Accountability in the Press

Every time the press reaches out to CHANGED we do our best to clearly explain our motivations and approaches to LGBTQ culture and its ideologies. Yet, again and again, (left-leaning) journalists refuse to accurately represent us by composing extraordinary misrepresentations.

Sometimes, the reporting misses the mark so far that we must speak up. In an effort toward accountability, we are publishing the interaction made between Finbarr Toesland and Elizabeth Woning before publishing his article, “Exporting Conversion Therapy”, in the March 2025 edition of The Progressive.

Here is our response:

Hello, Finbarr,

Thank you for your email. I recall a prior inquiry from you that didn’t make it to us in time to comment—similar to this. I apologize for the delay. In the future, you might have better success with our [press] email, though currently, our offices are closed for Christmas.

As I answer, I ask that you understand that many people live with same-sex sexual feelings or gender incongruence and choose never to adopt LGBTQ+ cultural mores. In our opinion, embracing “LGBTQ+” is more than simply supporting and honoring the dignity of individuals who experience same-sex sexual feelings or sex/gender incongruence. LGBTQ+ is a socio-political subculture with its own values and convictions that often conflict with Christian ethics.

“Conversion therapy” is a broad and ill-defined term that is often used to include forms of physical violence, force, manipulation, shame, or humiliation. We reject these practices as ineffective and harmful. All people should be free to pursue counseling and personal life changes that bring them true happiness. This accords with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

Article 18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

The majority of the LGBTQ+ population in the West experience sexual fluidity like many of us at CHANGED. In the APA Handbook on Sexuality, on behalf of the APA, Dr. Lisa Diamond states, “Directly contrary to the conventional wisdom that individuals with exclusive same-sex attractions represent the prototypical ‘type’ of sexual-minority individual, and that those with bisexual patterns of attraction are infrequent exceptions, the opposite is true. Individuals with nonexclusive patterns of attraction are indisputably the ‘norm,’ and those with exclusive same-sex attractions are the exception.” This pattern has been found internationally (v. 1, p. 633). Most people who experience same-sex attraction also already experience opposite-sex attraction, especially women.

Among those who identify as bisexual who enter long-term partnerships, the majority enter opposite-sex sexual relationships. According to PEW Research, “Among adults who are lesbian, gay or bisexual, 62% identify as bisexual, while 38% are gay or lesbian, according to the same 2022 survey… Among Americans who are lesbian, gay or bisexual, the vast majority of women say they are bisexual (79%) while the majority of men say they are gay (57%).”  Gallup Polls agrees, stating that 57% of the population identify as bisexual.

Many Christians who experience sexual fluidity (once again, as we have at CHANGED) typically do not seek professional psychotherapy or counseling but instead address their behaviors through their religious faith. However, those who have experienced gender-related trauma or sexual abuse often profess emotional distress related to their sexual feelings. It is harmful to deny people the right to address this pain through professionally licensed psychotherapists without upholding their religious convictions. Doing otherwise is manipulative and controlling, amounting to government-mandated sexual identity.

1. Do you believe conversion therapy, as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as “sustained efforts to discourage or change behaviors related to LGBTQ+ identities and expressions,” is effective and do you support its use?

I believe that the nature of religious conversion, much like “coming out,” involves a change in one’s personal sense of identity. Such “ideological” changes are common when conviction and conscience lead. However, self-concept cannot be forced, and efforts to manipulate and control thought are anathema to the nature of Christian faith. As stated above, we reject all forms of physical violence, force, manipulation, shame, or humiliation. Religious life requires intentionality and life-long learning that benefits from supporting fellowship, encouragement, and prayer.

2. Do you believe that conversion therapy is harmful to people who experience it?

My journey out of lesbianism, which involved self-directed, "sustained efforts to change my beliefs and associated behaviors," has been the most beneficial and fulfilling aspect of my life. However, as said above, force and manipulation for any person under any circumstance is abuse.

3. The CHANGED Movement has traveled to Africa to present at the GAFCON conference. Why do you believe it is important to share your message with Africa?

CHANGED Movement traveled to attend GAFCON, a pivotal event in the global church that united in agreement on biblical interpretation of ethics relating to LGBTQ+ sexual relationships. Africa and the global south are being pressured to embrace Western social agendas on sexuality and sexual identity. Our presence affirmed their independence from governmental and social pressure to embrace the LGBTQ+ subcultures not indigenous to Africa. Though same-sex sexuality and gender incongruence have historically existed in Africa, the social frameworks and cultural demands of LGBTQ+ do not. Africa has the right to hear alternative views.

As stated in CHANGED’s statement of beliefs on sexuality: “We believe that God designed us with a free will and deeply values our ability to respond to His invitation. Jesus never forced people to follow Him or punished them into change but invited them to enter into a new way of life. As His followers, we are called to treat all people in the same way, with the utmost respect, dignity, compassion, and love, even while adamantly disagreeing with them.”

Thank you again for reaching out, Finbarr.

Highest regards in the new year—

Elizabeth Woning
Co-Executive Director