Saturday, June 11, 2005

Memphis Gay Kid Imprisoned in Gay Brainwashing Camp - Save Zach! - Update

Update: If you want to join the protest - set to continue everyday next week - see the Queer Action Coalition and Cherry Blossom Special (driving directions, etc.) If you need more info, contact the organizers here. See A Typical Joe for the contact info for Memphis media, as well as city and state officials.

The kid's name is Zach (sorry for previous spelling). Zach has gotten hundreds of supportive comments at his blog. By the end of the week, maybe he'll have thousands. (this blog link works better for me than the one in the original post below)

The Queer Action Coalition - in Memphis - has a running account of the demonstrations, as well as info on the "shaming sessions," and they have a report from a previous victim of the so-called Love in Action hate camp.

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Mike Ditto has the story. You can read Zack's blog here - the 16-year-old is being held against his will and hasn't blogged since being imprisoned in the camp a few days ago.

This place is sinister. So, of course, they call it: Love in Action.

Ditto says the following is from the guy who runs the camp:

"I would rather you commit suicide than have you leave Love In Action wanting to return to the gay lifestyle. In a physical death you could still have a spiritual resurrection; whereas, returning to homosexuality you are yielding yourself to a spiritual death from which there is no recovery."

We need to raise a stink about this one. It sounds like Zack will be lucky to get out of there with only psychological trauma.

Apparently protests are being held outside the Memphis camp. If you're in the area, you might want to join them. Or better yet, find a way to break this kid out. Call the media. Save Zack.

Via Talkleft