Ex-Gay Movement

The ex-gay movement has been an important cultural influence and political force in reaction to efforts to achieve LGBTQ social and political equality. This entry describes the ex-gay movement, a social movement founded on the belief that gays, lesbians, and bisexuals can become heterosexual or otherwise “leave homosexuality behind” through counseling, prayer, and other therapies. The entry explains the origins of the movement, the events that led to its appearance in the national spotlight, and the consequences of that visibility including current issues and controversies related to the movement.