David Matheson is a campaigner known for his previous advocacy of conversion therapy. In 2019, he announced he was divorcing his wife of 34 years and intended to live as a gay man.[1][2][3] He previously led the organization Journey into Manhood.[4]
Matheson was an early protege of Joseph Nicolosi, who founded the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH).[1]
Matheson, a Mormon, said "he was not renouncing his religious faith, or the entirety of his work as a conversion therapist, despite dating men. But he did criticise the 'shame-based, homophobic-based system' of his upbringing" in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).[5][1] He and his former wife had three children and one grandchild.[6]
Career[edit]
Matheson has a master's in counseling and guidance from the LDS Church's largest school Brigham Young University and began full-time practice in New Jersey in 2004. He counseled only men and the goal was always to develop what he called “gender wholeness.”[7]
Publications[edit]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Once-prominent 'conversion therapist' will now 'pursue life as a gay man'". NBC News. January 23, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
- ^ "Former Mormon ex-gay 'conversion therapist' comes out as gay". Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
- ^ Holpuch, Amanda (January 25, 2019). "Man who worked as top 'conversion therapist' comes out as gay". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
- ^ "Mormon who led gay conversion therapy comes out as gay". Evening Standard. January 25, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
- ^ Forrest, Adam. "A prominent 'gay conversion therapist' has divorced his wife of 34 years and now identifies as gay". The Independent. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
- ^ "Former Utah conversion therapist comes out: 'I am gay'". KSL.com. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
- ^ Luo, Michael (February 12, 2007). "Some Tormented by Homosexuality Look to a Controversial Therapy". The New York Times. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
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