Meet Kevin Gage

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Kevin got kidnapped. In the middle of the night he was taken out of his house and flown to Fiji. There he was stripped, had his head shaved, and kept captive for the better part of a year. Yet, it wasn't a crime. Rendition? Nope. An ex gay camp. This is what thousands of well meaning parents decide to do when their kids tell them they are gay.

This folks, is what I think of when I hear gays can change. I think of the utter sense of betrayal that kid must have felt. I think of the desperation to get out of that camp. Thankfully he is well now and living with a supportive couple.

I am beyond disappointed by the reactions of so many here at DU. I tried my best to change at one point in my life. As a person who has been sober for 7 years and has just lost close to 50 pounds I have to say I have will power. But I just couldn't change. It doesn't make me weak. It doesn't make me immoral. It doesn't make me anti-Christian.

Evidently more than a few of you think if I had tried just a little harder I could be a real, moral person deserving of being treated like everyone else. I just have to say I did my best. I can't say I will look at this place the same after these exchanges. I wish I could but I just can't. Just like I couldn't change no matter how much I wanted to then, or you want me to now.

[AtomicKitten]

1. the "pray the gay away" approach is as ignorant as it is reprehensible

[PDJane]

2. You are a fine and moral person just like everyone else.

There is nothing at all wrong with you or your orientation. I defy anyone who says that you can or should change. Moreover, why should you? There's room in the world for you.

The kind of action practiced on Kevin Gage is despicable. There is nothing well-meaning about it. It's torture, and it's wrong.

I don't "get" why anyone would consider homosexuality either a sin or curable.

[ccpup]

3. Get out of here!

Really? On DU?! Not that I doubt your experience one bit. I'm just beyond shocked that those on DU would ... well, THINK that way. I've always considered the Progressive and Democratic Community to be one of caring and being open to a wide diversity of people. It truly bothers me that you had an experience which runs counter to what I believe ... or believed, in this case.

You are simply perfect the way you are. With all your faults, with all your screw-ups and strengths, love and hate, impatience and wise, knowing intelligence, you are perfect.

[valerief]

4. Huh? Must have been the DU trolls who said that. The place is infested with them. nt

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5. kick

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6. one last kick

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7. kick

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8. kick