• Read Stand United petition comments.

Feb. 24, 2016 — Media reports today said that three large gay-advocacy groups have filed a joint complaint with the Federal Trade Commission asking the FTC to take enforcement action against People Can Change. This is nothing but politically motivated bullying against our community of adult men — gay, bi-sexual, ex-gay and same-sex attracted men — for holding beliefs and choosing life paths that are at odds with the goals of these mega-million-dollar political organizations.

We hold no animosity whatsoever toward LGBT communities and individuals. We simply choose to walk a different path, and to respond to our same-sex attractions in ways that are consistent with our faith and personal life goals rather than anyone's political agenda. Their attack on us is an attack on our First Amendment rights to free speech, free assembly, and free exercise of our faith. We deserve as much respect as anyone who is "out and proud," and frankly, we deserve to be left alone to live our lives as we see fit.

• Sign petition indicating your support.

We are a community of men from homosexual or bisexual backgrounds who — for our own, deeply personal reasons — typically do not accept or identify with the label "gay" and prefer instead to work to minimize or eliminate our sexualization of other men. That doesn't mean we are in denial or are suppressing our supposedly "true selves." Quite the opposite.

In fact, we are on a journey to discover and address the underlying environmental and relational issues that may have led us to feel unwanted and incongruous same-sex attractions in the first place. (That's right: Most of us don't accept "born that way" theories, at least not for ourselves. And even if there may be some truth to them in some cases, biology is not predestination.)

We pursue courageous personal-growth work and a personal spiritual and emotional journey in a supportive community of like-minded brothers. And as a result:

• Many of us have found the level and intensity of our same-sex attractions diminish over time, sometimes significantly.
• We've experienced an increased sense of belonging and brotherhood among men from all walks of life.
• Our self-esteem has improved and feelings of shame have diminished or disappeared.
• Those of us who have struggled with self-destructive and out-of-control sexual behaviors have often reduced or even eliminated those behaviors altogether.
• Many of us have found renewed commitment to and love for wives, family, and God. Many have found new or increased romantic and sexual attractions to the opposite sex.
• But more important than all of that, we are finding peace-and peace in a way that aligns our identity, feelings and behaviors with our deeply held beliefs, values, morals and life goals.

Yes, we represent a significant alternative to gay-affirming identities and lifestyles. That is our choice. It is our right to pursue happiness as we see fit, especially when it involves something as personal as our sexuality, our faith, our emotions and our relationships. Yet we respect the right of others to pursue different paths to peace. We believe in civil discourse and in mutual respect, even - and especially - when we disagree.

Read more:

• What We Mean by "Change"
• Another Way Out
• Our Stories of Change

>>READ MORE

Journey Into Manhood is a 48-hour immersion in intensive personal growth, self-discovery and emotional-healing work. It is designed especially for men who are self-motivated to address unwanted homosexual attractions or other unresolved issues around men and masculinity.

We create a highly supportive yet challenging environment for men to address underlying core issues that may have resulted in painful internal conflicts. Like not feeling "man enough." Or not "one of the guys." Or an unmet yearning for male attention, acceptance and affirmation.

Journey Into Manhood is an experiential weekend. You won't just sit and listen. You'll actively participate, connect and explore. We create opportunities for you to experience healing, growth and brotherhood, not just talk about them.

It is not a religious retreat, although we do teach the spiritual principle of surrender to a Higher Power. It is not professional therapy. It is a peer-led experience run by men who have been where you are now.

• What Really Happens at Journey Into Manhood?
• Who staffs Journey Into Manhood?
• Who attends?
• How effective is it?
• What do past participants say?

>>LEARN MORE