Besen speaks up for teens, condemns 'ex-gay' groups

By Staff Writer

Activist Wayne Besen will embark on an 11-state tour next week to address the harms caused by programs that encourage gay teens to seek help in order to become straight.

Besen, who has been a guest on national news and political talk shows, will show a multi-media presentation during each of his appearances, in which he will point out the psychological damage caused by these "ex-gay" programs. He founded the Truth Wins Out organization in an effort to comfort homosexual adolescents who may feel ashamed of their sexual orientation.

One of Besen's goals is to discredit some of the religious - but unscientific - organizations that urge gay teens to pray or seek therapy to become heterosexual. He said that these groups are committing consumer fraud, as well as harming the self-esteem of millions of teens.

In recent months, several gay adolescents and young adults have committed suicide as a result of bullying from their peers. In addition, many gay teens in America struggle with depression or other emotional disorders because of past mistreatment.

Adolescents who suffer from low self-esteem or who have suicidal thoughts may benefit from troubled teen programs.