From School Library Journal some thoughts after the jump:
About 80 percent of Tennessee public schools use filtering software provided by Education Networks of America. The ACLU sued the Nashville and Knox school districts after a high school student discovered that the software’s default setting blocked sites categorized as LGBT, including the sites of many well-known LGBT organizations. However, the filter did not block access to Web sites that urge LGBT persons to change their sexual orientation or gender identity through so-called “reparative therapy” or “ex-gay” ministries—a practice denounced as dangerous and harmful to young people by such groups as the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association.
Tennessee law mandates Internet filtering software in public schools to restrict information that is obscene or harmful to minors. However, the “LGBT” filter category does not include material that’s sexually gratuitous and already included in the “pornography” filtering category.
At Exodus, after thirty five years of experience, we know that many have found that our whole movement, belief and philosophy cannot be reduced to “reparative” or “conversion” therapy. While, reparative therapy is a good option for those that choose to pursue it, it isn’t for everyone. Even though my journey has been informed by this therapeutic approach, I never went to a reparative therapist. Our movement is a faith based movement on pursuing contentment in Christ and placing our faith first in all things which includes sexuality and identity.
Thousands have found liberation, not harm, in this pursuit.
It’s interesting that in just one article they would be against the censoring pro-gay websites and then turn around and use an over-worn generalized soundbite to offhandedly dismiss those of us on a post-gay journey. I may be reading it wrong but it would seem that they are implying that groups like Exodus should be blocked while the pr0-gay sites are given access.
I find that … interesting.
Today’s young people are just like yesterday’s young people in that we all have to learn life’s lessons at our own pace in our own way. At the same time, young people are not ignorant and should be allowed access to real life testimonies and evidence of change in order to make a truly informed decision. Tolerance in public education is not a one way street.
Of course in my conservative utopian dream I would like for parents to be the ones to discussion sexuality with their kids at home. However, if information about homosexuality is going to be allowed in public schools, than the student should be allowed access to all viewpoints.
About Randy Thomas
Right on, Bro
I wish my parents had discussed sex with me, but neither one did. And when I did find out through my first M experience, I was appalled and shocked that such behavior would actually happen among people. Then, I wanted to get my hands on anything related to sex, which then lead to my discovering a whole world out there that I found exciting and alluring. I took the bait and was hooked. Had my parents discussed sex with me earlier, that may have not happened.
I know. Your story is all to familiar. I was raised in a single parent home until my step-dad came along. He didn’t have anything to say and my Mom gave me a pamphlet that was gay affirming (two paragraphs out of the whole pamphlet.) I doubt she knew that was in there.
Yet, I’m thinking God has ultimately used all of that to prepare us for where we are now. There has been much pain through those years, but I look at the ministry that you have and how much good you are doing for others. And I look at myself. I may not have thirsted and sought after God like I have for so long had I experienced a more ‘normal’ childhood and early adulthood. As you and i have discussed before, there are no coincidences. We may choose the path, but He directs our steps.