They say "sexual orientation … cannot be altered."
Meet Alan Chambers, an ex-gay man.
Fifteen years ago, Alan was living as a homosexual. Then he decided to change. Today he's married to a woman and a father of two.
"I was told by people in the gay community that I couldn't change, that there was no hope for that," says Alan. "But the truth is, in my experience, that people can come out of homosexuality."
For more stories about ex-gays, visit Exodus International.
Some people say ex-gays are an invention of the "Christian right." But this isn't just a church thing.
Others who've changed include:
- Anne Heche, actress — dated a woman, but is now married to a man
- Julie Cypher, actress — also dated a woman, but is now married to a man
- JoAnn Loulan, lesbian psychotherapist — fell in love with a man, appeared on Oprah and 20/20 to talk about this change.
Some gays still want to deny these people's existence! They base this denial on politically correct statements issued by mental health associations.
But there are a few brave scientists within these same associations who've dared to look at what the research says:
Meet Dr. Robert Spitzer.
Dr. Spitzer is a prominent member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). In fact, he was instrumental in the APA's controversial decision to stop classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973. But even Dr. Spitzer acknowledges gays can change -- although he adds it is probably extremely rare.
"Like most psychiatrists, I thought that homosexual behavior could be resisted, but that no one could really change their sexual orientation. I now believe that's untrue -- some people can and do change."
Problem is, most people have never heard this perspective — because political groups don't want you to know gays change.
But they do. And it's undeniable.
"Some people can and do change."
Dr. Robert Spitzer, Chief of Biometrics Research and Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University
