Gay Mormon In Heterosexual Marriage Is Actually An “Ex-Gay” Therapist
June 15, 2012 4:25 pm ET by Carlos Maza
Last Thursday, self-identified gay Mormon Josh Weed published a blog post in which he described having a “wonderful” and sexually fulfilling marriage with a woman despite being sexually attracted to men. The post quickly went viral, being picked up by a number of conservative news outlets and anti-gay organizations that heralded the story as proof that gay people can live happy heterosexual lives.
On Friday, however, Joe Jervis reported that Weed is actually an “ex-gay” therapist who specifically focuses on attempting to help people overcome their homosexuality.
Weed is a therapist at LifeSTAR Washington, which is described on its website as:
[A] three-phase treatment program aimed at helping individuals who struggle with pornography addiction and unwanted sexually compulsive behaviors. The phases of treatment build on one another providing a long-term and comprehensive approach to eliminating addictive/compulsive sexual behaviors.
On his LifeSTAR staff page, Weed is described as specializing in helping youth combat “unwanted sexual attractions or behaviors”:
As a therapist, Josh works with many people struggling with difficult life issues, but focuses his efforts mainly on adolescent and adult sexual addiction issues, with an emphasis on youth treatment. His work is dedicated to helping people combat patterns and beliefs that cause feelings of shame, hopelessness and despair. Josh also works helping those with sexual identity issues and unwanted sexual attractions and/or behaviors. Before transitioning to private practice, his clinical work revolved around his role at Kent Youth and Family Services, where he still performs Drug and Alcohol assessments. Josh particularly enjoys working with youth; helping them feel hope as they face many life challenges. [emphasis added]
The blog “Penitant Ex-Gay Mormon” tells the story of one man’s “journey into and out of homosexuality” through the LifeSTAR program. Several blog posts reference the man’s “ex-gay” treatment at LifeSTAR, including the creation of a “plan of action” for avoiding engaging in homosexual behavior:
- I will read 15 minutes of some sort of reflective reading each day. (psychological, self-help, philosophical, inspirational, etc.)
- I will write in my journal or one of my blogs every other day.
- I will pray three times each day, as per agreement with my Bishop.
- I will read my affirmations daily.
- I will meditate at least three times a week.
- I will read at least two chapters in the Book of Mormon each day, as per agreement with my Bishop.
- I will attend the twelve-step program my friend attends each week.
- I will support my friends in LifeStar at any time.
This form of treatment, of course, has been discredited by nearly every major professional medical organization in America. Unsurprisingly, the LifeSTAR blogger admits to “relapsing” into homosexuality several times during treatment.
Weed’s position as a practitioner of “ex-gay” therapy seriously changes the context of his comments about being able to live a happy and fulfilling life as a heterosexual. As Think Progress’s Zack Ford wrote:
Weed may very well love his wife and experience happiness, but fostering internalized homophobia in others proves that he is no ally to the LGBT community and calls into question his entire narrative.
Previously:
NOM Still Peddling The “Being Gay Is A Choice” Myth
NOM Begs Supporters To Oppose Bill Banning Reparative Therapy
