Friday, November 24, 2006
(Camp leader, Justin Lookadoo)Truth Wins Out strongly condemned a new
"ex-gay" Summer camp today as possibly coercive, mentally destructive and harmful to vulnerable youth.
"Exodus International has a disturbing track record of forcing youth against their will into bootcamps and we are concerned that teens will also be coerced into this summer camp," said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. "This is life imitating art, as a the movie 'But I'm a Cheerleader ' is now about to become reality with this odd camp."
Indeed, one of the camp's bizarre leaders is Justin Lookaboo and another is ex-gay spokesman Alan Chambers. TWO will investigate this camp and work to free youth from these puritanical prisons disguised as "summer camps."
53 Comments:
Ah yes, another snake charmer comes down the pike. If "Justin Lookaboo" can turn gay kids straight, my name is Don Knotts.
posted by , at
11/24/2006 5:14 PM
In reading the website for this new threat, I am not sure if it is an ex-gay boot camp, like LIA here in Memphis, to 'straighten out' teens. The operation sounds worse. They sound like the trainers/facilitators for the next batch of ex-gay ministries--creating minions loyal to Exodus at the expense of GLBT teens and adults.
posted by , at
11/24/2006 6:25 PM
Yeah, I can't determine what it's "goal" is by the website.
posted by , at
11/24/2006 7:26 PM
It really is too bad that we can't start setting up deprogramming camps for evangelicals who need to be guided from their own sinful lifestyle of demonization, greed, persecution of others and dominionism.
After all, that lifestyle is obviously not only destructive but one of choice.
posted by , at
11/24/2006 8:35 PM
By looking at the photo, he looks as queer as a $3 doller bill, I wonder if he'll put on any drag performances for the teens?
Ken
posted by , at
11/24/2006 9:54 PM
It's so strange... no where on the website do I find anything even mentioning gay youth. I am confused about where this information is coming from. Is it simply b/c Alan Chambers has endorsed the camp? I can't seem to find the place in which it mentions him as one of the "leaders." Since your program is called "TRUTH wins out," maybe you should spend at least a second finding out what this camp is about before bashing it. I mean, if you don't like being considered hypocrites that is, if you are cool with that, then by all means, please continue bashing something you have no clue what it is about. I can tell you from first hand knowledge this camp has nothing to do with gay youth. *NEWS FLASH* - not EVERYTHING is about you.
posted by Janna, at
11/24/2006 10:25 PM
I've seen at least a dozen anti-gay sites that don't openly broadcast their views and practices on their website, to the point where you can't even tell what they are from their site.
posted by , at
11/25/2006 12:14 AM
The website openly acknowledges this group's affiliation with Exodus Youth and links to their site. It says the counselors are trained in the ways of Exodus to deal with sexual issues should they arise.
It may not be specifically geared toward gay people, but it's obvious that any gay kids attending it will be under the supervision of people who are getting their facts and ethics (or lack thereof) from Exodus International.
And that makes it dangerous.
posted by , at
11/25/2006 3:32 AM
Go look at how this guy is posing in this picture from his own website: http://www.lookadoo.com/411.htm
Um, he is supposed to resolve sexual identity issues for youth...?
posted by , at
11/25/2006 7:16 AM
LOL--even though he hasnt taken his pants off yet, he's still spreading his butt cheeks in anticipation. What a freudian photo--maybe he has the hots for Shrek, who has pride of place right under billy graham.
Gary (NJ)
posted by , at
11/25/2006 10:21 AM
Jana:
Exactly how stupid are you - or maybe you are just to ignorant to read? The camp is partnering with Exodus. Two of the major speakers are from Exodus.
Jesus, some people are just too hard headed and have no business posting their low IQ opinions on the Internet.
Paul D.
Arkansas
posted by , at
11/25/2006 12:20 PM
Wayne,
You and Rosie need to chill out. This camp has NOTHING to do with homosexuality. I regularly speak at youth events and share my testimony. It just so happens that Scott Davis is going with me to speak on healthy sexuality---remember that Scott isn't from a gay background.
Sorry, now you probably won't get any funding from donors to protest this event.
Alan
posted by , at
11/25/2006 2:35 PM
Alan,
A little clarification... If "This camp has NOTHING to do with homosexuality", then why is it's only partner Exodus Youth.
Is Exodus branching out to do not-gay related things (other than politics)?
posted by Timothy Kincaid, at
11/25/2006 4:30 PM
Alan, and you need to stop lying.
You're not there to talk about "healthy sexuality". Nobody would consult you, of all people, on that subject.
Here's what you're actually there to do:
"He offers unique insight into how homosexuality personally affects individuals and the broader culture. Alan will share advice and training with youth workers at camp to teach them how to address this epidemic issue."
That's the speakers profile that Alan Chambers has -- at a camp that "has NOTHING to do with homosexuality".
At one level, though, Alan's response is a typical half-truth; hiding a basic deceitfulness.
Any appearance by Exodus proof of ANTI-homosexuality at work, rather than a discussion about homosexuality per se.
As for Exodus Youth??? You mean the organisation that continues to lovingly quote the work of Paul Cameron on their website?
posted by grantdale, at
11/25/2006 5:25 PM
Alan Chambers plans on showing up yet says the event has "NOTHING" to do with homosexuality. Yeah, right. And Jeffrey Dahmer was a vegetarian.
posted by , at
11/25/2006 6:14 PM
Why are the authorities not investigating and shutting down these dangerous so-called ex-gay organizations. Every REPUTABLE mental health organization has denounced them. It is nothing more than cult-like religious brainwashing. The damage done to families by these sick organizations is immeasurable, they really ought to face criminal abuse charges. And Chambers, if you're reading this, stop the charade and be an honest man. Your spiteful fundamentalist pettiness comes through in almost everything you say. You are unbelievable. There is nothing wrong with being a healthy well adjusted gay man or woman. You always fail to mention the millions of happy, partnered, healthy gay people. Why is that I wonder? I suggest that you get some counseling from reputable sources and learn to accept yourself. Check out Soulforce for some insight into reconciling being who you really are with your faith and stay away from greedy, hypocritical frauds like James Dobson. Please do us a favour, stop doing everything in your power to demonize healthy gay people and leave us the hell alone. Also, stay away from vulnerable gay youth, they have enough problems dealing with prejudiced, backwards, twisted attitudes and abuse than dealing with your telling them they are unworthy as gay people. The gay community is fed up with the ex-gay fraud.
posted by , at
11/25/2006 8:15 PM
Looks like a good program for some.
posted by , at
11/25/2006 9:38 PM
The mental health organizations do not call them dabgerous if an individual chooses to go. When a minor child is forced then the mental helath organizations call them dangerous.
posted by , at
11/25/2006 10:39 PM
Anonymous:
I suggest you do a little research:
From the APA website:
"...many of the claims come from organizations with an ideological perspective which condemns homosexuality. Furthermore, their claims are poorly documented. For example, treatment outcome is not followed and reported overtime as would be the standard to test the validity of any mental health intervention.
The American Psychological Association is concerned about such therapies and their potential harm to patients. In 1997, the Association's Council of Representatives passed a resolution reaffirming psychology's opposition to homophobia in treatment and spelling out a client's right to unbiased treatment and self-determination. Any person who enters into therapy to deal with issues of sexual orientation has a right to expect that such therapy would take place in a professionally neutral environment absent of any social bias."
posted by , at
11/26/2006 12:54 AM
Ummm, that man does not look like someone I'd be comfortable leaving a child with, no matter his religious views.
He just looks a little ... freaky.
posted by , at
11/26/2006 1:38 AM
People--HELLO???? This is one of the biggest QUEENS to come down the pike in years. His favorite singers are Ricky Martin and Michael Jackson, and what's with that "look at my ass" shot on his website? And with a name like Lookaboo, well, it just invites peals of laughter...
posted by , at
11/26/2006 9:03 AM
Ricky Martin? Michael Jackson? The "look at my ass" shot on his website? Lookaboo? Hello????
posted by , at
11/26/2006 9:04 AM
From his photo here, and from his website, I don't think Mr. Lookadoo would get a look-in at "Love In Action" of Memphis Tennessee.
Since participants in that "ministry" (they dropped all pretention to therapy when the state asked them to produce a license) are told to spurn and eschew anything that seems "gay", I fear Mr. Lookadoo's oddly highlighted hair would have to change.
And when they go through his luggage, as is their practice, why, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they found - gasp! - DESIGNER UNDERWEAR!
posted by , at
11/26/2006 9:58 AM
Upon further reflection, I cannot but feel that Mr. Lookadoo's underwear ought to be gone into thoroughly......
Parents of vulnerable youths have a right to know......
posted by , at
11/26/2006 10:02 AM
Research bcwaterboy? Huh. Maybe since you are so good at it, then maybe you could try a little more. Has ANYONE actually tried to contact the person in charge of the camp, which if I am reading the website correctly is not Lookadoo, Chambers or anyone else associated with Exodus? Have we requested more information to find out if the camp really is for gay teens or that it's really just that Exodus just approves the camp as a fellow Christian? Look, I'm not supporting the camp, b/c I don't know enough about it, but my point is just that it seems like everyone is jumping to a LOT of conclusions about what this camp is about without even asking the person in charge. I thought we didn't like it when people jumped to conclusions about us? Why are we then jumping to the same conclusions about them? It might very well be that it IS a camp for gay teens - I don't know, but the point is, neither do any of you, unless you have actually found out. I mean, don't Christian youth go to camps about dating all the time? Don't straight youth struggle with issues too? Or are we so narrowminded (the exact thing that we all hate) as to say that only we as gays struggle with these issues? I'm confused, why are we all trying to pull a double standard? Let investigate first, then deal with it after we find out. And I feel that it's a potiental stretch to possibly say that someone posting on this blog is "ignorant" or "stupid" simply b/c they have a different veiw. I'm sure that there will be plenty of bashing of me for saying this, but hey... I've been getting it all my life. I just thought that maybe we should find out exactly what's going on, so that we don't end up looking really dumb if the camp really does turn out to have nothing to do with gays.
posted by , at
11/26/2006 7:47 PM
Anonymous at 7:47, the association shown on the homepage of the camp, with "Exodus" and Mr. Alan Chambers must surely be suggestive.
Notably, Mr Chambers posted himself to this thread, and that would certainly have been an opportunity for him to make clear exactly what the purpose of the association is, and what the role of "Exodus" is in relation to the camp. He failed to do so, although he said that the camp has nothing to do with homosexuality.
However, I guess you are right, that definite specific details about this camp are unknown. Perhaps this will be clarified in due course.
posted by , at
11/26/2006 9:37 PM
Dear Alan Chambers;
I attended an Exodus event at a local suburban church. The event was moved to the offices of another church that had been originally the sponsor had a conflict - one of their members had been killed in Iraq. Fred Phelps planned to picket with his 'God Hates Fags' signs. The church quickly declined to host the event. I believe that when you understand the irrationality of people who hate you want to get away from it as rapidly as any gay people.
When I arrived at the Exodus 'event' there was a slender man and someone who looked like a minister in the entry. The minister said hello and shook my hand. The slender man took a long and brazen look at my crotch, then smiled enthusiastically, said hello, and shook my hand. (I've been in a committed monogamous relationship with my partner for 12 years and find cruising like this to be strange.) I thought, amazing, there will be some gay people here who believe that they are loved by Jesus Christ. This should be interesting instead of the usual psychological dramas and twisting of the message of Jesus - embrace the stranger, hang out with the oppressed of the day.
Lo and behold, the slender guy who cruised me was Scott Davis! At the end of the grueling lecture by Scott and his group - no breaks, no snacks, no coffee or water, no Q&A until the end when everyone just wanted to get some food - I hugged Mr. Davis who was very pleased that I would hug him, and pressed up against me.
It's so sad to have to witness and endure the soul crushing that these people have bought into when love is all around them. All they notice is sex when they see gay men. It's very disturbing, as are their very opaque and expert propanganda, framing, and marketing. It's amazing that gay people are allowed any rights considering the way gay groups are outspent 10 to 1 by these paranoid folks.
At the end of the workshop I spoke with a woman whose son is gay. She was despondent that he had rejected her and her church. She was unsure if he was going to hell, but certain that he was drifting away from her. I encouraged her to attend a welcoming and affirming church as a way to meet him halfway - show him that she was open to finding her faith with people who have rejected fear and judgement in place of the loving of Jesus example. She knew nothing about these churches. I hope she went and pray for her family. She needs to hear, as do many, people of faith, a message of reason and love, not just the pseudo-love of people like Exodus.
Dan
posted by , at
11/26/2006 10:14 PM
Dan,
That's an interesting story.
I had not heard that Scott Davis "struggled with same-sex attractions", per se. His online testimony only indicates that he was a "friend to many young men who struggled with unwanted same-sex attraction". So I wonder if perhaps you misunderstood his crotch stare.
I never have been quite sure how he qualifies to bring Exodus' message to same-sex attracted youth.
Well, unless gay youth are not their target after all, as I sometimes suspect. Some of their efforts seem much more directed to reinforcing anti-gay attitudes among straight Christian youth and in fighting a trend amoung straight youth towards acceptance and equality.
posted by Timothy Kincaid, at
11/26/2006 10:52 PM
Anonymous, just thought I'd point out a little detail for you. You posted incorrect information in regards to APA statements. I directed you to the source that verified that the APA does not endorse fraudulent "reparative" therapy or change in sexual orientation and in fact, finds it to make matters worse. I didn't mention the camp and you chose to ignore what I really said. I have no doubt from what I've read that this camp is part of the same old brainwashing BS. Do your part to stop it.
posted by , at
11/27/2006 9:24 AM
Timothy, at 10:52 you pointed out re. Mr Scott Davis:
"His online testimony only indicates that he was a "friend to many young men who struggled with unwanted same-sex attraction"."
Yes, well, it's so much nicer to be a friend to the young, isn't it - they're so much more attractive than the middle-aged or elderly........
posted by , at
11/27/2006 11:40 AM
Timothy;
The whole day with Scott Davis was truly strange. I wrote a detailed report on it and saved it. It's not that the crotch stare was apparent it was the first thing he looked at when I first made eye contact. The minister didn't check out my crotch, neither did anyone else but one other presenter.
I have a feeling that most women would know what I'm talking about - guys checking out the goods. Lots of gay people who have far better 'gaydar' would know it in a minute. I'm usually somewhat aware of who might be gay and who is not. What surprised me was how blatant this was.
On top of that there was no ability to question the slanted pseudo-science. The theme of the day was control. There was no opportunity to ask about the validity of their science, scripture, or theology. I always wonder which Jesus Christ is being discussed. It doesn't seem anything like the Jesus I've read. He's been rebranded by a relentless campaign funded with big money. Mega-churches have become an echo chamber, not a place of revelation. Conservative Christianity attempts to be a bulwark against the rapid change that society is experiencing as the internet brings the world, or a slice of it, to hundreds of millions of americans. Having someone empathize with that fear, and then claim that the solution to their fear is to keep people from being gay, return women to subservient roles, and demonize Muslims is an effective strategy but cannot build a movement. It can only build a reaction that will run its course.
The other theme was that, outside of the people from the church staff and Exodus, there were only 40 people in attendance. Since the original sponsoring church discovered how frightening anti-gay hysteria can be the attendance dropped.
We need to encourage gay people who have carved out lives of love, and who contribute to society, to speak out and be visible. Until that happens gay people will be marginalized, only the most extreme will represent us. It reminds me of Martin Luther King Jr. - the silence of the good people was worse than the attacks of people opposed to civil rights. We need a good guys and good gays movement, and broadening that movement to include everyone marginalized by the extremist leadership that has rebranded the words of Jesus Christ.
Dan
posted by , at
11/27/2006 3:19 PM
Dan,
Thanks for the follow up. I hope anyone else who has been cruised by Davis will comment.
Phil,
Yes, well, it's so much nicer to be a friend to the young, isn't it - they're so much more attractive than the middle-aged or elderly........
hey, now, that's not true. I just had my 43rd birthday this past weekend and I'm every bit as... well, almost as... some people think I'm... oh, never mind!!!
;)
posted by Timothy Kincaid, at
11/27/2006 3:27 PM
Dan:
Please contact me at wbesen@truthwinsout.org so I can learn more about your interaction with Mr. Davis.
Wayne Besen
www.TruthWinsOut.org
posted by Wayne Besen, at
11/27/2006 3:29 PM
I'm 42 and well kept, I work out at gym, take great care of my self.
I never got into drugs, and drink very little, I look quite attractive for 42.
I have seen some who are much younger but look older.
posted by , at
11/27/2006 4:12 PM
Timothy Kincaid, as I turned 49 last month, I am fully in sympathy.
Great doyenne of reportage photography, Eve Arnold, once said "Something happens to flesh after fifty". I'm afraid it's already beginning......
Anonymous at 4:12: I know, I know. I was really just making a point about how these "ex-gay" guys like Chad Thomson etc seem to like to hang around with nice-lookin' young men.
(And for what it's worth, I was unequivocally, unmistakeably cruised some weeks ago on two separate occasions in the staff coffee room by a handsome intern of about 21. Even at my advanced age and state of decrepitude.......)
posted by , at
11/27/2006 5:29 PM
Well, I am 37 and I've always had a thing for older men. There is something to be said for wisdom, maturity, security, experience, etc.
But I digress. Back on topic, I feel this is another brainwashing bible thumping kid camp. Outfits like this scare the hell out of me. It reminds me too much of Hitler Youth. At what point does one of these kids decide that God wants him to blow up an abortion clinic or a gay bar. These camps are militant in their teachings and they prey on the most innocent of minds. And since it is endorsed by Exodus, there will be an element of "shame on the homos." But then, most of these camps contain that element. Parents are homeschooling their kids, sending them to militant bible camps, then sending them to militant bible colleges. At what point will their eyes become opened?
posted by jekelhyde, at
11/27/2006 7:03 PM
OMG. We are not all lunatics. Just as there are some crazy gays there are also crazy so called christians who do blow up things. Geeez.
posted by , at
11/27/2006 8:19 PM
OMG, I'm a crazy gay christian who doesn't blow up anything. Geez.
(Tongue in cheek paraphrasing satire.)
My point is that most of these teen Bible camps are very militant in nature. If you are not crazy, good for you. But if you tell an impressionable mind that homosexuality is an abominination worthy of death, how is that mind capable of discerning between symbolism and a mandate? The mob mentality scenario comes to mind. And although that might not be the intention, it could very well be the outcome.
posted by jekelhyde, at
11/27/2006 8:44 PM
Have you actually been there when they said homosexuality is worthy of death?? They may think it is a sin. And some think that those who have sin will only find death instead of eternal life when they physically die. Ummmm, that would put us all in that boat.
posted by , at
11/28/2006 2:41 AM
I really don't understand why so many people, including Wayne, keep saying that we shouldn't allow these people to work their snake oil tactics on people who don't volunteer.
Kids would NEVER "volunteer" without the preaching, abuse, harassment and bullying of family and "friends". Does that mean we're OK with a 15 or 16 year old kid who "volunteers" for this "therapy" because they feel suicidal, oppressed, hated and shamed by OTHER people's imposed bigotry?
Would we allow people who are dying of cancer and desperate for help to be taken advantage of by snake oil salesmen who claim they can pray away the disease and con them out of their money with false hopes? Would we allow THIS to be inflicted on young cancer patients if they "volunteered" for it?
Hell, would we allow sick and desperate adults to be PREYED upon by charlatans with absolutely NO scientific evidence to back up their claims?
I really wish Wayne and others would stop saying that this bogus “therapy” should be available for those who seek it. This falls under the practice of psychiatry/psychology which requires licensing and HEAVY regulation. A person practicing psychology would have his/her license taken away if they were to scam patients like this. Why do we give these nuts a free pass.
We should be demanding that these con-artists be shut down entirely. If people want this sort of treatment they can go to Haiti where Voodoo practitioners are legal and accepted as valid. Here in THIS country psychology and magic are not supposed to be interchangeable.
posted by , at
11/28/2006 10:09 AM
All of this 'ex-gay' flapdoodle reminds me of the fact that clitoridectomy--usually described as if were solely a Muslim practice--was done in this country too in the late 19th to early-20th century! Doctors (all male, needless to say) sanctioned the practice to cure ladies of 'self-abuse'. Ladies frequently demanded it themselves as a cure for their 'sinful' desires.
I don't see subjecting even a willing participant to this 'ex-gay' twaddle any less cruel and absurd, no matter how much its practictioners like to delude themselves that they are 'helping' people. Thank God (literally!) it usually fails.
Although Christians need to have their noses rubbed in their hypocrisy and cruelty; I doubt very much they can be argued into accepting gays and lesbians for who they are. In my experience, trying to reason with a fundamentalist is like writing on water. People either grow out of childish beliefs or they don't.
"Only savages destroy what they do not understand."
posted by , at
11/28/2006 10:18 AM
The last couple of posts prompt me to mention something I've been thinking about for a while.
I wonder if it would be worth sounding the Quackwatch people out about adding NARTH and reparative therapy to their excellent site www.quackwatch.com
The basis for doing this would be the CLINICAL claims of people like NARTH. Mind you, these usually crumble when pressed. Look at how Love in Action in Tennessee immediately dropped all claims to therapy and rebadged themselves a Ministry, when the state asked them to produce a licence in relation to clinical practice!
posted by , at
11/28/2006 12:56 PM
Anonymous at 2:41 am,
Leviticus 20:13
If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.
Most of these camps, and no I cannot attest to this particular camp. But most of these camps are Fundementalist bible worshiping groups who take the King James version of the bible as law. Knowing how most fundamentalist christians feel about the homosexual community, this is a verse they would generally stress.
I'll give you an example: A kid of about 15 who used to frequent a gay christian chat room that I also frequented was convinced that he was gay because he had an encounter with another boy. I told him that he might not necessarily be gay and that he needed to discover himself and understand what lies beneath. Shortly thereafter, he actually got a girlfriend, but he continued to come to the room to see how everyone was doing and to chat (the room maintained clean chat at all times, because kids did tend to come in.) He attended one of these camps. THe next time he came into the room, it was to tell us all that we were horrible people and "if you get run over by a truck tomorrow, no big loss."
Haggard was the star of a news documentary regarding one of these camps. They also did the "condemn to die the gays" bit.
I could challange you to enter one of these camps, just one, and see for yourself. I am not a betting man, but I would bet my hands on the outcome.
posted by jekelhyde, at
11/28/2006 6:33 PM
From the Lookaboo Website (http://www.lookadoo.com/411.htm) :
"Find Out What His Closet Friends & Family Don't Even Know: .."
"Closet" friends and family?
Is someone (the fundies) being scammed here?
-SharonB
posted by , at
11/28/2006 6:57 PM
Alex, I think you are thinking of Richard Cohen. He's the pillow-whacking guy.
posted by , at
11/29/2006 1:24 PM
Is it just me or does that picture of Lookaboo look like a troll doll?
posted by jekelhyde, at
11/30/2006 1:01 PM
It isn't just you.
posted by , at
11/30/2006 5:04 PM
Thanks Phil. I thought I was having a 70's flashback.
posted by jekelhyde, at
11/30/2006 8:44 PM
Does he put a collander on his head, them pull strands through the holes and gel them? Just asking.
posted by , at
12/01/2006 2:09 PM
I don't know, but I can't think of any other way to get those highlights.
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