Father Of Gay Teen Sent To 'Ex-Gay' Camp Comes Forward
The father of a gay teenager who wrote in a Web log that he was being sent against his will to a camp run by a group called “Love in Action International” to “cure” him of his homosexuality is defending his actions.
In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network Joe Stark says he did the right thing when he sent his 16 year old son Zach to the camp near Memphis, Tennessee.
“We felt very good about Zach coming here because… to let him see for himself the destructive lifestyle, what he has to face in the future, and to give him some options that society doesn’t give him today,” Stark told CBN. “Knowing that your son... statistics say that by the age of 30 he could either have AIDS or be dead.” (source)
I wonder if they will ever know the psychological damage that has been done to their son? How will he deal with this? Will he withdraw from life? Will he try to be celibate throughout his life? Will he marry a woman and try to be straight? Will he end up being a criminal because he is so angry he has no way to deal with that anger?
If this were done to me, I think it would destroy my relationship with my parents for life - trust was destroyed). If I were Zach, I would probably bide my time and try to keep a low profile (no boyfriend, no nothing), until I was 18. Then, I’d do everything in my power to cut them lose. Who needs their crap?
Related Entry
June 16, 2005 - How We Treat Gay Kids
July 19, 2005 - Teen about to leave gay ‘conversion’ camp
Other Links
Antigay Father Outs ‘Zach’
Zach Vs. Pat
5 Comments
Leave a comment
Dear Zach
This is your life and i heard your story and i think you should live your life the way you want it even if you turn out to be gay or not. No one should be going against your own will because it's not right and you shouldn't be pushed around, so just go as it comes.
I just wanted to say that I am "Gay," and proud of it. I hate to see "Homophobic" parents hurt there children because of evangelical pastors preaching hate on T.V.
I was very lucky growing up. My mother owned a hair salon and had many gay friends. Mom left an abusive home at 16 and was "adopted" by a gay man who owned a cosmetology school.
So, not only was she accepting of my being gay, she was able to give me guidance and advise that most of my gay and lesbian peers did not have growing up.
When people ask me about coming out, I have to say that I never really had to. I wish it could be this way for all young people. I never experienced the emotional trauma and fear of rejection that most gay kids go through.
I think this young mans parents are more worried about their neighbors finding out than their sons emotional health,how can a parent disown their child for being gay,i hope this young man gets far away from his parents when he is 18,and makes a good life for himself,maybe when his parents are old and gray and in need of help, i hope he returns the same favor and has shady pines on speed dial.
Someone should get him for child abuse