A New York "Ex-Gay" Story
Some folks express shock that an event like Mr. Hetero can take place in liberal Massachusets. As if intolerance and religious oppression only happens in rural Southern American towns. (A common slander coming from many Northerners). Actually knuckle heads live everywhere (just as there are broad-minded thoughtful folks everywhere).
I spent 17 years seeking God to change me from my same-sex attractions, to transform me into a "man of God". For 10 of those "ex-gay" years, I lived in New York City. Not Little Rock, AR, Huntsville, AL or Odessa, TX, but in big bad Sodom itself. In fact, during that time I met scores of men (and some women) in NYC who attempted to live as straight-acting former homosexuals.
I lived in NYC from 1985 to 1995 where I received all sorts of reparative therapy designed straighten me out. As a born-again Christian with homosexual desires, I easily found ministers and counselors in the city who helped me pursue change. In the late 1980’s I attended Life Ministries, the Manhattan-based ex-gay support group founded and run by former actors.
Dismayed at seeing many of my fellow ex-gays marry then fail in their new lives, I pursed further help at area churches and ministries where I submitted myself to counseling, “healing-prayer” and a deliverance session with an exorcist. I got so good at playing a straight character in my own life that I actually convinced others and myself that I was no longer gay.
In fall 1990 I married my dearest friend. On the same stage that premiered My Fair Lady our wedding took place at the Mark Hellenger Theater (home of Pastor David Wilkerson's Times Square Church, my church home for much of my time in NYC). My wife and I felt hopeful that God could do anything if we only believed.
Five years later my wife and I left NYC for the mission field in Zambia. Shortly after that, (1996) our marriage ended in heartache because of my same-sex attractions. It was then, broken, desperate but still hopeful to change from being controlled by same-sex desires, I entered the Love in Action program in Memphis, TN. I worked on my issues there for nearly two years, sought the Lord with all my heart and ultimately graduated in 1998. I came OUT a few months later. I've been coming out ever since.
I am in NYC today, and as I visit old spots where I used to eat and watch movies, I feel like the girl in Our Town visiting ghostly places and people long gone. Except I am no ghost; I feel more solid and real than ever before.
I cannot undo all the damage I did to myself and others. By trying to be something I could never be, I hurt the people I loved the most. I pray for their healing and my own. I know that in this city today and cities all over the world, young men and women still struggle to understand their queerness, particularly in light of their faith. I pray they don't spend decades seeking the impossible. I pray they see themselves clearly, focus on REAL issues and flee a life of fantasy for a life of truth in the inmost part.
posted by Peterson Toscano @ 3:53 PM
6 Comments:
So poignant and powerful. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself here with us.
I know what you are saying about people who express shock that "this stuff" goes on in the big cities. Or here, in Denver, where people think the ex-gay movement in Colorado must be confined to Colorado Springs. It's just not true.
Again, thank you for this. I can really relate.
Hey there--I really liked your post today. Isn't it intensely eerie how revisited places (and smells and tastes) can bring on such a flood of self reflection? I feel like I really know your story, have heard it few different times over the years, but today's retold it in a way that seemed different to me, more personal, and courageous. Thanks for posting it. Love to hear more.
Thanks for your open-ness and honesty here.
I think that many folk inside churches still need to hear these stories, to understand that 'reparative therapy' is misguided, and that those church leaders imposing it are doing real harm.
Thank you for sharing so personally, I am humbled by the grace you show, and the lack of bitterness for the pain you have suffered. Thank you also for challenging "Christian" attitudes to homosexuals, I am still trying to understand the conflict between what I understand God's will is for sexual relationships, and his desire for you to be loved and accepted as he has made you.
I am so glad to learn more from you, and pray he will continue to use you to bring hope to others.
I hope my blogling Rob will skip those ten or so years and jump right out of the closet. Soon. He seems to be needing a little help..
Over here things are different, it seems. My woman friend S, a Lutheran minister, married her girlfriend through 20 years a few years back. She's still a vicar, her wife is head of the parish council.
In smaller towns it's still hard, though. Another friend just came out at the age of 36, been married for 13 years (to a guy)...
Found your blog via Christine, will be back to read more! :)
I love David Wilkerson! His books, sermons and newsletters are incredible. What a passion for God!
I also love Keith Greens's music, his music parallels Wilkerson's stuff. In fact, DW wrote some articles for Keith's Newsletter.
I am a musician and I would be honored if you would check out my music. All music on my site is free for downlad. Anyway, just thought that I'd share.
Thanks,
-Sean
________________
www.SeanDietrich.com
"All music on my site is free for download."
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