Anthony Venn-Brown OAM - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Anthony Venn-Brown OAM
The terminology for the Christian “change is possible” movement has evolved over the years, along... more The terminology for the Christian “change is possible” movement has evolved over the years, along with their approaches, practices and some beliefs. This paper explores the name changes, reasons for the change and the implications.
Sensoria, Oct 6, 2015
Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have bee... more Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have been breeding grounds for much harm to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and to the community as a whole. Within the context of the Christian faith, the greatest harm has occurred to those LGBT individuals who have submitted themselves to exgay / reparative / conversion 'therapies' (i.e., SOCE; Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) and organisations. The practice of seeking to turn homosexual to heterosexual has predominately existed within Christianity, but not exclusively. Programs have operated and still exist in association with Jewish 1 , and more recently Islamic 2 religious communities. This article is a personal account from a former evangelist that details the 'life cycle' of SOCEs in Australia and the author's personal experience with an ex-gay program.
Sensoria: A Journal of Mind, Brain & Culture, 2015
Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have bee... more Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have been breeding grounds for much harm to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and to the community as a whole. Within the context of the Christian faith, the greatest harm has occurred to those LGBT individuals who have submitted themselves to exgay / reparative / conversion 'therapies' (i.e., SOCE; Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) and organisations. The practice of seeking to turn homosexual to heterosexual has predominately existed within Christianity, but not exclusively. Programs have operated and still exist in association with Jewish 1 , and more recently Islamic 2 religious communities. This article is a personal account from a former evangelist that details the 'life cycle' of SOCEs in Australia and the author's personal experience with an ex-gay program.
This time, twelve months ago, I was alone, weeping in a hotel room in West Hollywood. I sobbed de... more This time, twelve months ago, I was alone, weeping in a hotel room in West Hollywood. I sobbed deeply, as if grief had overcome me. It began while I was watching the DVD of the only session I missed during the previous four days of the Exodus conference. I wasn't just weeping over the devastating story told by Robert and Linda who had lost their gay son Ryan. but for the endless stories I have been hearing now from LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people for nearly two decades. It had happened numerous times as people shared with me the tragic outcomes, theirs, and others' ignorance had created in their lives. There is nothing more tragic than a suicide. A life lost, young or old, when it could have been so much better for them.
Reflecting on the history and closure of yet another conversion "therapy" organisation has severa... more Reflecting on the history and closure of yet another conversion "therapy" organisation has several benefits. It creates an opportunity to educate people about the beliefs, practices, and language of the LGBTQ conversion movement. It also enables people to see how the movement has evolved and recognise its existence today in a number of religious contexts. Non-faith individuals, media, and legislators will also benefit as they are given an in-depth look into the LGBTQ conversion world and understand why there is a rising movement to end the harm that has been accumulating for the last five decades. 1
There has been much written in the media about Hillsong and conversion “therapy”. Much of it is i... more There has been much written in the media about Hillsong and conversion “therapy”. Much of it is ill-informed. This is an honest, and behind the scenes account of Hillsong’s involvement with ex-gay/reparative/conversion “therapy” practices and organisations, even going back to before the church was founded. I’m grateful to the many people willing to be interviewed and who shared their stories with me.
There has been much written in the media about Hillsong and conversion “therapy”. Much of it is i... more There has been much written in the media about Hillsong and conversion “therapy”. Much of it is ill-informed. This is an honest, and behind the scenes account of Hillsong’s involvement with ex-gay/reparative/conversion “therapy” practices and organisations, even going back to before the church was founded. I’m grateful to the many people willing to be interviewed and who shared their stories with me.
‘Gay conversion therapy’ and ‘conversion therapy’ are relatively recent terms. They are a double-... more ‘Gay conversion therapy’ and ‘conversion therapy’ are relatively recent terms. They are a double-edged sword. Their popularity demonstrates that the LGBTI community is now in control of the conversation. However, the terms are often misused as they become broader in definition which also plays into the hands of orientation change advocates. The need to separate the different methodological attempts to change peoples’ orientation is important as the most prevalent is in religious contexts and not considered ‘therapy’ at all. This report is the first in-depth of the Australian scene and goes behind the scenes of previous ‘ex-gay’ organisations and documenting previously unpublished materials. The harmful outcomes of sexual orientation change attempts are clearly shown along with the challenges faced to ban the practice within religious communities. Religious leaders and churches that persist in believing homosexuality is a sin, an illness and not an orientation.
Sensoria: A Journal of Mind, Brain & Culture, 2015
Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have bee... more Societies where ignorance and misinformation about
sexuality and gender identity abounds have been
breeding grounds for much harm to lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and to the
community as a whole. Within the context of the
Christian faith, the greatest harm has occurred to those
LGBT individuals who have submitted themselves to exgay
/ reparative / conversion 'therapies' (i.e., SOCE;
Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) and organisations.
The practice of seeking to turn homosexual to
heterosexual has predominately existed within
Christianity, but not exclusively. Programs have operated
and still exist in association with Jewish1, and more
recently Islamic2 religious communities. This article is a
personal account from a former evangelist that details the
‘life cycle’ of SOCEs in Australia and the author’s
Since 2004, when my autobiography 'A Life of Unlearning' was released, I have been privileged to ... more Since 2004, when my autobiography 'A Life of Unlearning' was released, I have been privileged to be the first contact point for 1,000's of LGBT people from faith and religious backgrounds; especially those experiencing faith/sexuality conflict within strongly biblically based contexts. It's a like my inbox has become a microscope into a hidden world as many isolated and alienated people found someone they relate to; often for the first time. Common themes have emerged from the many emails I've received, listening to individual stories and from the stories posted on the Freedom 2 b[e] forum. Telling Our Stories
Books by Anthony Venn-Brown OAM
Gay conversion practices in memoir, film and fiction : stories of repentance and defiance. , 2024
"For over half a century, organisations and individuals promoting 'ex-gay,' 'conversion' and/or '... more "For over half a century, organisations and individuals promoting 'ex-gay,' 'conversion' and/or 'reparative therapy' have pushed the tenet that a person may be able to, and should, alter their sexual orientation. Their so-called 'treatments' or 'therapies' have taken various forms over the decades, ranging from medical (including psychiatric or psychological) 'rehabilitation' approaches, to 'counselling', and religious 'healing.' In this volume, contributors analyse key depictions of conversion "therapy" across a broad range of films and books such as This is What Love in Action Looks Like (2011), But I'm a Cheerleader! (1999), and Boy Erased (2018) Chapter 1-'A Life of Unlearning'-The Author Reflects Anthony Venn-Brown, Author, CEO ABBI.
This chapter is an example of practice-based research, with the author reminiscing on the process of writing his best-selling memoir, A Life of Unlearning: A Preacher's Struggle with His Homosexuality, which is now in its third edition. Content includes the issues around memoir writing, personal reflections on the motivations behind the work and ramifications-both personal and professional. Anthony shares his personal revelation of his own post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its impact and management.
2004 A Life of Unlearning-coming out of the church, one man's struggle. Published by New Holland.... more 2004 A Life of Unlearning-coming out of the church, one man's struggle. Published by New Holland. This was only released in Australia sadly, but it became a bestseller here and sold out. When I wrote the first edition in the early 2000s, I had a limited understanding of writing (I had never considered myself to be a writer). I learnt a few skills about engaging the reader and incorporated them. Once released, my inbox was immediately flooded with emails from readers repeatedly saying things like they "couldn't put it down" or they'd "read it more than once". Obviously, confidence in my writing ability was boosted enormously. Most importantly, it had become an amazing source of healing and resolution for thousands. It saved people from suicide.
There comes a time comes when we have to face realities in life. For some, reality slaps them in ... more There comes a time comes when we have to face realities in life. For some, reality slaps them in the face, refusing to be ignored.
On the surface, everything looked perfect. Anthony Venn-Brown was a popular, high-profile preacher in Australia's growing mega-churches, such as Hillsong, and happily married father-of-two. Behind the scenes was a different story. Believing homosexuality made him unacceptable to God and others, a secret battle was being fought. After twenty-two years of struggle and torment, a chance meeting forced Anthony to make the toughest decision of his life. Tired of feeling torn and fragmented, he confessed and came out. Abandoned by his church and Christian friends Anthony began his life of unlearning; a lonely journey that made him who he is today.
This honest account highlights not only the costs of being true to yourself but that the rewards of authenticity and integrity are worth it.
As Anthony's story is ultimately about being true to one's self: whether you're gay or straight, religious or non believer, you’ll find relevance in this triumphant autobiography.
Anthony Venn-Brown was one of the first in the world to experience gay conversion therapy. Althou... more Anthony Venn-Brown was one of the first in the world to experience gay conversion therapy. Although it wasn't called that then. Indeed the terms ex-gay and reparative therapy were yet to be invented.
In 1972. four years before Exodus was founded in the United States Anthony spend 6 months in a residential program designed to make gay people straight.
The chapter of the 3rd edition of his autobiography, 'A Life of Unlearning, details his experience.
Conference Presentations by Anthony Venn-Brown OAM
The recently created term "Conversion Therapy" is a double edged sword in that it has created awa... more The recently created term "Conversion Therapy" is a double edged sword in that it has created awareness and now on the radar of many LGBTIQ rights group but also has often been confused with medical interventions of the 50s and 60s. The film Boy Erased accelerated that increased awareness. What we are tackling now is the attempts to change sexual orientation and discredit the transgender/non-binary experience in religious contexts. Researching for my next book 'The Quest to Cure Queers', I've discovered that possibly I am one of the oldest living survivors of religious conversion therapy in the world. In this presentation I talk about the influences that created the fear, shame and secrecy and then drove me to seek hope of change in the Christian world in 1971 and 72 and highlight the influences that remain.
KILLING US, DRIVING US CRAZY - The experience of LGBTI people from faith backgrounds, 2018
Over the last 18 years, Anthony Venn-Brown has been collating the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexu... more Over the last 18 years, Anthony Venn-Brown has been collating the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people from Christian backgrounds. The sources have been 400 gay conversion therapy survivors, 350 personal stories of Freedom2b members as well as 1,000's of emails from readers of his autobiography, A Life of Unlearning. The vast majority of these stories, but not exclusively, have come from evangelical, pentecostal, charismatic (EPC) backgrounds, as opposed to the more traditional streams of Christianity such as Roman Catholicism. From this extensive collection, Anthony has summarised the twelve key impacts that faith/sexuality conflict creates. With the rise of the evangelical and pentecostal churches in Australia and overseas it is even more important that the LGBTI community and those who work with them are aware of the issues involved. Understanding the religious external culture as well as the specific internal conflicts is vital for anyone working in LGBTI health.
The terminology for the Christian “change is possible” movement has evolved over the years, along... more The terminology for the Christian “change is possible” movement has evolved over the years, along with their approaches, practices and some beliefs. This paper explores the name changes, reasons for the change and the implications.
Sensoria, Oct 6, 2015
Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have bee... more Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have been breeding grounds for much harm to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and to the community as a whole. Within the context of the Christian faith, the greatest harm has occurred to those LGBT individuals who have submitted themselves to exgay / reparative / conversion 'therapies' (i.e., SOCE; Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) and organisations. The practice of seeking to turn homosexual to heterosexual has predominately existed within Christianity, but not exclusively. Programs have operated and still exist in association with Jewish 1 , and more recently Islamic 2 religious communities. This article is a personal account from a former evangelist that details the 'life cycle' of SOCEs in Australia and the author's personal experience with an ex-gay program.
Sensoria: A Journal of Mind, Brain & Culture, 2015
Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have bee... more Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have been breeding grounds for much harm to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and to the community as a whole. Within the context of the Christian faith, the greatest harm has occurred to those LGBT individuals who have submitted themselves to exgay / reparative / conversion 'therapies' (i.e., SOCE; Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) and organisations. The practice of seeking to turn homosexual to heterosexual has predominately existed within Christianity, but not exclusively. Programs have operated and still exist in association with Jewish 1 , and more recently Islamic 2 religious communities. This article is a personal account from a former evangelist that details the 'life cycle' of SOCEs in Australia and the author's personal experience with an ex-gay program.
This time, twelve months ago, I was alone, weeping in a hotel room in West Hollywood. I sobbed de... more This time, twelve months ago, I was alone, weeping in a hotel room in West Hollywood. I sobbed deeply, as if grief had overcome me. It began while I was watching the DVD of the only session I missed during the previous four days of the Exodus conference. I wasn't just weeping over the devastating story told by Robert and Linda who had lost their gay son Ryan. but for the endless stories I have been hearing now from LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people for nearly two decades. It had happened numerous times as people shared with me the tragic outcomes, theirs, and others' ignorance had created in their lives. There is nothing more tragic than a suicide. A life lost, young or old, when it could have been so much better for them.
Reflecting on the history and closure of yet another conversion "therapy" organisation has severa... more Reflecting on the history and closure of yet another conversion "therapy" organisation has several benefits. It creates an opportunity to educate people about the beliefs, practices, and language of the LGBTQ conversion movement. It also enables people to see how the movement has evolved and recognise its existence today in a number of religious contexts. Non-faith individuals, media, and legislators will also benefit as they are given an in-depth look into the LGBTQ conversion world and understand why there is a rising movement to end the harm that has been accumulating for the last five decades. 1
There has been much written in the media about Hillsong and conversion “therapy”. Much of it is i... more There has been much written in the media about Hillsong and conversion “therapy”. Much of it is ill-informed. This is an honest, and behind the scenes account of Hillsong’s involvement with ex-gay/reparative/conversion “therapy” practices and organisations, even going back to before the church was founded. I’m grateful to the many people willing to be interviewed and who shared their stories with me.
There has been much written in the media about Hillsong and conversion “therapy”. Much of it is i... more There has been much written in the media about Hillsong and conversion “therapy”. Much of it is ill-informed. This is an honest, and behind the scenes account of Hillsong’s involvement with ex-gay/reparative/conversion “therapy” practices and organisations, even going back to before the church was founded. I’m grateful to the many people willing to be interviewed and who shared their stories with me.
‘Gay conversion therapy’ and ‘conversion therapy’ are relatively recent terms. They are a double-... more ‘Gay conversion therapy’ and ‘conversion therapy’ are relatively recent terms. They are a double-edged sword. Their popularity demonstrates that the LGBTI community is now in control of the conversation. However, the terms are often misused as they become broader in definition which also plays into the hands of orientation change advocates. The need to separate the different methodological attempts to change peoples’ orientation is important as the most prevalent is in religious contexts and not considered ‘therapy’ at all. This report is the first in-depth of the Australian scene and goes behind the scenes of previous ‘ex-gay’ organisations and documenting previously unpublished materials. The harmful outcomes of sexual orientation change attempts are clearly shown along with the challenges faced to ban the practice within religious communities. Religious leaders and churches that persist in believing homosexuality is a sin, an illness and not an orientation.
Sensoria: A Journal of Mind, Brain & Culture, 2015
Societies where ignorance and misinformation about sexuality and gender identity abounds have bee... more Societies where ignorance and misinformation about
sexuality and gender identity abounds have been
breeding grounds for much harm to lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and to the
community as a whole. Within the context of the
Christian faith, the greatest harm has occurred to those
LGBT individuals who have submitted themselves to exgay
/ reparative / conversion 'therapies' (i.e., SOCE;
Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) and organisations.
The practice of seeking to turn homosexual to
heterosexual has predominately existed within
Christianity, but not exclusively. Programs have operated
and still exist in association with Jewish1, and more
recently Islamic2 religious communities. This article is a
personal account from a former evangelist that details the
‘life cycle’ of SOCEs in Australia and the author’s
Since 2004, when my autobiography 'A Life of Unlearning' was released, I have been privileged to ... more Since 2004, when my autobiography 'A Life of Unlearning' was released, I have been privileged to be the first contact point for 1,000's of LGBT people from faith and religious backgrounds; especially those experiencing faith/sexuality conflict within strongly biblically based contexts. It's a like my inbox has become a microscope into a hidden world as many isolated and alienated people found someone they relate to; often for the first time. Common themes have emerged from the many emails I've received, listening to individual stories and from the stories posted on the Freedom 2 b[e] forum. Telling Our Stories
Gay conversion practices in memoir, film and fiction : stories of repentance and defiance. , 2024
"For over half a century, organisations and individuals promoting 'ex-gay,' 'conversion' and/or '... more "For over half a century, organisations and individuals promoting 'ex-gay,' 'conversion' and/or 'reparative therapy' have pushed the tenet that a person may be able to, and should, alter their sexual orientation. Their so-called 'treatments' or 'therapies' have taken various forms over the decades, ranging from medical (including psychiatric or psychological) 'rehabilitation' approaches, to 'counselling', and religious 'healing.' In this volume, contributors analyse key depictions of conversion "therapy" across a broad range of films and books such as This is What Love in Action Looks Like (2011), But I'm a Cheerleader! (1999), and Boy Erased (2018) Chapter 1-'A Life of Unlearning'-The Author Reflects Anthony Venn-Brown, Author, CEO ABBI.
This chapter is an example of practice-based research, with the author reminiscing on the process of writing his best-selling memoir, A Life of Unlearning: A Preacher's Struggle with His Homosexuality, which is now in its third edition. Content includes the issues around memoir writing, personal reflections on the motivations behind the work and ramifications-both personal and professional. Anthony shares his personal revelation of his own post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its impact and management.
2004 A Life of Unlearning-coming out of the church, one man's struggle. Published by New Holland.... more 2004 A Life of Unlearning-coming out of the church, one man's struggle. Published by New Holland. This was only released in Australia sadly, but it became a bestseller here and sold out. When I wrote the first edition in the early 2000s, I had a limited understanding of writing (I had never considered myself to be a writer). I learnt a few skills about engaging the reader and incorporated them. Once released, my inbox was immediately flooded with emails from readers repeatedly saying things like they "couldn't put it down" or they'd "read it more than once". Obviously, confidence in my writing ability was boosted enormously. Most importantly, it had become an amazing source of healing and resolution for thousands. It saved people from suicide.
There comes a time comes when we have to face realities in life. For some, reality slaps them in ... more There comes a time comes when we have to face realities in life. For some, reality slaps them in the face, refusing to be ignored.
On the surface, everything looked perfect. Anthony Venn-Brown was a popular, high-profile preacher in Australia's growing mega-churches, such as Hillsong, and happily married father-of-two. Behind the scenes was a different story. Believing homosexuality made him unacceptable to God and others, a secret battle was being fought. After twenty-two years of struggle and torment, a chance meeting forced Anthony to make the toughest decision of his life. Tired of feeling torn and fragmented, he confessed and came out. Abandoned by his church and Christian friends Anthony began his life of unlearning; a lonely journey that made him who he is today.
This honest account highlights not only the costs of being true to yourself but that the rewards of authenticity and integrity are worth it.
As Anthony's story is ultimately about being true to one's self: whether you're gay or straight, religious or non believer, you’ll find relevance in this triumphant autobiography.
Anthony Venn-Brown was one of the first in the world to experience gay conversion therapy. Althou... more Anthony Venn-Brown was one of the first in the world to experience gay conversion therapy. Although it wasn't called that then. Indeed the terms ex-gay and reparative therapy were yet to be invented.
In 1972. four years before Exodus was founded in the United States Anthony spend 6 months in a residential program designed to make gay people straight.
The chapter of the 3rd edition of his autobiography, 'A Life of Unlearning, details his experience.
The recently created term "Conversion Therapy" is a double edged sword in that it has created awa... more The recently created term "Conversion Therapy" is a double edged sword in that it has created awareness and now on the radar of many LGBTIQ rights group but also has often been confused with medical interventions of the 50s and 60s. The film Boy Erased accelerated that increased awareness. What we are tackling now is the attempts to change sexual orientation and discredit the transgender/non-binary experience in religious contexts. Researching for my next book 'The Quest to Cure Queers', I've discovered that possibly I am one of the oldest living survivors of religious conversion therapy in the world. In this presentation I talk about the influences that created the fear, shame and secrecy and then drove me to seek hope of change in the Christian world in 1971 and 72 and highlight the influences that remain.
KILLING US, DRIVING US CRAZY - The experience of LGBTI people from faith backgrounds, 2018
Over the last 18 years, Anthony Venn-Brown has been collating the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexu... more Over the last 18 years, Anthony Venn-Brown has been collating the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people from Christian backgrounds. The sources have been 400 gay conversion therapy survivors, 350 personal stories of Freedom2b members as well as 1,000's of emails from readers of his autobiography, A Life of Unlearning. The vast majority of these stories, but not exclusively, have come from evangelical, pentecostal, charismatic (EPC) backgrounds, as opposed to the more traditional streams of Christianity such as Roman Catholicism. From this extensive collection, Anthony has summarised the twelve key impacts that faith/sexuality conflict creates. With the rise of the evangelical and pentecostal churches in Australia and overseas it is even more important that the LGBTI community and those who work with them are aware of the issues involved. Understanding the religious external culture as well as the specific internal conflicts is vital for anyone working in LGBTI health.