Start an Ex-gay & Friends School Club!

Or distribute ex-gay materials to your school

What is the purpose of an Ex-Gay & Straight Friends student Club?

Can I start a conservative club and include ex-gay issues?

An ex-gay & straight friends club provides a safe environment for all students to discuss alternatives to homosexuality and distribute ex-gay resources. Although many schools have gay events and handouts, few provide alternative events. Clubs can be started by straight students, ex-gay students, or those struggling with unwanted same sex attraction. These alternative ex-gay clubs are started at schools which already have a gay student club.

Some clubs are started as general conservative student clubs which include ex-gay issues. We can help you start those too!

The clubs can be called by whatever name the student(s) decide is best for their school. One student calls her club the Rainbow Connection. Others are called GSC for Gay to Straight Club or the Ex-Gay Alternatives Club. Contact Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) at pfox@pfox.org for start-up materials on your new club and ongoing support. Visit www.pfox.org and www.narth.com to learn about PFOX and the ex-gay community.

Why do schools need Ex-Gay Clubs for all students?

Schools need to include ex-gay options and resources instead of presenting a one-sided view of homosexuality. Without an ex-gay club, schools will continue failing to include ex-gay speakers on diversity days or ex-gay presentations during sexual orientation lectures.

Students who do not understand why some of their peers struggle with same sex attractions will now have answers as to why and how homosexuality originates. Students will also have a positive outlet for participating in pro-ex-gay activities. For example, why tear down a gay club flyer? The issue of homosexuality still remains. Instead, post an Ex-Gay Club flyer and distribute ex-gay brochures to your fellow students. Help your school advocate tolerance for former homosexuals and place ex-gay books in the library.

Gay student clubs encourage questioning youth to immediately self-identify as “gay and proud.” With an Ex-Gay Alternatives Club at their school, students who struggle with same sex attractions have the option of receiving all of the facts on sexual orientation in a fair and balanced manner instead of being pressured to adopt a gay identity and promote homosexuality.

Can students get involved without a club? How can teachers or faculty get involved?

In the absence of a club, students, teachers and faculty members can distribute ex-gay brochures on campus, request ex-gays speakers for gay events and diversity programs, hang ex-gay posters around school, place ex-gay books in the school library, create safe places for those who support alternatives to homosexuality, initiate ex-gay forums and school programs, post ex-gay links on the school website, and place brochures in campus centers, counselor’s offices or diversity departments. Contact PFOX for materials and speakers at pfox@pfox.org. See our brochures, handouts, and posters.

Are Ex-Gay Clubs legal at schools?

An Ex-Gay Club has the same rights as a gay club at your school to use school facilities, PA systems, bulletin boards, the school paper; participate in events; present speakers, hold forums; etc.

How do I start an Ex-Gay & Straight Club?

College students can start a club by filing an application for recognition of a school club with their college. For public high schools, clubs are formed by a student and sponsored by a teacher or other educational staff or a school librarian, nurse or counselor. Potential sponsors can explain Ex-Gay & Straight clubs to concerned students. Students should search for a sympathetic teacher to sponsor the Club. Emphasize that you want a safe environment for all students to discuss sexual orientation. Request a written copy of the school policy for starting school clubs or student organizations. Review copies of other school clubs that have completed a constitution or charter. Email PFOX at pfox@pfox.org for start-up materials and ongoing assistance.

How do I advertise my Ex-Gay School Club?

Plan a time and room for the Club to meet. Meeting in an out-of-the-way schoolroom during lunch hour may ensure privacy and convenience. Be sure to maintain confidentiality of members and discussions. Meetings should last no longer than an hour. For high schools, the faculty sponsor should attend all meetings in order to offer support and mediate discussions. Advertise by word-of-mouth, posting flyers (see sample flyers), the school paper, etc. By posting flyers, you give hope to others by letting them know they are not alone, even if they never attend a meeting. Ask your friends to support you. If your school allows a gay club to post on the school’s website, your club can too.

Do Ex-Gay & Everstraight Student Clubs have to meet at school?

Clubs can also meet in churches, public library meeting rooms, parental homes, etc. If a high school club does not meet at school, it can be formed by someone other than a student. The clubs are independently formed and run.