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Friday, May 10, 2013

Conversion therapy advocate issues formal apology, renounces “ex-gay” past

John Paulk says in a statement that he was never "cured" of being gay and apologizes for harming the LGBT community

BY KATIE MCDONOUGH
Salon.com
Originally posted April 25, 2013

Former Exodus International chairman and conversion therapy “success story” John Paulk has written a formal statement of apology for his role in promoting Focus on the Family’s “ex-gay” ministry and for any harm his actions may have done to other gays and lesbians.

In the letter, Paulk admits that “many things” in his life changed during his time at Focus on the Family, though his sexual orientation did not.

The entire letter of apology can be found here.

Here are some excerpts:

"So in 2003, I left the public ministry and gave up my role as a spokesman for the “ex-gay movement.” I began a new journey. In the decade since, my beliefs have changed. Today, I do not consider myself “ex-gay” and I no longer support or promote the movement. Please allow me to be clear: I do not believe that reparative therapy changes sexual orientation; in fact, it does great harm to many people.

I  know that countless people were harmed by things I said and did in the past.

Parents, families, and their loved ones were negatively impacted by the notion of reparative therapy and the message of change. I am truly, truly sorry for the pain I have caused."

The Salon story is here.