I Acknowledge…
This is a series of articles where I clarify elements of regret that I have from being a leader within the “Ex-gay” movement through Love In Action and Exodus International.
National Coming Out Day – 2021
National Coming Out Day 2021 – Anniversary of life When I was in high school, all I wanted was to find someone with whom I could have a significant relationship. I met a girl that I was head over heels in love with. I was just 15 years old. She was a very special...
To the Parents – I’m so sorry!
September 20, 2018 Written by John J. Smid Former Executive Director, Love In Action, Int'l. (20 years + 2 years leadership prior) Former Board Member, Exodus International (11 years) Nationwide spokesperson with the ExGay movement. The film, Boy Erased...
I Acknowledge – Love In Action Clients
For Those I've Known Through Love In Action I acknowledge You! I acknowledge that the many changes I have gone through in these years since I left Love In Action, have caused some challenging reactions for some of you. I have retracted some things I have taught with...
I Acknowledge – The Ugly
As I thought about the second piece of "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," I realized something I was very passionate about that really hangs on the "Ugly." I remember hearing when I was a child that red-headed Irish girls are "feisty." It seemed...
I Acknowledge – Part Five
I acknowledge that through over 20 years of ministry with hundreds of men and women there were many misguided elements that were wounding, confusing, and just plain wrong. But, I also want to acknowledge that it wasn't all bad. I've...
I Acknowledge! – Part Four
I Acknowledge: Through the LIA program, our teaching, and program activities, We established structure and rules that clients had to adhere to that promoted traditional gender roles and society's assumptions. We held them accountable regarding how men and women...
I Acknowledge – Part Three
This is the third part in a series I am writing to acknowledge mistakes I have made through the ministry of Love In Action, Exodus International, and the Ex-gay movement and the harm and discouragement that resulted. I Acknowledge I taught material on child...
I Acknowledge! – Part Two
This is the second part in a series I am writing to acknowledge mistakes I have made through the ministry of Love In Action, Exodus International, and the Ex-gay movement and the harm and discouragement that resulted. I Acknowledge Through the ministry of Love In...
I Acknowledge! – Part One
In March of 2010 I compiled and published a public apology in response to some soul searching I had been going through. I have since done a more in depth evaluation of things that I feel regretful about concerning my 23 years as a leader within the "ex-gay" movement....