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07/28/2005
CNN reports on 'ex-gay' camp; 'Unicorn farm' story next?
Last night's edition of Paula Zahn Now featured a report on the Love In Action "ex-gay" camp, or as we like to call it, "bullsh*t farm." The big "success story" of the piece was "graduate" Ben Marshall, who Love In Action has trotted out in other reports, such as last week's July 17 NY Times feature. Some highlights from Ben's statements:
On the "success" of his 8-month LIA stay:
B. MARSHALL: There is that lust that's still there. It's subsiding. I don't know that it will ever go away altogether. But it's not nearly as strong as it used to be. I don't go to the same places in my head that I used to.
Asked if he's gay:
B. MARSHALL: I have trouble with the word gay, period, because that is a label, and I don't necessarily think anyone is clearly heterosexual or homosexual.
Asked about his future possibilities of a wife and children:
B. MARSHALL: I think it's possible. I think I'm attracted to women enough right now that it can eventually develop into a relationship. I know I'm capable of that. If it don't get that, that's fine. Celibacy is an option for me right now.
Oy Vey! So what could possibly lead Ben to his current state of negative feelings and non-acceptance towards his sexuality? Well, when Ben initially "came out" as gay:
FEYERICK (reporter): His parents, Sharon and Larry, didn't like it at all.
LARRY MARSHALL, FATHER OF BEN: I had had enough as a parent, and I felt that, with my beliefs and with my rights, that this is the way it's going to be.
FEYERICK (reporter): Sharon packed up the family camper, leaving Pensacola, Florida, driving Ben eight hours to Tennessee.
SHARON MARSHALL, MOTHER OF BEN: And I said, OK, Lord, we're going to go to Memphis.
Who do you blame when a kid's forced to adjust?
Told his feelings are false and nothing but lust
Blaming the kids is a lie and a shame
You know exactly who's to blame....
The mother and the father
Oompa Loompa Doomadeedo...
Paula Zahn Now' Transcript - 7/27/05 [CNN.com]
