Zach

An interesting story has been happing in the Memphis blogsphere. The original post that started all the interesting debate is here (Somewhat recently, as many of you know, I told my parents I was gay.....). I will provide links and excerpts to the different blogs I know about that cover the story and commentary will occur at the end.

Basic idea of the story is that a Memphis teenager (Zach) tells his parents that he is gay, and then his parents send him to a "fundamentalist Christian program for gays".

Love in Action (via River Mud Company)- a better look at the beginnings of what happened that what I am giving here. This post contains information about Zach and the program he has been sent to.

The program has been described as Source: (via pesky fly) "It's psychological torture aimed at getting a "correct answer." It's like forcing your child to have a sex change. It's abuse. It's effing abuse."

The rules for the program are here (Via Zach).

"Attire: General

Modesty is expected. No tight, provocative, or suggestive clothing or spandex may be worn. No provocative or suggestive mannerisms are permitted. Fresh undergarments are to be worn at all times. Boxer shorts of any kind are considered underwear and are not to be worn as outer clothing. All clients must be dressed appropriately in clean, unwrinkled clothes when leaving the house for the day. Men may not wear any jewelry (other than a watch and a wedding band) unless approved through a C.O.C. In addition to a watch and wedding band, women may also wear a pair of simple earrings (one earring per ear.) The clients may not wear Abercrombie and Fitch or Calvin Klein brand clothing, undergarments, or accessories. Men: Shirts are to be worn at all times, even while sleeping. T-shirts without sleeves are not permitted at any time, whether worn as an outer garment or an undergarment. This includes ³muscle shirts² or other tank-tops. Bikini-style underwear is prohibited. Women: Bras must be worn at all times, except while sleeping. Thong-style underwear is prohibited."

A protest group was started against "Love In Action" which runs the "Refuge" camp (details here and here.)

The minutes of the one of protests groups meetings are here.

Comments:
I think it will be funny if it "camp" works.

Either we are born gay or we are not born gay. In absence of the "rainbow gene(s)", I am forced to believe that we are not born gay. If we are not born gay, then it is a behavior that can be changed (Just like cognitive therapy has been shown to help people that are depressed). Though I seriously doubt the camp will help Zack.

cube