Author comes to Bloomington to discuss 'ex-gay myth'

Author Wayne Besen will be discussing his new book, "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth" at the Bloomington Unitarian Universalist Church tonight at 7 p.m. \nBesen's presentation will address the current ex-gay issue which he refutes in his book, that gays can be made straight. \nThe focus, however, will be on the history of the groups and the "bizarre techniques used by the ministries to illicit change," said Besen. \nDoug Bauder, coordinator of the IU Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender support services said he thinks the turn-out for tonight's event will spark more of an interest from people with straight and religious standpoints. \n"I don't think many people give credence into the ex-gay ministries. Most people already know that (it doesn't work)," Bauder said. \nThroughout his 52-city book tour, Besen will be discussing his book and offer more details into what conservative groups hope to gain in their most recent campaign against gays. \nBesen said his interest in writing a book about the ex-gay myth arose when he learned he had helped people escape the ex-gay trap in the face of political campaigns to deny equal rights to gays and push the ex-gay ministries. \n"This issue is important because the Right Wing sees polls, and they believe sexual orientation is a casual choice. They don't support the gay community," Besen said. \nBesen has created a Web site focusing on his book tour, education about the ex-gay myth and more insight into his book. \n"This book is intended to educate people about (ex-gay ministries and reparative gay therapy) so they can make informed decisions armed with all the facts," according to www.anythingbutstraight.com. \nThe topics of Besen's book include in-depth interviews with ex-gay leaders, techniques used by ministries to "turn around" gays, a history of these ex-gay ministries and the history behind politicians and lobbyists who are trying to change laws while "lifting the dark veil of secrecy to let readers see what really goes on behind the scenes in the ex-gay movement," according to the book's Web site. \n"It is not about changing gay people, but laws that would protect us from discrimination," Besen said. "The Right Wing is trying to trick America into believing (homosexuality) is a casual choice when it is not." \n-- Contact staff writer Andrea Opperman at acopperm@indiana.edu.