Zach: One Week Away From Freedom From 'Refuge' - Zach Makes NY Times

[Egalia]

With one week to go before Zach is released from Love In Action's fundamentalist brainwashing camp which is attempting to cure his gayness, Zach's story has made the New York Times (what took them so long?).

snippet:

"Their identities are still in flux," said Dr. Jack Drescher, the chairman of the committee on gay, lesbian and bisexual issues of the American Psychiatric Association, which in 2000 formally rejected regimens like reparative or conversion therapy as scientifically unproven. "One serious risk for the parent to consider is that most of the people who undergo these treatments don't change. That means that most people who go through these experiences often come out feeling worse than when they went in."

In Zach's case there is no indication he was particularly upset about his sexual identity. Although his high school is in a Bible belt city, the student body is fairly tolerant of homosexual classmates, some students said, particularly those who, like Zach, are not conspicuous about their orientation.
"Stereotype me, if you dare," was the motto Zach chose for his blog, where he listed "Edward Scissorhands" and "Girl, Interrupted" as his favorite movies and Brandon Flowers, the lead singer of the alternative rock band the Killers, as the person he would most like to meet.

While Zach, as his blog recounted, only recently came out to his parents, many of his friends had known he was gay for more than a year, one classmate said. Zach openly identified himself as gay on his blog, which links to 213 friends' blogs listed in a Friend Space box on the site.


http://guerillawomentn.blogspot.com/2005/07/zach-one-week-away-from-freedom-from.html

Also see:
Pamela at Disenchanted Forest has the story too.
Previous Zach Coverage:
Zach: Gay Kid's Father Appears on Christian Broadcasting Network
Lots More on Zach

[Maat]

1. Oh, I pray for this kid.

If he was my nephew, I would ask him to come to California for a vist; then I'd persuade his parents it would be best if he stayed out here.

[Meeker Morgan]

3. I'm not the praying kind.

I think Zach is going to be all right.

I'd thank God if he existed.

Thanks to the internet! And all good folks connected to it, not just here!

[Maat]

4. O.K. Fair enough.

I'm just sending positive energy his way.

I don't necessarily think that the internet has helped.

I know that concerned individuals put in a child abuse report (a good try), and that they had the place investigated for not having the appropriate license (also a good try).

But Zach is still being abused by being retained in the facility; I don't have an update. He may have been released today.

I'm discouraged because his parents will still retain control over him until he is 18; they show no signs of giving up - they want to 'heal' their son.

It might be a good idea for another relative who is affirming to become his legal guardian, when he still self-identifies as gay. I hope that the parents will voluntarily turn over custody to such a relative if one can be found (or a close family friend). But if they insist on continually pounding him with ex-gay dogma, suicidality will potentially appear.

Bottom line is: I'm concerned.

[Ian David]

2. I think people should donate their Upromise Points to his college fund n/t

[Maat]

5. And, if not there, to the Point Foundation.

It was established to assist financially young adults, who have basically been rejected by their families, in going to college.

[Ian David]

6. I've never heard of that! Looks like they're sponsoring Maya Keyes

Scholarship opportunities for exceptional students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
http://www.thepointfoundation.org/


What We Do

Working closely with respected gay-sensitive national and regional organizations, as well as student groups, counselors and Internet outreach, TPF identifies and selects Point Scholars based on social, emotional and financial need, scholastic aptitude and leadership potential. We pay particular attention to those students who have lost the financial and social support of their families and/or communities as a result of revealing their sexual orientation or gender identity. Point Scholars are those who are physically, intellectually and morally capable of leadership within their chosen fields, and who have demonstrated involvement in the LGBT community.

A college education today costs between $8,000 and $40,000 per year. Since its inception in 2001, TPF has invested nearly $1 million in the education of outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. A Point Scholarship covers tuition, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and living expenses. In exchange, all Point Scholars agree to maintain a high level of academic performance and give back to the LGBT community through support of TPF and completion of an individual service project.

However, Point Scholars receive far more than financial support. Because TPF strives to equip Point Scholars with skills to ensure a lifetime of excep- tional leadership, they are also in contact with a professional support network of donors willing to be personally involved in their well-being and future success.

You can become one of those donors, and help reclaim the self worth of young people facing overwhelming societal odds.

More:
http://www.thepointfoundation.org/whatwedo.html

[Maat]

7. Yep.

They are wonderful.

I'm going to make a donation as soon as I can.