses, LP, LICSW and LMFT.
- He is the owner and director of Associated Resources In Psychology,
PA
2489 Rice Street, Suite 240 Roseville, MN 55113.
(651) 483-2522; jgford56@yahoo.com
- BA Bethel College, Arden Hills, MN
- MA St. Mary's University, Winona, MN
- Director of OUTPOST, Ministries from 1981 to 1985
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