How counseling by unqualified therapists and distorted use of a 12-step program brought a young gay couple together at an ‘ex-gay’ camp
DAVID TAFFET | Staff Writer
taffet@dallasvoice.com
KC Jansson came out to his parents in ninth grade. His parents sent him to counseling. Then he came out to them again as a high school senior.
“My dad’s a Southern Baptist pastor in Missouri, in a small southern town.” he said. “They said I was either going to be on the streets or do it their way. They were going to pay 10 grand for me to go to this camp.
“I didn’t have a choice but to go there,” he said.
Jansson described the camp as a sort of drug rehab center for being gay. He said he was raised to believe that if he was gay he was going to become an alcoholic and a drug addict and get AIDS and never go to college or love anyone.
Larry Jansson, on the other hand, lived in Southern California and had very accepting parents.
“I never thought I’d marry a small-town guy,” he said. “There was no God in my family. No church.”
But when he was 18 and still struggling with his identity, Larry started doing theater with a Christian group.
“They started doing their work on me,” he said.
He “got saved,” he said, by a group called Harvest Crusade. But from then until he was 26, he lived a double life.
“I was either hanging out with these people who thought that I was a Christian or I was out totally doing the gay thing without them knowing,” Larry said.
Then he found out about Love in Action, a group in Memphis, Tenn., that does “reparative therapy.” He decided that he was going to figure things out and so spent his entire $10,000 savings to attend.
Larry said he convinced himself, “If somebody says that God is the answer and this can be changed, I want to know for myself.”
So Larry’s parents drove him to the program. But his mother kept telling him he didn’t have to go.
KC and Larry arrived at the facility at the same time. This was KC’s first time away from home and his first time to be around other gay people.
The camp
The two described the restrictions: No cologne. No clothing by Calvin Klein.
“I had a Nintendo Gameboy. I couldn’t keep that, because it would keep me from being focused on God,” Larry said.
“I played piano,” said KC. “I couldn’t play because they said it would distract me from my therapy.”
And although they described the therapy as based on recovery programs used for addictions, the 12 steps they followed were a very distorted version based on shame, the two men said.
For the first three days, they were not allowed to talk and always had to look at the ground. Each person was assigned a “house brother” who had gone through the program. That person, who was gay, had made it through the first three months to the next stage.
“My big brother was more flamboyant than anyone else in the house,” Larry said. “But he was so about Jesus and getting through this.”
The first night there was a meeting with the four new house members and their “big brothers.” Although they weren’t supposed to look at each other, Larry and KC kept making eye contact.
There were no doors on the rooms and each room had three beds. Larry and KC were assigned to share a room.
Bathroom time was limited to 15 minutes. They had to set a timer to make sure no one was spending too much time locked in there doing something they weren’t supposed to be doing.
The next day they went to church. Larry and KC described the church as Prestonwood Baptist-sized, and said all of the members knew who they were. They were escorted to the first row and felt the condemnation of the crowd as they took their seats.
Each morning they would drive down to the church. They would sit in a circle for “Courage, Honesty and Respect” group.
“You would call someone else out for something they did,” said Larry, and the person being accused couldn’t respond for 24 hours.
“I would say something like, ‘KC, you didn’t set your egg timer this morning and we have rules here and I want you to think about that,’” Larry said. “And KC would get fuming red — but he couldn’t say anything.”
KC regarded the rules as a joke. Larry took them very seriously. He wanted to know if these were the rules that were going to turn him straight.
They had group and individual counseling sessions. A woman in Larry’s group said that she was raped and that she didn’t feel comfortable sitting next to a man.
No one there could help her.
KC said his “counselor” was in college but worked at this house unsupervised. Two others were former drug addicts who had gone through 12-step programs themselves. None was a licensed therapist.
“In individual sessions, I was asked to open up about certain things that only a real counselor could deal with,” Larry said. “I now am seeing a true counselor because they opened up these wounds and never closed them.”
At night, the counselors would discuss the group. In the morning they would come to the meeting and tell each one what they could no longer do.
Larry was a dancer and today teaches two dance classes in Plano. He said when he was nervous he’d begin to tap. One morning he was told he could no longer dance.
“That was one of the most devastating things they could do to me,” he said. “It was like waking up one day and finding out I was paralyzed.”
In order to turn the group into “men,” at 6:30 each morning they had to go to the gym because gay people don’t go to a gym.
But they had Larry play basketball.
“We’re in a gym full of hot bodies and muscles,” said Larry. “One day, they had me play basketball. Just because I’m 6’-2” doesn’t mean I can dunk a damn ball.”
But he did it because he wanted the program to work.
Building a friendship
During the first three months of the program, KC and Larry developed what they both called a genuine friendship.
Whenever they went anywhere, they had to go in groups of three and always had to be within eye contact of each other. Larry said that if one person needed to go to the bathroom, they all had to go.
After three months, Larry and KC graduated to the second part of the program. Their parents attended an actual graduation ceremony, but they simply continued to the next phase of the program.
KC said he had no choice but to stay because his alternative was to return home to rural Missouri. Larry was still determined to see the program through.
During this period, they were allowed to get a job. Larry went to work for the church, and KC got a job at Radio Shack. But the program still tried to monitor every movement.
“But they’re constantly calling you, constantly e-mailing you,” KC said.
“You have to call your house manager when you leave work and they time you to make sure you get home at the right time,” Larry said.
In this part of the program, they had to work on “trigger trips.” They sent the group of four who had started together to places that might trigger sexual feelings.
Their first trip was to the mall — their first shopping trip in three months.
“I remember walking into that mall and hearing angels,” Larry said.
Larry was given a clipboard and had to write down what triggered them.
One member of the group wanted Godiva chocolate but the other three restrained him because apparently only gay people eat Godiva chocolate.
But the biggest test was when the four walked by Abercrombie & Fitch. Larry said that when the four saw the huge poster of the ripped model in the window, they stopped short and fell on top of one another.
Larry and KC had become best friends and once they graduated and were given more freedom, they began doing things together.
“Any time we were allowed to be alone together, we started doing crazy little date things,” Larry said.
They went to a drive-in movie; “We told them we were going to go to the batting cages,” KC said.
But still nothing happened between them. They were just enjoying each other’s company.
“I never even told KC that I thought he had the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen,” Larry said, “because I thought God wanted something else for me.”
Over the next five months their friendship developed, but without physical contact between them. “No kiss. No hug. No touch,” Larry said.
Then the church secretary was going out of town and asked Larry to walk her dogs and water her plants. KC began to tag along.
“All of a sudden we had this place to go that was a little more intimate,” Larry said.
Then on the way back one evening, they stopped at Sonic.
“I had my leg propped up where the gearshift was and he put his arm on me,” KC said. “And from that point forward, I knew I was in love with him.”
A few days later they were at the church secretary’s house. Larry could tell something was wrong with KC.
When Larry finally convinced him to talk, KC admitted he had feelings for Larry and both agreed that it was wrong.
KC turned his back to Larry, and Larry put his arms around him. And as they sat on the couch with their arms around each other, they told each other that it was wrong.
They drove back to the house where they were living, conflicted and in silence. But later that night, they had to let the dogs out again, so they went back. And that’s when they had sex for the first time.
Larry said KC told him he loved him before they had sex. KC thought it was after.
But KC said he told Larry, “I love you. I want to be with you. We’ll do whatever it takes.”
Leaving the program
They were in the last month of their program. Larry needed to decide what he was going to do. He thought he might return to California, but whatever he did, it would be whatever Jesus had planned for him.
He knew he loved KC also, but couldn’t say it.
“I was the brainwashed one trying to make this work,” Larry said. “I wouldn’t let myself say it.”
He wondered if he should tell someone what they had done.
On the third day after they had sex, they drove around Memphis looking at houses. Larry drove up to a mansion that he had seen and stopped.
“What are we doing here?” KC asked.
“I’m going to get you that one day,” Larry told him and KC started crying.
They said that was the point they knew they would build their lives together.
“We just needed to find a way to get out of there together,” Larry said.
KC had planned to move to Dallas, live with his brother and go to college. Larry signed up to go on a short missionary trip to Dubai.
At the end of the six months, KC left for Dallas and Larry left for Dubai. Larry had spent all of his savings on the program. KC had some money. He took enough to get to Dallas and left the rest in a drawer at the house for Larry to get when he got back from Dubai.
When Larry got back from the Middle East, he returned to Memphis, gathered up his belongings, collected the money KC had left for him, got in his car and headed to Dallas.
He packed and snuck out of the house at 3 a.m. No one from the program ever called him to find out where he was or what happened.
KC’s brother was married with three children and Larry was not welcome there. So KC rented him a room at a cheap extended-stay motel. KC told his brother that Larry was his accountability partner. Accountability partners are friends that help each other not be gay.
Larry drove into Dallas and met KC at a gas station at Frankford and the Tollway.
“We were excited about beginning our life together,” Larry said.
Larry had already gotten a job in Carrollton with Washington Mutual, the company he had left six months earlier in California to enroll in the program.
After three days, KC couldn’t stand being apart from Larry and he moved in with him. He told his brother, he said, who was more extremely religious than his parents.
“Thanks, con man,” his brother told him. “You better get out of my house before my wife gets home.”
Happily ever after
Larry and KC lived in the extended stay hotel, changing hotels several times until they could afford an apartment. Then three months after moving to Dallas, Larry proposed.
For KC’s birthday, the two drove to Galveston. After checking into their hotel, they went to the beach and walked out onto a rock pier.
Larry got down on one knee, took out a ring and said, “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
But before they were able to get married, Larry got a call in the middle of the night that his mother had been killed in car accident. A drunk driver hit his parents and his father was seriously injured as well.
KC recalled the last time he saw Larry’s mother.
“As we were leaving, she said to me, ‘Promise me you’ll take care of him for the rest of your life,’” she said to him.
They waited for the trial of the drunk driver to be finished before getting married. In September 2009 they legally married in Connecticut and then held a ceremony for friends and family at Cathedral of Hope in December. They had 14 attendants and a lavish reception at the W Hotel.
They invited everyone they knew, and a few they didn’t, including the Obamas and Larry’s favorite TV host, Tyra Banks. While the Obamas didn’t respond, Banks sent her regrets but invited them to participate in a show on same-sex marriage, which they did last June.
By the time the wedding in Dallas took place, KC’s brother had divorced his wife. The brothers had become closer and he served as KC’s best man.
The couple took a honeymoon cruise, and now own a house in Frisco and a little Maltese dog. They decided they wanted the same last name. Because they liked the way KC’s sounded better, with the help of attorney Lorie Burch, they legally became the Janssons.
KC is finishing his degree in accounting at UT Dallas and works full-time managing a salon. Larry is the director of marketing for Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County.
Mention the Janssons to Dawson Taylor, the pastor who married them at Cathedral of Hope, and he just laughs.
He said he’s never met two people who are so perfect for each other and so in love.
And despite having gone through reparative therapy camp, Larry said, “I want everyone to know we’re good with God.”
Taylor agreed and said that their wedding was as much a worship service as a marriage ceremony.
After dealing with Larry’s mother’s death and the subsequent trial, Taylor said, Larry’s family needed a celebration. Family members came from all over the country and Larry and KC reveled in being the source of joy after so much sadness in the family.
Now, life for the Janssons has settled into a normal routine.
In addition to their jobs and school and a happy suburban life in Frisco, both have returned to activities taken away by Love In Action. Larry teaches dance classes. KC plays the piano.
And once KC finishes school, they’ll begin seriously looking into adoption.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition Feb. 11, 2011.
Larry and KC,
thanks for a great love story. My partner and I celebrated our 50th on Jan 19, 2011. We want you to know…that 50 years…IS possible.
Good luck, Jack & George
David, I want to give you my compliments on a very well written article. This is a fascinating story, and undoubtedly The Voice was anxious to get its hands on it. But, you did a wonderful job telling the story of these two men, and revealed some of the horrors and dangers of these so-called “ex-gay” concentration camps. I applaud you as a journalist, and as a writer for this community.
David,
Thank you for sharing our story! We hope it shows others that there is a truly loving gracious God that wants you to find true love. We may have had to go to an ex-gay camp to find true love but God works in mysterious ways! Thank you again!
Thank you Jack and George for your encouragement! CONGRATS on 50 years!
I feel so blessed that Larry and Kc are cousins of mine. I feel even more blessed after reading this article. I love you two so much and am truly inspired by the love that you both share with each other. Contrary to what some people believe, these two men are a match made in HEAVEN.
I am so happy that Larry and KC were put on the same path by God and found each other. I don’t think i’ve ever seen a more happy and in love couple. Glad to have KC as part of the family and very proud of them both for all they have overcome and for sharing their story to inspire others.
Larry and KC, what an inspiring story!
Congratulations to you both on not only having the courage to leave the Ex Gay Ministry, but to share your story with others struggling with the same questions and predictament. As a mental health professional, we continue our fight against these Reparative Therapy organizations as they have no credibility except in the groups which promote their hate.
Believe me, you are loved by God, who made you perfect in his own design. Best of luck to you both.
Never give up and I second Jack’s statement that 50 years is possible. We are the “newlyweds” in our circle of friends and have been together 14 years. All of our nearest and dearest friends have been together over 20 years up to 55 years. Hang in there with each other, laugh everyday with one another, respect one another and know that nothing can destroy you.
Kindest Regards,
Christopher Meador, PhD, LCSW
OH! I’m so happy to finally know your story. You two are so sweet. I’m glad we got to meet you and I’m SO glad you two have had such a good life so far. Here’s to a continued wonderful life together!
This story just warmed my heart!I hope anyone who doubted God loves all people will read this and be inspired to change their mind-This is one of the most God like love stories I have heard in a long time. Good luck to both Fellas and David-Another informative story for Your Gay friendly readers like myself.Please keep them coming!
What a beautiful story, Im so happy you shared it with us.
Jack and George 50 years is a massive milestone congrats!
Congratulations guys! What a powerful and moving love story that could make a great movie or documentary.
Fantastic story! Similar in a way to my partner’s and my story minus the “camp”. It is very important to get stories out like this, especially in the Bible belt. So many kids need this kind of encouragement!
What a beautiful story of love and truth winning out! I wish you guys the best in your life together!
Marty from San Francisco
David and KC,
Your story touched me and brought tears to my eyes. I went through something similar when I was a little younger than both of you. My parents sent me to a psychiatric ward for three weeks so they could find out why I was, “gay”. Then when I was 14 I went to Teen Challenge Ranch in Morrow, Arkanasas. It was much like where you guys were at, not as extreme but very similar. I like Dolly Parton and they took all of my Dolly stuff away, calling her a jezebel whore so I could focus on God. And if we said any curse words or anything we had to go dig a tree stump out of the ground on our free time from Christian school. We had extensive chores, Bible study and could only listent to Christian music. Then one night they took us all camping, and I fornacated with another guy and ended up getting kicked out. Big relief for me, I got my Dolly stuff back. and was happy. Now it’s funny that my parents actually call me for releationship advice. I loved your story and really would like to take the road to getting married. Awesome article.
This is the most beautiful, most touching story I have ever read. Definitely movie material!
Good for you, guys. I’m not just happy for you, I’m proud of you.
May such happiness await others who are put through that kind of nonsense. Nonsense, because it doesn’t “work”, often does great harm, and, plainly, makes no sense.
God bless.
Very happy for both of them and thanks for publishing this story. While it is true that the use of 12 step programs was being distorted I believe that 12 step programs themselves are not all they are cracked up to be. The 12 steps are in essence faith healing and not an evidence based approach to addictions. AA itself has a very poor success rate with only about 5% of new members staying sober after one year. I suggest a reading of The Orange Papers for a very critical look at AA. and I recommend the blog called stinkin-thinkin.com
Wonderful story. Unfortunately my relationship ended after 11 years, I was married for 29 years and have two sons. I also questioned what I had done bey leaving my wife and comming out. Adultry was involved in my decision. And I had always been more comfortable arond other males. No sexual contact but I was raped by an 18 y/o as teenager. All these feeling and being raised in strict holiness religons; I had doubts and questions. All was answered for me one night leavinf work. Walking across the almost deserted parking lot, I was thinking and talking with God. Had I done the right thing? Absolutely nobody around, I heaard a clear voice: YOU are right where I want you! Congrats on your faith. So amny young people are confused and tormented. Hope your story, and mine, help others. GOD bless!!!
What a beautiful story. Congratulations on finding love, and on being strong and brave enough to pursue it despite the obstacles. Omnia vincit amor!
Terrific story! Way to go David.
Thank you everyone for all of your encouraging words! It is overwhelming to see so many people find inspiration in our story when it is so normal for us because we lived it. Thank you Dallas Voice for giving a “voice” to finding love this Valentine’s day by learning to allow God to love you and in turn loving yourself… Thank you!
Great story that I saw through a link on the website of the Seattle independent paper “The Stranger.” I’m touched not only by the story, but by the supportiveness and warmth of the commetns. Not necessarily what I expected from the Dallas area – I may have to rethink a few things myself.
That’s such a beautiful story. Thanks to the Stranger for referring me here.
What an incredible journey….against so many odds. Thanks for sharing such love and hope for the rest of us.
Congratulations! Love is love. My Mom was a social worker who always told my sister and I that people are “just who they are”. No changes necessary! Have a fabulous life together!
Thanks so much for such a great story to read! My family still hasn’t come to accept me or Jeff, the love of my life. HOpefully one day, like your brother, they will come along as well. Your story gives me hope.
This is a beautiful story….I know that all their feelings are true because I have felt the same way for the last 8 years with my partner. I never went to a reparative situation but tried for about 30 years to change but when God helped me come to terms with myself, my life has never been the same. I just wish that I had realized what being the person that God created me to be would change the rest of my life. Their story sounds like “Save Me” with Chad Allen and Robert Gant….There are so many lies and rumors spread about gay people from people that don’t even know anything about it….and KC and Larry have overcome so many things in their journey…..when you come to terms with yourself….God is so much more real and present in your life….God loves people to be ok with themselves and not afraid…..He isn’t a God of fear but Faith, Love and Acceptance…..
what a great story….it is really all about love isn’t it. When I read these stories about ex-gay programs and the methodologies I find it amazing that they are still using the same methods are restrictions i went through in a live-in ex-gay program for 6 months in 1971. Thats 40 years ago. I didn’t work then…..and still doesn’t work today. https://gayambassador1.blogspot.com/p/ch7-my-ex-gay-experience.html
Amazing story. My heart broke a little reading about the “methods” of the ex-gay camp and all that you endured there. I had heard of these “ministries” but didn’t realize what went on there. There are no words to express the sadness that this sort of thing, and the degree of small mindedness that goes hand in hand with that, still flourishes today.
Congratulations on your marriage and in finding that happiness together. One of the best examples for me of a loving, caring, supportive, and truly connected relationship is that of my uncles. They have been together for as long as I can remember (I am 40), and are still going strong. True love is out there for all of us. God bless.
What a wonderfully happy story! Congrats on your marriage. I hope you have many wonderful years together. You two look like you were just made for each other!
Love finally did Win Out!
I must say, great story. I’m glad to hear of something positive for once. Lately it’s all been negative, and you start to wonder what is right/wrong anymore. Thanks for having this posted.
What a great story!!! I wish there was not so many “trials” to get where you are today, but you made it through them! I have heard great things about you both from Katie, seen the wedding pics & by reading your story feel grateful that my friend has a couple great family members like you two! Good luck to the both of you & strive for that 50th and beyond!
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful warming love story. I’m so glad you met, even though it was under less than ideal circumstances. I hope you live happily every after!!
Thanks for such a beautiful story. I think it’s an amazing testament to the way that God can still bring us to hope and happiness even when “the world” is trying to beat us down. It seems to me that the two of you finding each other was part of what helped you survive that horrible “camp” experience.
My aunts have been together for 35plus years and they have been part of a lesbian couples group for around 20? years. Someone introduced the couples to each other and three of the couples have continued to meet at least three times a year for a long time.
Our family has been supportive of my aunts, but one of the other couples said they had no support at first. But, now they are the only one of their siblings to not be divorced and the rest of the family was asking them for relationship advice.
Best of luck to the two of you and keep sharing your story so that others can see that who you choose to love should be honored regardless of your choice.
Fabulous Story. They are a few of the lucky ones that manage to get through these harmful and damaging experiences without completely self-destructing. You go boys!
More stories like theirs and support for those struggling to accept themselves go to: http//www.beyondexgay.com and https://www.exgaynoway.com
@Diane: it’s also an amazing testament to how Godd*m f—ing stupid these “ex-gay” ministries are, and how they exploit their victims just so that they can take their money and provide nothing in return.
So … love really DOES conquer all. Well done, guys 🙂
Congratulations you guys! My partner and I have been in love for 5 years.
Like people have mentioned above, there’s no need for so-called reparative therapy. It’s not therapy at all! Women loving woman and men loving men, or boys loving boys and girls luving girls is great.
I’m a therapist in San Francisco and Oakland working with other therapists and the public to help this message get lots of visibility. If you want to contact me please go to my site https://lgbtcounseling.com or email me at therapist@lgbtcounseling.com. Let’s spread the message that this kind of so-called reparative therapy is not therapy at all, which is what reputable therapists’ organizations have been saying for years.
Best of luck, KC and Larry,
Jim Walker, MFT
A great story! I am inspired by your integrity and devotion to each other. I love the wedding picture that was posted with the story on Facebook; so many cheers and smiles, all wedding pics should convey such joy among everyone. Thank you.
Such a wonderfully heartwarming story… as someone else said… LOVE DID WIN OUT!!! I was raised in a very conservative church and chose to attended a conservative Christian college. As someone who has never experienced same sex attraction, I continued to hold misguided ideas until I was in my mid 20s when different circumstance brought many gay friends and co-workers across my path. As I began to hear far too many stories that were similar to KC’s, I started to ask myself how could families, particularly parents, treat their families/ children like this… regardless of how “wrong” you think a loved one is… Where in the Bible does it say to respond with hate and cut them out of your life?
Although it breaks my heart friends had to experience this rejection, I’m thankful they shared their stories with me so I could learn… that there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with them!
Thank you Larry and KC for sharing your story with others!
Alright Jim Walker! You rock. The rest of you–go to meetgaycouples.com and tell the world that OUR marriages are just as meaningful as “theirs”.
This is the sweetest story I think I have ever read. I’m so incredibly happy for you both that you found each other in such an environment. Best wishes for you both, and for your families!
Philippians 4:8 It is high time that passage applies to Gay marriage, which is so strange for me to classify them as separate entities. This is a beautiful wonderful story of love and endurance we don’t see in our microwave culture. I am so sorry that there are camps that try to squash homosexuality, what would happen if we had camps that tried to squash heterosexuals….oh that would go over nicely.
I am 40, I have seen a lot of change in my life and I hope to also see the barriers to Gay marriage would be abolished. They need to be. As for the rest of the day…..I will follow Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, noble whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is noble and whatever is admirable….think about such things and I will and the God of peace will be with me. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives me hope.
Ok, I’m now balling my eyes out. Congratulations and I know you’ll spend many happy years together. We are fighting to legalise gay marriage in Australia – your story is very inspiring.
This is a brilliant story. Thanks so much to the Janssons for sharing.
I think you guys just restored my faith in love and happy endings 🙂 So very Sweet,
Ali XX
Whatsup Larry & KC,
One Of the Most Intresting Articles I Have Read In Quite Sometime, I Must Say !
The Anti Gay Group That Y’all Attended Sounded Terrible & Uneducated In It’s Ablities 2 Help Line You Up With The Teachings Of Bible. I Have Been Doing Alot Of Soul Searching Myself & Asking God What Is Life All About.
I Used To Think He Was A Big Bad God Who Wanted Me To Have No Fun, But Then Through Personal Expierence/Realtionship With Him I Learned He Just Wanted What Was Best For Me & Not What Would Ultimatly Send Me 2 Hell In The End If I Choose Myself Over Him (Which I Admit I’m Farrr From Perfect lol. )
No Matter How Awesome A Person Makes Us Feel Inside On Earth There Is A Spot More So Reserved For Christ That Comes From Seeking Your Very Own Tailormade Realtionship With The Real True Living God….I Know You Gentlemen Have Made The Choice To Love Each Other Which Is What Christ Would Have You Do As Brothers But When We Continue To Repeatedly Sin Without Repenting There Is No Place In The Kingdom Of Heaven For Us.
This Article Came To Me As I Was Looking For Truth After I Was So Drawn In By Your Story, Please Take Some Personal Time With God On The Subjects Discussed & He Will Lead You Minds 🙂
https://www.christiananswers.net/q-aig/aig-c040.html
Ps I Don’t Doubt That You To Kind Men Love Each Other, So That’s Why I See The Possiblity In Faith That Your Friendship Is So Strong That You 2 Will Do What’s Best For The Other Person So You Will Spend Eternity In The Arms Of Our Maker And Lord Willing Each Other
In Christ,
Austin
I LOVE THIS. BEST STORY EVER.
WHEN’S THE MOVIE COMING OUT? I hope when it does, they do it right.
It’s horrible they had to go through that nonsense to find true love but they did it! They found love anyway and there’s nothing the people who tried to kill their soul can do about it. congratulations guys.
Your love story was great. I am glad you found each other albeit by a way most do not go. Many years of happiness to you both. Victor and I celebrate our 10 year anniversary on the 16th of February of this year.
Repairative therapy seems to be about the camp, the sponsors, and YOUR $10 thou, rather than what is good and right for you.
@austin please don’t bring such a wonderful story down with your nonsense.
That is so terrible that they went through that time where they thought being themselves was evil, but their love for each other conquered the true evil >:D I’m so happy for them. They look like a good couple :3
Best of luck, a long and happy life together. PLS get involved in supporting the gay civil rights mvoement, and debunking these Jesus freaks. Who most of the time produce self hating extremist clones of themselves.
Hey Larry and KC,
Have you guys ever thot of doing a you tube vid? That would be AWESOME easy and really helpful to alot of people! Thx for sharing your story, it’s great!
I know I’m supposed to find this story uplifting…sweet, and mostly I do, I guess. But, I’m also filled with sadness at the medievalism these guys had to endure, either because of family pressure or by choice. It’s good that they came out of it happier than they went in, but isn’t it time to get over this need to conform to the expectations of other? Be yourself, for god’s sake.
This is why HeartStrong runs https://www.exgay.com. After 15 years we see no change in the number of people coming to us for help or the stories behind their struggles. While other things seem to progess somewhat, in these religious circles, the exgay path is still touted as the only map for those dealing with this issue. Glad they made it out. Sad for the many many who are unable to escape. So we keep reaching for them.
i went to the exgay exodus in the past-i didn’t last there a week-i found it to be a brainwashing place.
My best wishes to two great guys! I’m sorry about all the nonsense in our society that goes on by ignorant people. I feel joyful that you two fellows have been able to be true to your God-given natures rather succombing to unrealistic man made life-styles cooked up by blind people for those who are not heterosexual..
What a great story. My very best wishes to you both. My husband and I just celebrated our 41st anniversary. May you have a long and happy life together
Mazel Tov! This story is so heartwarming. I’m very glad that the Jannsons had each other to help them through the dangerous program they were in.
Thanks for publishing this story. As a former client of Love In Action and someone who has seen and experienced the damage these programs can do, it’s always good to see love overcome oppression.
Isn’t love grand! Great article on finding love. I hope I find it, lol.
hmmm. I think a followup would be very interesting.
They truly found love in a hopeless place!