The “ex-gay” movement has been going through a rough patch. After its celebrity figurehead Marcus Bachmann was revealed to be using Christian ex-gay therapy tactics, with Medicaid funding no less, one its biggest groups, Exodus International, renounced its anti-gay mission and methods in a shocking change of heart. But after being bullied by the APA and roundly discredited by virtually all medical professionals, the ex-gays wanted to come together and create a pride week highlighting how they’re victims of “extremist” judgements, not by the terrifying ex-gay voodoo doctors like Marcus Bachmann, who likened gays and lesbians to “barbarians,” but by groups that accept everyone’s sexual identity. How extreme.
Quick to save face, Voice of the Voiceless, a group associated with the Family Research Council that describes itself as “the only anti-defamation league for former homosexuals, individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions, and their families,” stepped up their “pray the gay away” game and declared July “Ex-Gay Pride Month.” On July 31st, the coalition of ex-gays was to descend upon Capitol Hill for a day of lobbying and a dinner reception, replete with anti-gay mouthpiece Michele Bachmann as the keynote speaker. There was even a theme an ex-gay theme song competition, you guys. This was going to be big.