Chris Tyler grew up in a devout Mormon family. In this podcast series (part one is below; the rest of the series can be accessed through his YouTube channel) he chronicles his time in ex-gay therapy and the subsequent process he went through in coming to a place of self-acceptance.
Chris’ whole story may go into more detail than some are interested in sitting through (the podcast is broken up into 14 ten-minute segments). Those who come from similar backgrounds (Mormon, evangelical or otherwise) will identify with the emotions he describes as he is first coming to grips with the reality of his attractions, as well as the arduous process he goes through as he gradually disentangles himself from the deeply ingrained fears that accompany the deeply conservative mindset he grew up with.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=g6jZ6WWLIVk
Hat tip: Good As You
I feel so bad for all the children who you all are destroying. Their confidence, self esteem, even their will to live is being affected by your bigotry. I hope everyone sees through your facade of being “god”s people. You’re nothing like god.
This piqued my eyes when I did a cursory scanning this morning and I noticed “Mormon” in the text. I have listened to this podcast and probably will take some time this weekend and attempt to listen to Mr. Tyler’s other audio postings when I’m not busy getting ready for Inspector General: Mother…(It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday and she is coming for brunch.)
You will notice a lot of recovering gay Mormons move out-of-State. It’s probably best. The culture and atmosphere is too oppressive for someone gay if family is nearby and they can monitor you. Being gay and living in a culture where everything that is not “family oriented” is categorized as evil can wear on you and that’s probably why Mr. Tyler moved to Seattle. But you can see where the Mormon culture is so pervasive in one’s life. Many people don’t understand the complete control and conformity that happens in a Mormon-centric culture.
I have a hard time calling the Mormon (LDS) Church a cult even with all my history and bitterness. I still will defend Saints I feel have been misunderstood or mischaracterized but there is a better life for ex-Mormon gays if they move on to another State or get out from the oppressive dogma in a Mormon family.
Yeah, sorry about the length of this recounting of my experience. Part of the problem is YouTube allows only 10 minute segments so you have to break things up.
Anyway, I felt it necessary to recount enough history and setup to allow for a proper context of my ‘reparative’ therapy experience. It’s hard in this day and age of sound-bite attention levels (like mine often is) but I think my story is probably similar to that of others if you listen through the series.
Hey,
Would it be a good idea to put former ex-gay videos and podcasts such as this one on godtube.com? Has it been tried? I think that would be a good audience to reach out to.
Do you think they would allow it? I haven’t explored godtube much but I was under the impression is not for those likely to question things.
Chris
I know very little about it but the name sounds hideous. I suppose the best thing is to just give it a try.
I will give it a try. Why not?
Chris
Ok, I went over and created a profile and posted the digest version. They say the videos have to be approved so we’ll see if I pass muster.
Chris
Approved??? Shades of the NARTH forum. Make sure to let us know, and post the link if it gets approved.
godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=62f8713dad21b9f9c457
Looks like it was approved.
Wow, I didn’t expect it would get approved. Looks like it was a good move.
Godtube is essentially a Christian version of Youtube. They state they’re nondenominational. There’s already disagreements in the comments about the issue of homosexuality, and they don’t seem to remove them.
Make sure you use gay and homosexuality keywords to attract the most amount of viewers. I think it also works this way on that site.
Happy your message went through there as well Christopher.