gay teen comes out to parents . . . being sent to "straight camp" . . .

[OneBlueSky]

interesting blog by this kid Zach who, after coming out to his parents, is being sent to a program called Refuge, which will supposedly make him straight . . . he found the rules of the place that were sent to his parents and posted them . . . sounds like a concentration camp . . . he's getting a lot of online support from friends and strangers alike . . . interestig read . . .

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=7428306&Mytoken=20050604221047

here's the outfit that runs the program . . .

http://www.asafeplace.org/

on edit: and here's the guy who founded and runs the program . . .

http://www.planetout.com/people/features/2000/06/exgay/smid.html

[mopaul]

1. send ken mehlman, head of the RNC

[rodeodance]

2. the Bush era---degeneration and regression

........Refuge Two-Week Intensive Program...
The Participants of the two-week program stay in a hotel/motel with a legal gaurdian and attend the program from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday for two weeks. During those hours the clients interact with the residential clients of Love In Action's Source program, assesing their own recovery needs, and developing positive recovery skills. On Thursday nights there is a Family Support group meeting which both participants and their gaurdians will be asked to attend. There may also be some activities planned specifically for clients on other evenings where the main focus is fellowship. Each client has an individualized treatment plan, with in-depth homework assignments, and one individual counseling session per week. They will also have the oppurtunity to receive feedback from the group throughout the program regarding theraputic direction and reccomendations. The participants are responsible for their own lodging. Lunch is provided on weekdays, but the clients are responsible for other meals.

[rodeodance]

4. I have not followed up on Ken M. story?--has it been confirmed?

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/index.php?p=203

[mopaul]

7. hell, do stories have to be confirmed these days? in post clinton u.s.a?

[Quetzal]

3. Hell, if he is going there, why not bring the party along with him

Were I in the vicinity, I would stage a huge protest outside of the concentration camp. Large enough to shut down the place.

I really feel sorry for the guy - I wish I could do more for him.

[OneBlueSky]

5. funny you should mention it . . . check this out . . .

Demonstration Against "Love In Action"
http://www.cherrybloss.org/

[Quetzal]

8. It appears the link you posted

is info central when it comes to this young man's defense. it is great to know that he is not alone is his resistance.

[FreedomAngel82]

48. Those types of camps always disgust me

:mad: How do they know God didn't make him gay? Facists pigs!

[BlueJazz]

6. I wonder if there is a camp...

..for people who believe in Sky Fairies and such...

[HughBeaumont]

12. No, but sadly, there are now whole museums for

people who believe the earth is 6000 years old, dinosaurs were nothing but big iguana-pets and bone extraction created human life.

Where do people like this come from?

[SammyWinstonJack]

24. There should be. n/t

[Aviation Pro]

9. What do they do to straighten out gays teens?

Truck in some hookers from the local brothel?

[leesa]

38. If I were a gay male trapped there I would screw whatever they told me I

was supposed to screw to obtain a 'get out of jail' pass. Total control freaks, these people!

[Hippo_Tron]

84. I was gonna say, can I go to "striaght camp"?

[HughBeaumont]

10. You mean like in "But I'm A Cheerleader"??

Ha ha ha ha ha . . . man, we all know how well THAT turned out.

Unfookin-believable. Just like this woman at my work insists that homosexuality is a disease that can be "cured" despite me telling her over and over again why that theory is incredibly ridiculous. Jesus Christ. You are who you are, man. Ain't no camp gonna change that.

[kenny blankenship]

21. Zach-ly !

Could be young Zach's best chance to meet and fall in love with someone who'll like him. Silver linings and all that.

[FreedomAngel82]

49. I remember that movie

These people are pathetic. Aren't these type of programs illegal and against the Bill of Rights? If I was this young man I'd hire a lawyer and sue the bastards.

[annabanana]

11. Any one want to take odds that there are a few tax dollars

in this horrible organization? You know.. faith-based education type dollars. It's obvoiusly set up as a brainwashing facility. That poor kid.

[FreedomAngel82]

50. I wouldn't be surprised

Any way anybody can find out? I think these types of places should be closed down if they're being used by public tax dollars.

[atommom]

13. I'm just glad, for his sake, that he has some support from

online friends!

[immoderate]

14. they do not lack for rules.

No Calvin Klein underwear? I'd never make it.

--IMM

[iamjoy]

15. I Love This Rule

Women: Bras must be worn at all times, except while sleeping

I've never worn a bra in the shower.

I shouldn't joke, this is horrible. They make the poor kids write down their thoughts and then the counselers review them. There is no privacy, not even that of your own mind. It could drive one insane.

If anyone else is a member please tell this kid he has only two more years and then he can legally move out on his own. Also, if you know of a real support group for GLBT, post that.

Is there perhaps a young lesbian in his area he could "date" - it seems a shame to have to live a lie, but if it gets him through the next two years...and maybe they could help each other (since any close friendship he has with a male would be suspect).

[XemaSab]

54. You have to shave your legs

and pits twice weekly.

I'd never make it.

On edit: No banana hammocks for the men... that's probably a good idea.

[DirtyHippie]

16. WTF

This rule I found disturbing - "7. No continuing education while in the program. Home-school Refuge clients may be allowed to continue their studies during the program, pending approval by LIA staff."

So not only are they to be brainwashed, they are denied an education as well? WTF
It's this kind of thing that actually makes me want to believe in Hell(or Karma or whatever) because I fear nothing will happen to the people who run this place and they'll continue to be allowed to ruin children's lives.

[SmokingJacket]

62. Education counteracts brainwashing, of course!

Welcome to DU, btw.

I agree: the people who run these places should have to spend some time Asshole-Reeducation Camp.

[susanna]

87. That was the line that got me, too.

paraphrase "If we're gonna brainwash you, we need to get rid of the competition." Sick.

edited for clarity

[Divine Discontent]

101. Christ will not be easy on these fascists

for their treatment of the "least of these", which in our society is young gays who are verbally and physically abused all the time!

Christ's love extends to Zach, someone tell him that, please. I have to go to work at Disney... tell him to hold out hope. We have to shut down these Hitler like death camps that control thought and body, they are NUTS for making these places, and somehow we're at fault for not stopping them!

in love.....

[The Icon Painter]

17. Sweet Jeezus!

This is worse than Bob Jones University. POW camps have more humane rules. What are they preparing these kids for - a strict monastic existence?

[jmm]

18. lesbians can't drive?

They have some..ummm...interesting links.

http://www.inoohr.org/homosexualstatistics.htm

21% of lesbians die of murder, suicide or traffic accident, which is at a rate of 534 times higher than the number of white heterosexual females aged 25-44 who die of these things(8).

edited to fix link

[kenny blankenship]

22. Only El Caminos and foreign made pickup trucks

and the existing number of El Caminos dwindles every year. Rationing and timesharing have filled the gap but not lifted the crisis.

[proud2BlibKansan]

40. I sereiously doubt these two 'facts'

Homosexuals account for half the murders in large cities.

Homosexuals got homosexuality removed from the list of mental illnesses in the early 70s by storming the annual American Psychiatric Association (APA) conference on successive years. "Guerrilla theater tactics and more straight-forward shouting matches characterized their presence" (2). Since homosexuality has been removed from the APA list of mental illnesses, so has pedophilia (except when the adult feels "subjective distress").

[Lex]

63. Stupid lies by stupid liars.

Just outright made up shit.

[booley]

42. That sounds Like Paul Cameron's crap

The guy who first tried to give a veneer of scientific respectability to the anti-gay fascist.

a guy who's work has been described by Judges as Fraudulent, been condemned by every credible scietific organization, and i beleive was thrown out of the AMA for beign such a lying bigoted choad.

But hey, every fascist movement needs it's Goering (sp) right?

[fricasseed_gourmet_rat]

88. Replace every occurence of "homosexual" on that site

with "heterosexual" and you'll see that they're spinning everything like mad.

Many heterosexual sexual encounters occur while drunk, high on drugs, or in an orgy setting

Well, DUH!

25-33% of heterosexuals are alcoholics

I'm not surprised!

[kskiska]

19. I remember Ronald Reagan's response to the press

when his son Ron became a ballet dancer: (on his upbringing) "We made sure he was all man."

I wonder how they did that?

[FreedomAngel82]

52. Oh good grief

And what if Ron wasn't all man? These people are sick assholes.

[Kerrytravelers]

20. In shrub's amerika, we're going to be seeing a lot of "re-education"

gays
liberals
leftists
non-Christian

...the list goes on and on...

[POAS]

23. And if you've ever posted to DU

your re-education will be forced reading of "Free-Republic" 24/7.

[WearyOne]

25. maybe he'll meet some nice new gay friends there..that would

teach the sickos running a 'camp' like this.

[kittenpants]

26. I saw a white van yesterday w/ "Going Straight Ministries" painted on it.

I thought, no way is it what it sounds like, but sadly it probably was.

[undergroundpanther]

27. I'm sorry

But these SELFISH parents of his need to be shot(I am pissed).
They are torturing their kid all so they'll have GRANDCHILDREN???
WHTF..Fuck these parents.fuck them they are UNFIT to have children.
Fuck all these Christian control freak MONSTERS. May they all DIE!

And I know I am upset because I have been through behavior mod programs in mental hospitals with picayune rules like that "refuge'And I HATED it . It cemented my hatred of humanity and I have come to the conclusion humanity that acts this way to other human beings not hurting them, need to get out of the"gene pool".For me in those B mod programs it was one power conflict after another,I fought for the right just to BE WHO I AM which these"authorities" took it upon themselves to FORCE me to change my mind..Programs like that are havens for sociopaths and bullies because they ARE psychological torture.And these programs did me no good,gave me no help with coping with this SICK world,it just made me hate and mistrust "authority""normals" and "the mainstream" all the more.

And I need to say this..Any Christian who has a problem that I blast their little book of horrors and their bully god needs to wake up and realize their religion HURTS people.
I HATE the bible..(or any other so called"sacred text" that inspires this kind of SHIT to be done to human beings to force them, to be someone they are not.

I HATE CHRISTIANITY(and all other patriarchal control freak religions) and I am very wary of the people that brittlely defend it because they believe with blinders on.Good people sully their own morality by associating that vile title"christian" to themselves.

I HATE the Christian control freak god It is no god of"love".I wish that christian religion would be forgotten and the bible unread & thrown away, and all control freak religions and the people who defend control freak religions would let it all DIE from human consciousness just to be forgotten forever.So we could get on with making life better for life on Earth without"faith" fucking it up for millions.

I await the death of jesus so humanity can find spirituality without domination and obedience as central tenets..to develop a conscience without a fucking book granting 'goodness' to bad people "authority" to assholes who deserve no trust.And no religion book to organize people around and make them adhere to and obey...and shut up to save the organizations face when they are corrupt and hurt people.

I hope this guy makes it without killing himself.Behavior modification is enforced powerlessness for the purpose to change a person by force it is psychological torture it should be ILLEGAL.. I wish I could offer him a real haven away from all the control freaks where he could by himself decide his own way of being and explore his options unhindered by control freak OTHER PEOPLE wanting him to be someone else and where he would have emotional support regardless of his choices and explorations..

[Kerrytravelers]

28. The christian coalition does not represent all Christians...

just as shrub does not represent all Texans.

I believe, but not with blinders on. I can see what others are doing while invoking the name of religion. Unfortunately, they get all the attention and the peaceful Christians, Muslims and those of other faiths who have seen their personal belief system hijacked by these terrorists (robertson, falwell and their ilk are terrorists in my opinion) are ignored when we protest and speak out against these people.

[undergroundpanther]

31. the bible is representing of christ right?

Doesn't the bible represent the beliefs shared by *all* christians?

Yep,and a teeny bit of arsenic in your drinking water won't kill you either... I guess.

I hear that lame this doesn't represent all christians,some christians are "good" excuse all the time...

Yet funny how these good people do NOTHING to edit out the homophobia from their bible.They do nothing to take out the bad and the evil from the bible itself they refuse to call a bad verse bad..As long as the evil in the bible is permitted to remain in it,people who believe in that god will be stained by the book and what their fellow believers do with that book.I don't care how good you think you are if you call yourself christian your morality is guided by faith in *that book* and the god that allegedly wrote it.

These"good christians" still do nothing to stop these fundies in their ranks,they just tsk tsk ,pat my head and go defend their bible, even though I have been seriously harmed by their kind.These "good ones" enabled the bad and made excuses...and they don't hear my point,nor my pain without minimizing it..no automatically they try to exonerate themselves, save face of their belief system ,and say that book is not the issue..They do this instead of being HONEST and reading the horrors it excuses and contains that their god put in it and saying yes that verse about homophobia should be edited OUT.. and people still use the bible to excuse all sorts of atrocities.. The problem is the bible,especially when you believe in it as 'sacred'.
No other book has been treated in such a hands off manner by critics.It's time to get hands on and look at the ugliness this book inspires and cut it out.

That poor guy is going through shit because his parents BELIEVE.

This is all just wrong.It's rationalizing psychological torture of a young gay man to force him to be someone else because of parents'faith' in a 2000year old text written by a primitive tribe edited by the roman empire!! This is INSANITY!


Beliefs based on old books of questionable origins that tell you how to be good and prompts you to ignore your own conscience are dangerous because they create a space of moral relativism,in a culture and the faith that trumps reason is dangerous to society.

[Kerrytravelers]

37. WHat these parents are doing is indeed wrong. There is no defense of them.

I understand that you are very angry. What has been done in the name of Christianity has done extreme harm, even caused many deaths. I don't deny that fact at all.

No one says you can't be very angry and be absolutely against all religion. You may call me lame and saying I am part of making excuses if that's what you feel you need to do. However, I take a different view on it.

I am simply reminding everyone that falwell, robertson and his ilk are trying to use relgion to divide people and by allowing those type to define all religious people, it's letting them win.

I make no excuses for their behavior or their beliefs. But there are those of us out there who find them repulsive and sickening and realize that we're not all the same.

I use to make remarks all the time about letting Texas succeed and be their own Nazi Nation. I hated Texas. I wouldn't be caught dead in Texas. I had nothing but ill will towards anyone who lived in Texas. Then I met some liberals from Texas. They told me how hard they were working in their area, to turn people's hearts and minds around. They were opposed to this invasion, to shrub's policies and were heart-broken by the way their friends, relatives and neighbors voted. I realized not all of Texas was so bad. In fact, Austin is quite a liberal town. There is some blue in all that red.

In the 60's Civil Rights struggles, many "christian" churches were for segregation and against anyone who felt differently. Many still are that way. But, there were liberal church groups who formed together to go to the South and register voters and assisst them to the polls. I happen to know a few to were a part of that movement. There are church groups who are pro-choice, pro-gay rights, against invasions and against shrub. And, hopefully, it will be the liberal Christians, who are joining with the liberal Muslims and other faiths to reach out to those of our faiths and show them why the teachings of jesus Christ and other religious leadres are being misused in an attempt to create a theocracy and an empire.

Personally, I haven't gone to chruch is years. I can not reconcile sitting in a pew next to someone who listens to the same words I am and can somehow interpert them to support for hateful, biggotry policies and invasions and greed and empire. I will not give money to my church, the Roman Catholic church, as long as ratzinger is the Pope... although JPII wasn't too great, either, in my opinion.

I have no problems with people voicing dissent against the church. I just like to remind people that there are those of us within the church who are just as pissed off as you are!

Peace and Strength, my friend.

kt

Please don't take this post as antognistic. That wasn't my intent. I can see that you are very upset and I'm trying to respond so that if and when you read this, you can understand where many of us are coming from.

[undergroundpanther]

39. There is no defense for the words that inspired them

I understand that you are very angry. What has been done in the name of Christianity has done extreme harm, even caused many deaths. I don't deny that fact at all.

Thanks.

No one says you can't be very angry and be absolutely against all religion. You may call me lame and saying I am part of making excuses if that's what you feel you need to do. However, I take a different view on it.

OK but do you deny the words that are written in the bible and attributed as the words of god itself have something to do with homophobia? That beliefs in the bible have something to do with homophobia in this"christianized" culture?


I am simply reminding everyone that Falwell, Robertson and his ilk are trying to use religion to divide people and by allowing those type to define all religious people, it's letting them win.

They won already because of the bible itself and peoples refusal to see where the line of belief leads to in the bible..when I was christian over time I became fundamentalist by reading the bible itself and trying to do the right thing for god. I got out by seeing I was being manipulated morally by the bible.and I threw it out of my life.I had to to not be a hypocrite in my own heart. I could not be gay friendly while clinging to a book that calls gays abominations and would rationalize killing them or torturing them forever in hell,I am Bisexual and trans gender,the stuff the bible says about trans gender people is just criminal. I can't excuse that kind of hypocrisy I can't say believing in a book like that is good..

I make no excuses for their behavior or their beliefs. But there are those of us out there who find them repulsive and sickening and realize that we're not all the same.

You are not the same people inside BUT the bible you both believe in is the same text..and the jealous vengeful god is the same god and the hate is in there and it never changes.

I use to make remarks all the time about letting Texas succeed and be their own Nazi Nation. I hated Texas. I wouldn't be caught dead in Texas. I had nothing but ill will toward anyone who lived in Texas. Then I met some liberals from Texas. They told me how hard they were working in their area, to turn people's hearts and minds around. They were opposed to this invasion, to shrub's policies and were heart-broken by the way their friends, relatives and neighbors voted. I realized not all of Texas was so bad. In fact, Austin is quite a liberal town. There is some blue in all that red.

But Texas does not demand blind faith and obedience to the state out of you, does it? Texas does not claim to be able save you from your own human failings,and ring you to paradise or eternal torture if you displease the spirit of texas..Texas does not claim to be creator and owner of reality,Texas does not say go out and make disciples,Texas does not say there shall be no other states..Texas does not demand you have faith in the state to overlook human atrocities it commits in the name of itself?.

In the 60's Civil Rights struggles, many "christian" churches were for segregation and against anyone who felt differently. Many still are that way.


What the church served as than was a SAFE HOUSE.An idealogical underground railroad,A place to discuss things in a public yet private place(that wasn't someones home) to talk strategics for civil rights. It had NOTHING to do with religion.

If another place could be used the way the churches were for space that had a social good guy badge that made it overlooked by the state as a place of sedition from the state sponsored hate it would have been used.


But, there were liberal church groups who formed together to go to the South and register voters and assist them to the polls. I happen to know a few to were a part of that movement. There are church groups who are pro-choice, pro-gay rights, against invasions and against shrub. And, hopefully, it will be the liberal Christians, who are joining with the liberal Muslims and other faiths to reach out to those of our faiths and show them why the teachings of jesus Christ and other religious leaders are being misused in an attempt to create a theocracy and an empire.

And the seeds of empire are sanctioned by god in the bible and in the Koran.The bible glosses over or excuses slavery,and many other bad things.The kingdom is still a kingdom.



Personally, I haven't gone to chruch is years. I can not reconcile sitting in a pew next to someone who listens to the same words I am and can somehow interpret them to support for hateful, bigotry policies and invasions and greed and empire.

Than read the book of Joshua..and realize that god in that book advocated brutal genocide and it was all OK. How do you reconcile this? A god of love who brings a sword??Who smites the Canaanites?

I will not give money to my church, the Roman Catholic church, as long as ratzinger is the Pope... although JPII wasn't too great, either, in my opinion.

The church is a corrupt authoritarian structure.It has no right to lord over people yet it does.

I have no problems with people voicing dissent against the church. I just like to remind people that there are those of us within the church who are just as pissed off as you are!

I am glad you are pissed off too,but please think a minute and take the time to know the source that the people like Falwell and people like you BOTH share,the bible. Do look at it's uglier verses and you will see the bible really does sanction the kind of interpretation you use and the one and Falwell uses.Both interpretations of the words in the bible are correct,biblically. I am speaking from my experience as an ex christian and how I was liberal,moved to fundamentalism by trying to please god in earnest,then I threw it out when I saw what I became..And believe me It hurt me.
Don't tell me about forgiveness of"good christians"..I tried chistianity after being raped by a christian pedophile as a kid..,I took up the faith years later and it led me through torment inside until I realized in my own heart by studying the bible,there is no pleasing the capricious bible god.It speaks of love out of one side and hate the other in the same book the same jesus,the same "faith". I cannot excuse the bible for what it does to people who try in earnest to please that god that claims to write it..

.

Peace and Strength, my friend.

kt

Please don't take this post as antognistic. That wasn't my intent. I can see that you are very upset and I'm trying to respond so that if and when you read this, you can understand where many of us are coming from.

I know where you are coming from,personally, I came from there when I rationalized for god and would not betray my faith too.

I wish you deep insight,courage to feel your own heart and for reason and compassion to temper your faith until you don't need it anymore.

[orpupilofnature57]

64. You also need to know the new testament from the old in other words

Shit from shin-ole!!

[me b zola]

75. There should be laws against this psychological torture

Parents and organizations who participate in this torture of children should be charged with child endangerment, at the very least.


I am so sorry to hear about your experiences, no one should ever have to endure that.:hug:

[LifeDuringWartime]

29. I sent a message to Zach.

I have a myspace account, so I sent him a message with a link to this thread.

Is there anything DU can do collectively to help?

[Ariana Celeste]

45. All I can think of..

is for us to write to someone who can look into this... maybe a lawyer here can check out what's going on. When reading through his comments a couple of people said that he should find a lawyer because this was against the law. I don't know the law well enough to know myself. Unfortunately, he may already be at this camp.

[FreedomAngel82]

53. I hope so

I've heard DU has some laywers as members. I think all places like this deserve to be closed. Especially if they are on public tax dollars. It goes against the Bill of Rights.

[Lex]

58. I don't think it's against the law, unfortunately.

He's still a minor.

[The Animator]

30. I wonder if his parents know he has the camp rules?

I just read the consequences for rule breaking portion of the rules.

One of the consequences is dismissal from the program.

Well if ya don't want to be there in the first place, I'd say fuck the rules.

In a place like this I'd say breaking all the rules is a moral imperative. I only wish I could go in his place, screwing with the minds of Fundies is fun.

[da_chimperor]

32. Damn, I really feel for him.

I can't imagine what he must be going through. :(

[Chovexani]

33. And this is why I never came out to my family.

And likely never will.

[Kerrytravelers]

34. Here is information about Love International direct from their website.

<http://www.loveinaction.org>

Here is the new campus... err.. I mean concentration camp...

Worthen Chapel, named in honor of our founder, Frank Worthen







The New Life Center houses the therapeutic aspects of the ministry. The NLC features a commercial kitchen, 2 group rooms, a large multipurpose area, and 10 staff offices.





Five acres of park-like grounds enhance recreational opportunities and provide space for future expansion

*Oh great. Future expansion.*




The Malachi Building houses the administrative staff offices




The Deborah Chapel is named in honor of the women who've ensured a solid foundation for Love In Action International




Other features of the property include four intimate prayer gardens, dozens of beautiful trees, two peaceful chapels, an outdoor altar, and a baseball field! The buildings have an ample total of 19,000 square feet.

-----------------------------------------



Also on their site:

The Homosexual Myth

Exploring the Homosexual Myth

There is no such creation as a "gay" or "homosexual" person. There is only homosexual attraction and behavior; accordingly, there can be no change from a sexual identity that never existed in the first place.

<snip>

If we know the truth about these matters, then why do we accept the cultural definition of homosexuality? When non-Christians and Christians use the term "homosexual," they often think of a person who is innately different from other types of people. We wonder how someone might have become a "homosexual". Families and friends of those caught in homosexuality go deep into grief and despair because they cannot imagine how their loved ones go there, and they believe it is a lifelong prison from which there is no escape.

Think of it this way: Mr. and Mrs. Jones came into my office grieving over their son's ongoing homosexuality. They cried as I attempted to help them understand the real issues surrounding their plight. I asked them about their other children. "Well, John, our other son, lives with his girlfriend," they replied. In an attempt to bring some reality to them, I asked why they were not so concerned about John. The truth became evident; they knew that there was hope for this other son either to marry his girlfriend or to leave her and get back to a moral life. Their son struggling with homosexuality, however, was in their minds and heart destined to remain a "homosexual".

<snip>

For the past 30 years, the modern American culture has bought into a lie! We have been sold a bill-of-goods about the nature of homosexuality that is spiritually and practically untrue. The jury is still out on any form of biological or physiological causation of homosexual desires. The common belief among Christians and non-Christians is that homosexuality describes a person who has something inherently different about him or her. For many people, the word "homosexual" has become a noun. Many believe this is a descriptive word to help sort a certain person into a different category, a different type of gender, we might say.

Why the past 30 years? In 1975, the gay rights movement began to market the words "gay" and "homosexual" to refer to an inborn character or to the identity of men and women with same-sex attractions and behaviors. Today, they have succeeded in redefining those words to suit their agenda in our culture. The body of Christ (even ministries seeking to help those caught in homosexuality) regularly buy into that deceptive definition, often without thinking about it. How many times have we used the term "gay," "orientation" or "ex-gay" to describe ourselves or someone else? Even in the church we talk about ministering to the "homosexual," immediately labeling an individual just as secular activists do.

<snip>

There are over 100 ministries in the United States devoted to helping people and their families practically and biblically process through the dliemma of homosexuality (Exodus International, www.exodus-international.org). These ministries are commonly called "ex-gay" ministries. Even in this slang title there is a subtle message that people used to be "homosexual" and they aren't any longer. This message is clearly understood when we are talking about an adulterer or a thief because we know that we are speaking of a behavior, but when we are talking about leaving homosexuality, so many see it as a change in a more innate way than in behavior. Some christians might be thinking of a miraculous change from one kind of person to another!

<snip>


*****NOW THEY TELL THE "TRUTH" ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY*******

At Love In Action International, our belief is based on three foundational truths:

Truth One: There is no such creation as a "gay" or "homosexual" person. There is only homosexual attraction and behavior; accordingly, there can be no "change" from a sexual identity that never existed in the first place.

Truth Two: The truth for most men and women who struggle with homosexual behavior is that they will, at times, continue to experience attractions in large and small ways for a lifetime. It is often misleading and harmful to speak vaguely of "total" deliverance without mentioning the normal, ongoing struggles with temptations all believers have.

Truth Three: God sees homosexuality as sin like any other, and directs us to apply the same biblical model to it that we would to any other sin. His real solution for deliverance and healing is based on repentance and obedience.

<snip>

There is no such thing as a homosexual! There are many individuals, however, who struggle intensely with homosexual temptation and addictive behavior. Once we get the message right, then we will be effective in ministering to those caught in this kind of deceptive bondage.

©2001 - Rev. John J. Smid
John is the Executive Director for Love In Action International and has worked with this ministry since 1986. John left his homosexual lifestyle in 1984.


------------------------------------------------------



Here are a list of churches involved with this concentration camp:
Love In Action International is included as an official missionary organization by the following churches:

Church of the Open Door - San Rafael, California
Bellevue Baptist Church - Cordova, Tennessee
Germantown Baptist Church - Germantown, Tennessee
Grace Evangelical Church - Memphis, Tennessee
Second Presbyterian Church - Memphis, Tennessee
Central Church - Collierville, Tennessee
Christ United Methodist Church - Memphis, Tennessee
Hope Presbyterian Church - Memphis, Tennessee
First Evangelical Church - Memphis, Tennessee
Kirby Woods Baptist Church - Memphis, Tennessee
Palos Park Pres. Comm. Ch. - Palos Park, Illinois
Evangelical Covenant Church - International Falls, Minnesota
Brit Hadasha Congregation - Memphis, Tennessee
First Assembly of God - Andrews, Texas

Many other churches are either financially supportive of or intimately involved in the mission of Love In Action International

-----------------------------------------------------

How We Can Help

The Source
A 2-week (non-residential), 28-day and 3-month residential program designed to help men and women live sexually & relationally pure lives and chemically dependent free lives through Jesus Christ.

Refuge
An intensive program designed to minister to adolescents struggling with broken and addictive behaviors, such as promiscuity, alcohol & drug addiction and homosexuality.


The Wives' Track
A 2-week program designed to help women begin to focus on their own recovery and needs rather than just focusing on their husband's/family's needs.

Radical Living
A discipleship model designed to minister to men, women and families struggling with relational and spiritual hardships. It is offered through a 20-week discipleship program, 2-day Restoration Weekend or 4-day leadership conference.

Serenity Garden
A discipleship network for women who want to grow deeper in their relationships with Christ and with others.

Sojourners
A support group for sexual/relational strugglers. Through group facilitators and members, participants can find the support and encouragement needed to begin and continue recovery.

Family & Friends Support Group
A weekly support group for people who have loved ones involved in addictive and out of control lifestyles.

Ask A Mom
This mom has proven her ability to offer hope and encouragement to those who need it.



***On the site, you can click on each title to read more about their brainwashing.*****

---------------------------------------------------

Clicking on , you are taken to a website that contains this info:

Refuge Basics

Refuge is a ministry designed to be a safe place for young people and their families to find true freedom from addictions through the power of Jesus Christ. At this time Refuge is an outpatient program for young men and women ages 13-18. Refuge is designed to minister to adolescents struggling with broken and addictive behaviors such as…
Pornography
Drugs and alcohol
Sexual Promescuity
Homosexuality

Refuge promotes change among clients through the use of theraputic groups, individual counseling and family support. The effectivness of Refuge is greatly increased when the participants are willing to work with their counselor and parents, follow the program structure, study the materials, and build relationships.

Primary Topics Addressed in Refuge include…

Honesty, Addiction, Grace, Abuse, Relationship, Finding a Voice, Family, Future Planning, Rebellion / Submission, Identity, Balance, The Blessing


How Refuge Started:
Refuge was developed by a variety of professional and lay counselors as well as youth workers and ministers. The tools that have proven to be successful from the various experiences of these individuals are combined into one treatment program for adolescents.

The Refuge Structure:
Refuge begins as a two-week commitment from both adolescents and their significant family members. Many of the teachings and tools can be learned within the first two weeks. However, many of our participants find that they need a longer period of time to adjust to the transition from one lifestyle to another. For those participants who desire further support, Refuge offers a six-week extension in order to solidify gains in recovery in a safe, supportive environment.

Refuge Two-Week Intensive Program...
The Participants of the two-week program stay in a hotel/motel with a legal gaurdian and attend the program from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday for two weeks. During those hours the clients interact with the residential clients of Love In Action's Source program, assesing their own recovery needs, and developing positive recovery skills. On Thursday nights there is a Family Support group meeting which both participants and their gaurdians will be asked to attend. There may also be some activities planned specifically for clients on other evenings where the main focus is fellowship. Each client has an individualized treatment plan, with in-depth homework assignments, and one individual counseling session per week. They will also have the oppurtunity to receive feedback from the group throughout the program regarding theraputic direction and reccomendations. The participants are responsible for their own lodging. Lunch is provided on weekdays, but the clients are responsible for other meals.

Two-Week Benefits / Advantages:

Learn the core teachings

Get started in recovery without a long-term commitment

Receive basic tools for emotional health and a road map to recovery

Develop awareness of underlying issues

Investigate the process of change


Refuge Six-Week Extension Program...
The Six Week Extension program is an option for the clients who participated in the Two-Week Intensive program and decided that they need a longer period of time to integrate the tools they learned into their lives. Clients will stay in a motel/hotel with a legal gaurdian and attend the program from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. During these hours the clients interact with the residential clients of Love In Action's Source program, and have an opportunity to explore individual personal struggles and accept spiritual challenge. Family participation will occur, usually in the form of joint counseling sessions. The clients will continue to be expected to attend the Thursday night support group with their parents or gaurdian. They will also be expected to attend a monthly Open Meeting on Tuesday night, as well as some activities planned specifically for clients on other evenings where the main focus is fellowship. Each client will continue to work with their counselor in a one-on-one setting once a week and also work through their own individualized treatment plan. The clients will have the opportunity to receive feedback from the group throughout the program regarding theraputic direction and recommendations. The six week clients will have a longer period of time to develop healthy and beneficial relationships with other members of the group, and get accustomed to living out the tools they have learned.

Six-Week Benefits / Advantages:

Explore the core teachings

Shorter-term structure with longer term gains

Establishing basic boundaries for emotional health

Confront underlying issues

Begin the process of change

Family involvement

Build recovery skills

Cost effective

Life skills training and future planning

Community Involvment



Meet Ben:

"I've experienced God in an incrediable way since I have been willing to suffer for his cause... only through Him am I able to resist these struggles."



-----------------------------------------------------

If anyone is still interested, here is their application:
<http://www.asafeplace.org/media/documents/Refuge%20Application.pdf>

*** Please note, there is a $100 application fee. Apparently, according to these people, getting God's grace is costly.

*** 2 week program is $2,000 (a non-returnable deposit of $300)
*** 6 week program is $4,500
*** After Care, which is mandatory, is $100/week for 4 weeks. Paying in advance is $350 for 4 weeks.
*** Refund Policy: At times it becomes evident, during the initial two days of programming, that a client and the Refuge program are
not a good match. If this is the case, Love In Action will refund $1000. No refunds are provided after the second
day of programming.



*** You'll have to answer question regarding your sexual preferences:
Pornography (incl. internet), Exhibitionism, Long-term relationships, Compulsive masturbation, Sadomasochism, Mannish/boyish attire, Voyeurism, Bestiality, Drag/Cross-dressing, Mutual masturbation, Prostitution, Telephone sex, Heterosexual contact, Oral Sex, Anonymous sex, Homosexual contact, Penetrating Sex, Other:____


*** Were you involoved in the pro-gay movement? Pro-gay churches? Pro-gay parades?


*** They ask you if you were molested. And later, they ask what drugs you are on... like all gay people are on drugs.



*** Also, apparently the God these people pretend to follow requires references in addition to deep pockets.

This packet includes two General Reference forms and two Parental Reference forms. All four must remain confidential so that those completing them can be completely frank and honest in their assessment of your spiritual walk. Instruct your references to mail or fax the forms directly to our office.



***On the reference forms, one must check a box that sttes whether or not the applicant would be successful or not. Hummm... wonder if that plays into the slection process...too many refunds can't be good for the bottom line.*******





General References: You must give each of these to people you have known at least six months who are not related to you. Please include your pastor or spiritual authority for at least one of these references. If you are a male, at least one of these must be filled out by a man. If you are a female, at least one of these must be
filled out by a woman. We will not process your application until both General Reference forms are received.

Parental References: It is expected that if your parents/guardians are living that they will complete these references. If your parents are deceased or communication is presently blocked, please include an additional paragraph explaining the present details in your personal biography.


***There is a Heavenly selection process, too. I guess not everyone is qualified to be angel.


The Refuge Selection Committee will review your application and respond with a decision promptly after receiving your completed application and other materials. Our facilities can only accommodate a specific number of clients. Due to this, there may be the possibility of a waiting period for available space upon your acceptance into the program. Application submission does not mean automatic selection. However, if it is His will for you, the
Lord will see to it that you are here. His sovereignty is evident in this process.

*** His will? Who exactly is on their selection committee?



--------------------------------------------------------

Some other fun facts from our friends:

"Wasn't I born gay?"

No, you weren't born gay. There are many factors which influence the development of same-sex attractions during childhood. These include the relationship with your parents, relations to other children of the same sex, possible abuse or molestation, etc. God has allowed you to have this particular temptation, but he has also provided you a way out.
I Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way for you to escape, that you may be able to bear it." You may not have chosen your sexual struggle, but you can learn how to choose your sexual activities.


"It's not my fault I'm gay, I was abused."

Abuse is often directly linked to homosexual attractions. However, while you are not responsible for your attractions to others, you are responsible for your actions. Our emotions often lead us to believe something is good for us when in reality in can be dangerous or even deadly. You would not be to blame foe having a certian thought, but you must take ownership of how you act on your attractions, whether homosexual or heterosexual.


---------------------------------------------------------

[FreedomAngel82]

56. This really got me

<***On the reference forms, one must check a box that sttes whether or not the applicant would be successful or not. Hummm... wonder if that plays into the slection process...too many refunds can't be good for the bottom line.*******>

Also their little selection of "angels" is really telling too. How do they know? That's why I don't like the whole Pope thing either. How do you know you got the right person? All this is really just disgusting. All about the money baby.

[Catma]

35. Anyone catch this?

1. All new Refuge clients will be placed into Safekeeping for the initial two to three days of their program. A client on safekeeping may not communicate verbally, or by using hand gestures or eye contact, with any other clients, staff members, or his/her parents or guardians. In case of a practical need, Safekeeping clients may write down their question or request and show it to another client, staff member, or their parent or guardian. Writing may only be used when absolutely necessary. Parents and guardians must enforce their child¹s safekeeping status at home or in their temporary lodging.

No communicating for 2 whole days? I know I'm soft spoken myself but I would snap not being able to talk for two whole f'ing days. This camp is nothing more then a brainwashing camp. I'm stopping now before I really go off on these asshats

[XemaSab]

57. This is some serious brainwashing

I like the use of phrases to describe appropriate and inappropriate behavior... "in phase," "safekeeping," etc.

[Tsiyu]

36. i"m just wondering when we are going to wake up and turn the tables

There are so many of these "programs" and so many making mucho dinero off of these programs. You can bet that there are people ready, able and willing to help you "fix" your kid- whether he's smoking a little weed or has just decided he's bi - if you are willing to fork over LOTS of money.

These stupid fucking parents want a "fast food parenting fix" that doesn't entail any pain on their part ( except in the wallet.) They don't want the pain of examining their beliefs to determine why THEY are correct and OTHERS are wrong; they don't want the pain of explaining to friends that Johnnie is different; they don't want the pain of loving someone unconditionally; they don't want the pain of actually sitting down and listening to their kids.

I am so ashamed of my generation of parents. If you can't buy it, they aren't interested in it. And they let their pride and their fear of social discomfort turn them into cruel mothers and fathers who cannibalize their own.....

So when do we open our own camps to reform Repukes and fundies? Who wants to write "the Rules?" ;)

[Rob H.]

41. Holy. living. fuck.

The suburb Zach lives in (Bartlett, TN) is about 10 minutes away from me. Goddamned red state! :grr:

[booley]

43. this may be a dumb question

But couldn't this kid simply refuse to cooperate?

Intentionaly break rules?

[FreedomAngel82]

59. I would think so

I would go to a lawyer and see if he had a case for some type of abuse. Sounds like this whole thing goes against the Bill of Rights. He should demand a lawyer.

[Ariana Celeste]

44. I left him a message..

and put up a bulletin on myspace for my friends list to check out...

that poor kid. I can't imagine why a parent would ever do such a hateful psychologically damaging thing to a child.

[Neshanic]

46. Their lawyers must have a contract made out of titanium.

The civil suits that could be made against them are legion. Notice all the testamonials...Joe Blow 17. They are all 17.

Saved at 17, on a shrinks couch or in West Hollywood by 25.

[mzteris]

47. did you see the protest?

WMCTV.com

(I can't figure out how to link this...... sorry.)

Your search returned 1 result. 1. Scared Straight: Tony McNary
The group is using verse to war kids about alcohol, drugs, hygiene....and homosexual behavior. Tony McNary is live in the newsroom with details. The program is called "love in Action." The program itself is not new to Memphis. Its christian based philosophy focuses on...

[XemaSab]

51. That really sucks

Why are these people so incapable of understanding that gay people are born that way?

[graywarrior]

55. I smell CULT!!!

[FreedomAngel82]

60. That's what they are

When they go way too far like this with any type of religion it's a cult.

[Merope215]

61. How horrible

I'm glad that people seem to be supporting him, at least. I can't even imagine what this poor guy is going through. I hope he can find the strength to move on and not be too scarred by this experience.

What kind of parents would do this to their child??

[sweetheart]

65. This begs its opposite

For all those gay parents out there needing to cure a kid of being
straight. ;-) It could include proxy sessions in bath houses and
lessons on oral sex... it would be a big hit, "gay camp". :-)

[salin]

66. Sad - his last post is several days

before the day he was to be "shipped out" (or signed in, or whatever)... and that date was about a week ago.

I hope that he is okay.

[kweerwolf]

67. Words fail me.

There are tears in my eyes as I think about what Zach must be going through.

I just wish there could be a safe place where all the gay and lesbian kids ... all the "different" kids who were bullied and picked on and told there are not good enough ... could find a shelter from idiot parents and churches that practice the absolute worst kinds of spiritual abuse.

I wish I could show up at Zach's parents' door and tell them, "If you can't love your child just as he is, then let me take him away so you never have to worry about the 'shame' of your straight sperm and heterosexual egg somehow producing an 'abomination.'"

There is no punishment severe enough to inflict on parents who would send their child to what is little more than a concentration camp.

[progressivebydesign]

71. Like the Gay/Straight Clubs at school that the Repubs are banning?

It is an all out war on gays right now, by the republican christians. Many schools are seeing laws passed banning gay/straight alliance clubs or gay clubs at school. I don't know why they are assaulting the gay orientation, as so many republican leaders are apparently closeted gays.

[FreedomAngel82]

81. Maybe they should

close their clubs. :mad:

[wtmusic]

68. Lost and confused? We'll "straighten" you out...

[progressivebydesign]

69. My heart breaks for this kid. What fucked up thing to do to your own child

I cannot believe that a parent would be so hateful and ignorant and controlling. This is NOT something Jesus would condone. this is brainwashing and abuse. Sick.

[noiretextatique]

70. such useless torture

and it probably won't "take." all these parents are doing is pushing their child away from them. if they think he won't resent them, they are fooling themselves.
a side note: my lesbian friend who thought she could "switch" has finally come to her senses...and she's so much happier now that she has. her mother, of dubious sexual orientation herself, has finally accepted that her daughter is gay, after four years of watching her torture herself trying to be straight.

[Douglas Carpenter]

72. Let's all send Zach a message of support

It takes about 2 minutes to set up a free account:

Again-here is his Web page:


http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=7428306&Mytoken=20050604221047



And for goodness sake if anyone out there knows to help legally or with media or whatever--let's do it!

This evil should not be done to anyone. Not even in Republican America.

[cloudythescribbler]

83. have already replied -- some comments

It is sad, especially to see people have their families join in an agenda against them like that. That is probably the hardest part -- being told that 'it's you' and not having anyone else to turn to.

This kid was smart to put it out on the web. Sounds like he could really go places if he has got that down at 16!

(I didn't send this in the message to him, only that he should get a lawyer and sue those folk as soon as he gets out of there) -- for their last penny. I would add now that it could also be presented in the mass media, and help others, if it isn't too painful (not something I would suggest to him when he's going through hell like that). But in the meantime, I think expressions of support at that link are worthwhile, if he gets to read them.

cloudy the scribbler

and a few other things -- does anyone know precisely where this camp is? apparently there are protestors outside! Those people are REALLY gonna be in big trouble if Zach cares to pursue them, and he seems like just the kind of guy with the gumption to do it, too! I wonder if there is some organized way that people at DU could try to do something, more than just individuals going to the site.

[Pithlet]

73. Poor kid.

How awful. If this isn't illegal, it should be.

[Douglas Carpenter]

74. FREE ZACH NOW!!

This was just posted on his website:

FREE ZACH!
Start writing now


Congressmember
Marsha Blackburn
Email Address: [e-mail]

Congressmember
Harold E. Ford, Jr.

Email Address: [e-mail]

City of Memphis
Mayor Willie W. Herenton

Web Form: http://www.cityofmemphis.org/framework.aspx?page=554

Memphis City Attorney
Sara Hall

Email Address: [e-mail]

Memphis Chamber of Congress

R. Marc Jordan

President and CEO

Email Address:

[e-mail]

Suzanne Dangerfield

Executive Assistant to the President

Email Address: [e-mail]



John Threadgill

Chief Administrative Officer

Email Address: [e-mail]





Memphis City Schools Board of Education


Stephanie Gatewood
District 1

Email Address: [e-mail]



Deni C. Hirsh
District 2

Email Address: [e-mail]


Patrice Jordan Robinson
District 3
Email Address: [e-mail]

Michael Hooks, Jr.
District 4

Email Address: [e-mail]

Dr. Jeff Warren
District 5

Email Address: [e-mail]



Carl Johnson, Sr.
District 6
Email Address: [e-mail]

Tomeka R. Hart
District 7

Email Address: [e-mail]

President:
Wanda M. Halbert
At-Large Pos. 1

Email Address: [e-mail]

Vice-President:
Sara L. Lewis
At-Large Pos. 2

Email Address: [e-mail]

The Office of the Honorable Al Gore
2100 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[Pharlo]

76. Sorry, couldn't help myself.....(fiction)

If anyone wants to set up an e-mail account for "Andrew Crowley, Sr." and send the director of this program an e-mail, feel free to send it...In fact, if you're more imaginative than I, you could even make the sarcasm and insults more noticeable....Have fun with it.


Dear Sirs,

My spouse and I recently became aware of how successful your program has been at correcting the sexual orientation of teenagers. I cannot begin to express how relieved we were to find out that sexual attraction is not a natural genetic predispostion (which seems to be the current prevailing thought) but rather a choice made by rebellious teenagers. When I read an article about your program and its success rate, my husband and I became convinced that you are among a select group of individuals who could help us.

When our son was an infant, we felt it was necessary to raise him in an open, accepting environment. Since we were living in America, we even accepted that someday there was a possibility that he would enter into a relationship with a member of the presiding religious cult – Christianity. We accepted this and became even more determined to raise an open-minded child. John and I felt we were prepared for anything. Until recently – last week Andrew (our son) sat us down and told us that he was a heterosexual – that he is attracted to girls. Yes, I am sad to say my son has fallen into believing the Myth of Heterosexuality. To say we were flummoxed is an understatement. For the first half hour or so after his revelation, I honestly thought there was a possibility of John going into cardiac arrest.

After a couple of days, John eventually calmed down to the point where we could discuss this situation rationally. We discussed it with our friends, our spiritual advisors, and several psychologists. Everyone seemed to think that this was a natural occurrence and that we needed to accept his decision. I cannot tell you what a relief your proven ability to overcome this erroneous ‘sexual choice’ of Andrew’s is to a pair of bewildered fathers. Although your proven history is in the homosexual to heterosexual transition, we implore you to assist us in this most trying of times. We are at our wits end – how our Andrew ever fell into accepting this man-woman fallacy, we are unable to comprehend.

I cannot express sufficiently how encouraging your ability to overcome a matter of sexual 'choice' is in our home. We implore you to adjust your standard curriculum to overcome Andrew’s distressing choice and help him find the happiness he is capable of achieving in a loving homosexual relationship. If you are unable to adjust your program to assist us in this fashion, we beseech you to inform John and I of any programs similar to yours which may be able to assist us.

We sincerely thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide.

Sincerely,
Andrew Crowley, Sr.

[Douglas Carpenter]

77. And this is the media list posted on Zach's Web page

MEMPHIS MEDIA LIST

SPREAD THE WORD!

WHBQ TV 13 – (FOX)

[e-mail]

WLMT TV 30 - (UPN)

Eyewitness News:

News Room E-mail
[e-mail]

Jim Turpin
News Director
[e-mail]

Bridget Lovelle
Asst. News Director - Editorial
[e-mail]

WMC TV 5 - (NBC)

Peggy Phillip, News Director

[e-mail]

Mike Truett, Assignment Editor, Nights

[e-mail]

Brad Seessel, Assignment Editor, Days

[e-mail]

Jeramia Trotter, Assignment Editor, Weekends

[e-mail]

WPTY TV 24 - (ABC)

Eyewitness News:

News Room E-mail
[e-mail]

Jim Turpin
News Director
[e-mail]


Bridget Lovelle
Asst. News Director - Editorial
[e-mail]

[Booster]

78. I can only hope that they charge his parents a s__tload of money,

cause after they pay it and find out it's bogus, maybe next time they will show a little tolerance.

[njdemocrat106]

79. This whole thread really scared me

But it didn't scare me "straight", if you know what I mean. :evilgrin:

[despairing optimist]

80. The "Clockwork Lavender" approach to sexual identification

Just think: the people who thought up this sick idea also think they're the ones who are going to heaven.

The rest of us will have to settle for Provincetown, SoBe, Russian River, and Fire Island, I guess. Zach, we'll leave a light on for ya. This too shall pass.

[Neoma]

82. Those evil sons of a bitches...

:grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke:

[kweerwolf]

85. Could Zach sue for emancipation from his parents?

I know it's extreme, but when parents ship their children off to what is essentially a concentration camp to be mentally and spiritually tortured, it seems like there would be grounds for the child to sue for emancipation as a minor.

Any legal types care to weigh in on whether such a tactice would work? Or any other ideas short of kidnapping Zach and publicly horse-whipping his parents?

What are the chances of going after these "ex-gay" groups themselves? Are there any legal precedents for demanding they be shut down? I know several years ago both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association both issued statements that reparative and conversion therapies were essentially bogus for "curing" homosexuality. Seems like that could be used to start filing suits against these types of operations.

[progressivebydesign]

86. I"m shocked that Zach doesn't have ONE counselor or relative that can help

It would only take ONE aunt, uncle, school counselor, to help stop this madness.

[fricasseed_gourmet_rat]

89. Any TN Dems? Where is this place located?

I envision lots of "FREE ZACH" signs and noisemakers.

[Beware the Beast Man]

90. Sad and frightening.

I just read the excerpts from the rulebook on his blog. Total bastardization of the scriputes to fit their narrow-minded agenda. The fact that such places even exist in this country is unnerving.

[Zinfandel]

91. Better than boot camp...or is that next? Better dead than gay?

Where's the love and compassion with these sick image conscious republicans?

Reminds me of the excellent film, (on DVD) "Saved".

[Douglas Carpenter]

92. SIGN THE PETITION TO FREE ZACH!!

Sign the petition to free Zach!!

Here is the link:

http://www.petitiononline.com/FeeZach/petition.html

[siliconefreak]

93. Typical neanderthal thinking

I'm so glad I don't have to rely on a few lines from the Bible (which, incidentally, are often misinterpreted) to help guide me through life.

These people are so lost.

[Vladimir]

94. I cannot believe this is legal,

I really cannot, but then I couldn't believe these "boot camp" things you see on telly are legal either. Fucking child abusing wankers.

[sakabatou]

95. Some really wacked shit here: (my comments in parenthesis)

The clients may not wear Abercrombie and Fitch or Calvin Klein brand clothing, undergarments, or accessories. (Why no CK or AF underwear? I hear they're quote comfy... or maybe they don't sponsor you guys or maybe they give to those other places...)

Sandals must be worn with socks. (WTH is the point? Sadals are supposed to be worn w/o socks!)

Refuge clients are expected to maintain a committed pursuit of a positive and thankful attitude. (I bet they have shots to make them look happy... or guns.)

Absolutely no journaling or keeping a diary outside of the MI process unless directed or approved by staff. (Like anyone is following this rule)

Clients should report all FI's (with discretion), whether their own or another's, to staff. (Remember! We want you to tattle!)

No talking behind another person's back. (See above rule)

Clients may address off-limit persons they inadvertently encounter with a polite "hello" only. (If you say "Dear God, help me," you will be shot)

All new Refuge clients will be placed into Safekeeping for the initial two to three days of their program. A client on safekeeping may not communicate verbally, or by using hand gestures or eye contact, with any other clients, staff members, or his/her parents or guardians. (In other words you will wear a burka with handcuffs and a blindfold)

No discussing therapeutic issues at home. Keep conversations positive.
(If you tell about the abuses that we give here, you will be shot)

No cell phones, beepers, computers, or e-mail/internet access at. Exceptions by C.O.C. approval only. (nobody is following this rule...)

Refuge clients may only read materials approved by staff. (Such materials include from authors Bill O'Reilly and Ann Coulter. All other books shall be burned)

No television viewing, going to movies, or reading/watching/listening to secular media of any kind, anywhere within the client¹s and the parent¹s/guardian¹s control. This includes listening to classical or instrumental music that is not expressly Christian (Beethoven, Bach, etc. are not considered Christian). The only exception to the media policy is the weekly movie. (We want you brainwashed, and brainwashed thoroughly)

Refuge clients must be accompanied by a parent during any trip to a public restroom. (Okay, that's really pathetic...)

No access to malls of any kind. (Malls can resensitize you. We don't want that)

Be honest, authentic, and real. (By that, look straight, be straight, act straight. Otherwise you will be shot)

No attacking or demeaning another person¹s character. (Staff members are an acception)

Active participation is expected. This includes body language and eye contact. No slouching in chairs, sitting back on chairs hind legs, sitting with arms crossed, rolling eyes, or making disgusting faces. (At one time or another, all clients have probably done this)

Do not be defensive. While being spoken to, one may not respond to defend him/herself or return confrontation to the person speaking. (Remember, we value your values like dirt)

[NMMNG]

96. I love this

"Be honest, authentic, and real. " (How does repressing your inborn sexuality meet with this goal????)

[Douglas Carpenter]

97. more articles about Zach and camp horror

The Daily Kos:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/6/10/20406/0177

The Republic of T: this includes several links about Zach's case including a video clip from about the program from WMCTV-Memphis:

http://www.republicoft.com/index.php/archives/2005/06/11/more-on-zacks-story/


WMCTV-Memphis report:

http://wmctv.com/Global/SearchResults.asp?qu=scared+straight&x=17&y=9

[NuttyFluffers]

98. utterly evil. poor child.

i'd become conteptuous and vicious if my folks ever did something like that to me when i was growing up. honest to god, no one involved in such abuse would survive my wrath -- and at the end i'd savor their agony each and every last bit for they'd have spawned a sadist with their abuse.

the kid is stronger than me to take it and try to get through it. i'd be writing names in my head to hunt down and avenge later. that would've been my breaking point, it would've killed all the restaint my empathy normally brings to bear on me.

who knows, these people might be creating monsters with their cruelty? if not him, perhaps another is being formed. complete unadulterated evil.

[tomreedtoon]

99. Online support means NOTHING.

However, if someone were to organize a protest...march around the kid's house...picket them at that church they supposedly go to...and, if necessary, take to the parents' heads with some two-by-fours...that might mean something.

[undergroundpanther]

100. Shame on the church!

[The Straight Story]

102. Check out more info on the guy associated with the camp here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=221&topic_id=12678#12682