Conversion therapy has time and time again come up with data that proves it does not work.
Tantamount among the proof that it does not work are its leaders, doctors, and advocates—often gay men themselves—who later on in life embrace their sexuality.
One recent addition to this list is Randy Thomas, the former Vice President and spokesperson for Exodus International which was active from 1976 until 2013.
Thomas, in a tearful interview with Truth Wins Out, acknowledged the group's and his personal betrayal of the LGBTQ+ community and announced he was about to get married—to another man.
Former 'ex-gay' lobbyist to 'marry a dude': The Randy Thomas Storyyoutu.be
Thomas, who was born in Tennessee, turned to Exodus International after being thrown out of his home for being gay, which he describes as "one of the most traumatic experiences" of his life.
After being the victim of an anti-gay hate-crime, he began to search for support, which he says Exodus International (EI) offered—though, with a terrible price.
"The false sense of community and acceptance that I experienced there was the first time I'd ever really felt accepted."
"It did not take long after I joined … to kind of put on the identity of being a former homosexual."
"And I found my voice, and I shared my story, and people were crying and sharing how impactful it was."
Thomas went on to say he was "very sorry" for the harm groups like Exodus International caused the LGBTQ+ community, such as advocating for conversion therapy and lobbying GOP politicians to pass legislation to restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens of the United States.
"In the ex-gay world, cognitive dissonance is an everyday way of life, and you're taught how to respond to the dissonance with words of faith, like 'I struggle but this is my cross to bear, this is the thorn in my side, this is what all honest Christians have to put up with'."
"So even though you know in your heart that it's not working, you're not changing, there's an excuse for it."
Thomas is now fully against the values he once claimed to stand for:
"It is a lie to say you cannot be a happy, healthy, whole and faithful LGBTQ person…"
"In your heart of hearts, embrace who you are, and that's where your freedom is."
Thomas will soon marry his partner, Dan Scobey.
Exodus International's downfall came about when president Alan Chambers denounced his own organization and apologized to the LGBTQ+ community for the "pain and hurt" Exodus caused.
The founder of the group, Michael Bussee, left the group in 1979 and began dating another leader, named Gary Cooper.
He later said:
"I never saw one of our members or other Exodus leaders or other Exodus members become heterosexual, so deep down I knew that it wasn't true."
Other former members have also been critical of the group.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community are safe from organizations like Exodus International, for now.
Hopefully our model of the world going forward includes acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
