John Smid and me-Graduation 1998 (above) & John Smid today (left) By now many have heard that Tennessee's Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities determined that the "ex-gay" program, Love in Action, is operating two “unlicensed mental health supportive living facilities”. LIA has until Friday, September 23 to respond. If LIA statements in Eartha Jane Melzer's article are indicative to how the "change" program might respond, we may see LIA change right before our eyes from a clinical mental health compound into a house of praise and worship. Gerard Wellman, business administrator for Love in Action, and a former Love in Action client, said Sept. 13 that the organization has been in contact with the state but would not comment further. “As a church, we operate under a different set of rules,” Wellman said. Curious, and what rules might these be? What is even more curious is that according to LIA's site only one staff member ...
Musings of Peterson Toscano, an ex-gay survivor and creator of Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House, Transfigurations: Transgressing Gender in the Bible, and Bubble and Squeak podcast.

Comments
I know it's disappointing to you, but please be gentle with yourself, OK?
One of the things I agree with ex-gay leaders about is that guys need good, supportive, non-sexual friendships. Maybe that's what you can work on with Stuart, especially since it sounds like things were dysfunctional for you two as a couple.
All the best.
Marvin, I don't know what to say. Do you still love Stuart? Do you think maybe Stuart still loves you?
All right, you gave in to temptation. Everyone does. That's why dieting is so f#!@ing hard =) So, you gave into temptation *once* w/ the gay thing...if you believe it's wrong, then just try not to do it again. Christianity is supposed to be about redemption, right? Everyone sins; the question is whether or not you redeem yourself.
Wait, I was supposed to be gloating, wasn't I? F@$&! Maybe next time.
But don't beat yourself up!! Things happen when they do because they are supposed to. Perhaps you and Stuart should plan on spending a little time together...not in a situation where it will turn...well, you know...but rollerblading or something. Get to know him again! Maybe it's time!
j.
Months late, but there it is.
Valorie from just outside of Seattle Washington
mother of a gay son and 3 straight kids too