Commenters have noticed that I removed the direct navigation links to the few active exgay blogs on the Net.
First, a reassurance: I will continue to discuss fresh exgay blog entries that seem pertinent, and I welcome unsolicited tips or comments about them via e-mail.
However, two web traffic monitoring services indicated to me that some of the exgay blogs received a disproportionate share of their visitors via XGW. And none of the blogs returned the favor.
One XGW reader suggested that a permanent, unqualified navlink — of
the sort that exists in a navigation bar — implies some degree of
endorsement. I agreed — somewhat: Links to anonymous web sites that
lack accountability or that regularly publish unsubstantiated and false claims should be
clearly identified as such.
So I dropped the permanent navigation links for now.
If an exgay author wishes to receive a permanent and unqualified
link from another web site, then I think it’s reasonable for a would-be
referrer to request some modest gestures of accountability and good
will. Specifically:
- The author must be identified. Anonymity suggests, at minimum,
a lack of accountability… and sometimes a lack of integrity. - The author must not only permit but welcome an open exchange of views.
- The author must establish a pattern of accurate, honest and
responsible writing: Assertions about other persons or groups should be
documented from reliable sources — not circular links within the echo
chamber of the political religious right. Generalizations should be
avoided. Blame-shifting, stereotyping, and strawman argumentation are
no-nos. - Exgay mistakes and moral offenses should be proactively
acknowledged — not ignored or suppressed. Whistleblowers should be
thanked, not ridiculed.
If an active exgay blog meets these criteria, then I would be very interested in reviewing it.
Good for you! These people are frauds, they prey on the weak and vulnerable, they peddle slander and hate and yet always try to play the victim. They have millions of dollars and the federal government to promote themselves, they did not need your website. I’m also glad that you kept the link to Yestergay. Some of the stories there are pretty crappy (I hope people who go there eventually post true stories and less of the cheesy pseudo-porn) but the guy who runs the site is not a wingnut and supports gay causes, pro-gay political candidates, etc.