http://www.townhall.com/columnists/ryanzempel/rz20041001.shtml
It really is elementary: Ex-gays exist Ryan Zempel October 1, 2004 A 22-year-old man stands before a classroom of middle schoolers, describing how he came out as a homosexual and going so far as to declare, "there are gay students in this classroom." The young man is Noe Gutierrez, Jr., and the scene is one from "It's Elementary," an award-winning 1996 video (widely aired in 1999) which aims to give "practical lessons on how to talk with kids about gay people." You won't find that scene in Gutierrez's latest video, however. Although he requested permission to use it, producer/director Debra Chasnoff turned him down. Apparently, she doesn't want schoolchildren knowing what's happened since then. You see, Gutierrez is no longer gay. Neither are the four others -- three women and one man -- featured in the new video "I Do Exist." A 52-minute documentary, "I Do Exist" utilizes the stories of those five ex-gays to demonstrate that change is possible for those with same-sex attractions. The video also includes remarks from 2 psychologists -- Dr. Warren Throckmorton of Grove City College (the video's producer) and Dr. Mark Yarhouse of Regent University -- who challenge the popular misconception that homosexuality is hardwired. They do so by citing a seemingly unlikely source -- an American Psychiatric Association (APA) fact sheet on sexual orientation: Some people believe that sexual orientation is innate and fixed; however, sexual orientation develops across a person's lifetime... To date, there are no replicated scientific studies supporting any specific biological etiology (meaning cause), of homosexuality.... Similarly, no specific psychosocial (or life circumstances) or family dynamics cause for homosexuality has been identified. Declaring that the cause of homosexuality is therefore "something of a scientific mystery," Throckmorton contends that "homosexual attractions are caused by different factors for different people." Yarhouse gets more specific, crediting a "weighted interaction" between genetics, prenatal hormonal mechanisms, parent-child relationships, childhood sexual abuse, and disinhibition about sexual relationships. He also details five stages that mark the emergence of a gay identity and argues that experiences of same-sex attraction do not mean a person is gay. These somewhat academic explanations are interspersed with comments from the five ex-gays portrayed, whose experiences illustrate the points made. To make its primary point -- that gays can change -- the video then adds psychiatrist Robert Spitzer of Columbia University to the mix. Dr. Spitzer, who is well known as one who originally got homosexuality removed from the APA's list of mental disorders in 1973, has since conducted research convincing him that people can change from gay to straight -- "more than how they view themselves, but in their fantasy and their arousal." While the video continues with further anecdotes and assertions regarding the possibility of change for homosexuals, it notably makes no suggestion that homosexuals should change. Instead, it simply argues that they can if they wish to. In this, one might falsely assume they have a message that is inoffensive to the gay community. Spitzer, however, describes the severe criticism his study faced and attributes such reactions to gay activists who feel that their political goals are threatened by any suggestion that homosexuals can change. This video is extremely informative, but therein lies its biggest problem. The video simply tries to do too much. Its primary point is simply that ex-gays exist -- that change is possible for those who wish to do so -- and it does present this effectively. Beyond that, however, it makes various tangential points which, while individually important, seem intended to address too many audiences. Indeed, the video's insert recommends it for such disparate audiences as college classes, ex-gay support groups, seminaries, youth groups, and diversity awareness workshops. A more narrowly tailored focus would have been to its benefit. Despite these disappointments, however, this documentary is the best of its kind, simply by virtue of the fact that it's the only one of its kind. It merits watching if only because its message is not one you'll hear elsewhere. The existence of ex-gays remains one of the biggest untold stories today. Generally ignored by the media, ex-gays are often shouted down by gay activists when they try to raise their voices. They are misunderstood by both a secular society that largely accepts homosexuality and a religious world that largely doesn't. But they won't remain closeted forever. This documentary is simply chapter one in a story that's just beginning to unfold. Ryan Zempel is the News & Politics Editor of Townhall.com Do ex-gays exist? This fascinating look into the lives of five former homosexuals answers many contemporary questions surrounding the possiblity of change. Inspirational from start to finish, this documentary describes the process of how people identify themselves as gay and then how a transition to a new heterosexual life is possible. "I Do Exist" demonstrates that change involves more than self-definition. Those who tell their story on this film describe profound reorientation of sexual and personal feelings leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and satisfaction. Supplementing the personal stories of change are the observations of psychiatrist Dr. Robert Spitzer, psychology professors Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Dr. Warren Throckmorton and ex-gay advocate Arthur Goldberg. These noted experts give the viewer thought provoking perspectives on the controversial issues surrounding transition of personal sexuality. "I Do Exist" inspires and educates concerning one of the most talked about issues of our time. Running Time: 48 Minutes, Audience: Adults/teens Format: DVD & VHS Produced by: Warren Throckmorton Directed by: Jim Kragel Original Music by Warren Throckmorton, Jim Kragel & Sonia Vannest Written by Warren Throckmorton Art Direction & Cover Design by Rex Kilian IDOEXIST.NET TRUTHCOMESOUT.COM ©2004 Warren Throckmorton Synopsis of the Film: The film opens with people on the street giving their opinion about the potential for sexual orientation change. The scene changes to Columbus, OH and the debate over same sex marriage. The film then moves into a segment demonstrating how our participants came to experience same sex attractions and identify as gay. Drs. Yarhouse and Throckmorton provide analysis of the current views of cause for same sex attractions and identity. Dr. Spitzer summarizes his research and his skepticism that the organized mental health establishment will recognize such change. Noe' Gutierrez talks about his experiences on the film, "It's Elementary." He described his problems with how the film seems to point kids toward seeing themselves as gay if they feel different in some way. The next segment provides both personal and professional commentary on change of sexuality. The film wraps up with suggestions to the church, schools and community. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar. Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/WfTolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Group Site: http://www.gaybombay.info ========================== NEW CLASSIFIEDS SECTION SEEKING FRIENDS? 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