Tuesday, September 08, 2009
"Gay Teenager Stirs a Storm"
In the article "Gay Teenager Stirs a Storm" by Alex Williams, he writes about a boy named Zach, who started a blog about being a homosexual.
"Today, my mother, father and I had a very long 'talk' in my room, where they let me know I am to apply for a fundamentalist Christian program for gays."The program which he was forced to apply for is known as Love in Action, the oldest Christian organization intended to change the sexual orientation of gay men and women. According to the director of Love in Action, Mr Smid, says:
"In my life I've been out of homosexuality for over 20 years, and for me it's really a nonissue. I may see a man and say, he's handsome, he's attractive, and it might touch a part of me that is different from someone else, but it's really not an issue. Gosh, I have been married for 16 years and faithful in my marriage in ever respect."
In my opinion, that sounds extremely unhealthy, as if he is living a lie. I am a firm believer in being yourself and not caring what any one thinks.
His posts also made Zach in touch with Morgan Jon Fox, who directed a documentary about him.
Here are some of the rules of the refuge program:
1. Excessive jewelry or stylish clothing from labels like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger are forbidden.
2. Watching television is forbidden.
3. Listening to secular music.
4. Reading unapproved books or magazines.
Prior to reading this article, I was not aware that these refuge programs actually existed. I feel relief knowing that Zach's story has spread through out the country, and hopefully has given some insight to his parents.
