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Wacky Wayne Besen

Beginning in 2002, Wayne Besen, then with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), began harassing individual ex-gays because he disagreed with their sexual orientation.  Among other things, he told some of them that they were homosexual and encouraged them to return to sodomy.  Below are complaints by some of these ex-gays who were victims of Besen’s sexual harassment and abuse.

 

PFOX’s published letter to the editor complains about hate against ex-gays by gay activists like HRC’s Wayne Besen who demand tolerance at the same time that they are intolerant of ex-gays:

 

Charleston Gazette
Copyright 2002

Thursday, January 31, 2002

HEADLINE: Letters to the Editor

Gay activists aren't tolerant of ex-gays

Wayne Besen and Linda Bodie commented Jan. 16 that the addition of
sexual orientation to the state's hate crime laws will protect
"everyone" and not criminalize speech. That is incorrect.
Sexual orientation hate crime laws make ex-gays subject to an
increasingly hostile environment where they are attacked as perpetrators

of hate and discrimination simply because they dare to exist.

Support for the ex-gay community is interpreted as bigotry and hate
against homosexuals. Fighting hate becomes a euphemism for attacks
against ex-gays.

With a sexual orientation provision to protect their hate, gay activists

can then claim we oppress and intimidate them simply because we advocate

and live out a different view of homosexuality.

Please refrain from passing hate crime laws that will be misused to
legitimize intolerance against ex-gays.

Regina Griggs

Alexandria, Va.

Griggs is executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays. ___________________________________________________________________________

 

Despite PFOX’s complaint of intolerance of ex-gays by gay activists who hypocritically seek anti-harassment protection, Wayne Besen, in his official HRC capacity, seeks out PFOX’s ex-gay members and harasses them sexually, as in the email below. 

 

> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Wayne Besen" <Wayne.Besen@hrc.org>
> > To: "'Janet
> > Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 5:23 PM
> > Subject: RE: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> >
> >
> > > Janet,
> > >
> > > If you are honest, you would admit you are a lonely, bitter, incomplete
> > > person - who could be fixed by a night with a good woman. Because that
> is
> > > really what you desire. When is the last time you have been with a man
> or
> > a
> > > woman?
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------------------
> > > Wayne Besen
> > > Deputy Communications Director
> > > Human Rights Campaign
> > > www.hrc.org
> > > 919 18th St. NW
> > > Washington DC 20006
> > > P: 202/216-1580
> > > C: 202/256-4421
> > > F: 202/347-5323
> > > ------------------------------------------
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Janet
> > > Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 5:11 PM
> > > To: Wayne Besen
> > > Subject: Re: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> > >
> > >
> > > No you cannot help me, I have the Lord Jesus Christ who helps me. I am
> > > surely not suffering from need of anything from someone who is still
> stuck
> > > in perverse thinking. How could you help me to any wholeness when you
> are
> > so
> > > incomplete?? My joy is overflowing and therefore I need no happiness
> that
> > > depends on happinstance.  And you are so wrong, I don't hold onto
> > > bitterness, I give it to my Lord. Undersexed?? How did that fet into our
> > > conversation. Did you know that even you Wayne, are loved by God and had
> > His
> > > Son only had you to die for, He would have done so. Jesus came so that
> His
> > > precious blood could pay a debt you could never pay. I offer you this
> > > oportunity to recieve Christ as your Savior. He calls each one of us to
> > > repentance that is, turnoing away from our sin and turning toward Him.
> > Would
> > > you like to do that Wayne??
> > >
> > > Jan
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "Wayne Besen" <Wayne.Besen@hrc.org>
> > > To: "'Janet
> > > Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 3:54 PM
> > > Subject: RE: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> > >
> > >
> > > > Did you know you are a lesbian? I can help you get around your
> > > > self-loathing. I can help you to psychological wholeness. And I could
> > > > show you how you could be truly happy. Your comments on the matter
> > > > show you are not a fulfilled person. But if I was as undersexed as
> > > > you, I'd be bitter
> > > and
> > > > angry too. So, I understand.
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------------------------
> > > > Wayne Besen
> > > > Deputy Communications Director
> > > > Human Rights Campaign
> > > > www.hrc.org
> > > > 919 18th St. NW
> > > > Washington DC 20006
> > > > P: 202/216-1580
> > > > C: 202/256-4421
> > > > F: 202/347-5323
> > > > ------------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: Janet
> > > > Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 3:51 PM
> > > > To: Wayne Besen
> > > > Subject: Re: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > You know what you could be a very likable guy if you weren't so snowed
> > > > by evil. What you are doing Wayne is showing your own insanity, the
> > > > Bible
> > > says
> > > > a fool says in his heart there is no God. What do you think will be
> > > > the
> > > next
> > > > attempt at snowing everyone about a gay gene? The only gay genes I
> > > > ever
> > > knew
> > > > of were the ones I wore when I was a lesbian in Baltimore.
> > > >
> > > > Did you know that you don't have to stay gay if you are?
> > > > Jan
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: "Wayne Besen" <Wayne.Besen@hrc.org>
> > > > To: "'Janet
> > > > Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 3:32 PM
> > > > Subject: RE: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Are you under psychiatric care? You know, insane people are the last
> > > > > to
> > > > know
> > > > > they are nuts.
> > > > >
> > > > > Sincerely,
> > > > >
> > > > > The Enemy
> > > > >
> > > > > ------------------------------------------------
> > > > > Wayne Besen
> > > > > Deputy Communications Director
> > > > > Human Rights Campaign
> > > > > www.hrc.org
> > > > > 919 18th St. NW
> > > > > Washington DC 20006
> > > > > P: 202/216-1580
> > > > > C: 202/256-4421
> > > > > F: 202/347-5323
> > > > > ------------------------------------------
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > > From: Janet
> > > > > Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 3:30 PM
> > > > > To: Wayne Besen
> > > > > Subject: Re: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Whatsa matter Mr Besen Can't take it? Don't worry I wont email you
> > > > > again
> > > > you
> > > > > are the enemy. Let me assure you though we shall see who is "nuts"
> > > > > one day in the future would you like to be the one who goes in or
> > > > > would you rather stay condemned by your own heart?
> > > > >
> > > > > Jan
> > > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > > From: "Wayne Besen" <Wayne.Besen@hrc.org>
> > > > > To: "'Janet
> > > > > Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 3:12 PM
> > > > > Subject: RE: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > Don't write me again. You are nuts.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > ------------------------------------------------
> > > > > > Wayne Besen
> > > > > > Deputy Communications Director
> > > > > > Human Rights Campaign
> > > > > > www.hrc.org
> > > > > > 919 18th St. NW
> > > > > > Washington DC 20006
> > > > > > P: 202/216-1580
> > > > > > C: 202/256-4421
> > > > > > F: 202/347-5323
> > > > > > ------------------------------------------
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > > > From: Janet
> > > > > > Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2002 7:19 PM
> > > > > > To: Wayne Besen
> > > > > > Subject: Re: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Yes Mr Bessen this is an interesting article and it is very above
> > > > > > board. I must counter this one portion. Jesus never specifically
> > > > > > mentioned homosexuality but, He is God so He has spoken on it in
> > > > > > the past, Secondly, in Matthew 19 he answers the questions
> > > > > > concerning divorce by pointing out how God created them. In the
> > > > > > beginning God created them male and female.
> > > > > For
> > > > > > this reason man shall leave his mother and father and cleave to
> > > > > > his wife
> > > > > and
> > > > > > the two shall become one.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > God did not make a mistake. He ordained marriage between one man
> > > > > > and one woman because the woman was taken from the man. That and
> > > > > > that alone is the only way two can be one again. That is why
> > > > > > marriage should not be
> > > > > perverted
> > > > > > by us. God brought it about not man. To attempt to make this apply
> > > > > > to homosexuality is to blaspheme God and what He has done. This
> > > > > > amounts to rebellion against a holy God.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Salt
> > > > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > > > From: "Wayne Besen" <Wayne.Besen@hrc.org>
> > > > > > Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2002 5:23 PM
> > > > > > Subject: Interesting Ex-Gay Article
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >  http://www.theletter.net/brasgalla-1.htm
> > > > > > > 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Anything But Straight

Sent: Monday, February 10, 2003 11:57 PM

Subject: News: WEB-SITE LAUNCHED FOR UPCOMING BOOK THAT DEBUNKS THE 'EX-GAY' MYTH

 

www.Anythingbutstraight.com
 
Anything But Straight:
Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth
By Wayne Besen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         
Monday, Feb. 10, 2002                                     

Contact: Wayne Besen, Author                                                                                   

WEB-SITE LAUNCHED FOR UPCOMING BOOK THAT DEBUNKS THE 'EX-GAY' MYTH   
 
www.Anythingbutstraight.com is a Key Community Resource for Countering 'Ex-Gay' Misinformation Campaigns
 
WASHINGTON – A new groundbreaking web-site was launched today promoting a much anticipated book that debunks the ex-gay ministries and reparative therapy. The site, www.Anythingbutstraight.com, will also serve as a comprehensive GLBT community resource that will help activists across the nation fight the extreme right wing's efforts to promote the ex-gay myth.
            The soon to be released book by the Harrington Park Press, Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth will be on bookstore shelves in late May 2003.
            "This landmark web-site marks the end of the days where the 'ex-gay' hoax went largely unchallenged," said Wayne Besen, author of Anything But Straight. "This web-site debunks the litany of lies, unravels the untruths and separates fact from fiction. I hope GLBT activists, families, mainstream religious groups and news reporters will find this site useful in countering the well-funded 'ex-gay' myth."     
            www.Anythingbutstraight.com provides a history of the ex-gay ministries and reparative therapy, highlights the many scandals, illustrates the hateful quotes by some of their leaders and unveils a top 10 list of wacky ideas perpetuated by these destructive groups.  The web-site also gives an overview of Anything But Straight and talks about the many interesting and unique findings in Besen's extensive research.
            "While most ex-gay volunteers are good, but misguided people, their leaders and right wing political sponsors do an enormous amount of damage," said Besen. "This web-site offers victims of the ex-gay myth a way to tell their stories. I hope the web-site can help those still struggling with this issue to live fulfilling lives as proud openly gay individuals."
 
            Anything But Straight can be ordered in advance on the web-site or on www.Amazon.com.
 
              Wayne Besen has been following the "ex-gay" ministries for nearly five years. He also works for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay and lesbian advocacy group, where he edited, Finally Free: How Love and Self-Acceptance Saved Us From the Ex-Gay Ministries. In September 2001, Besen photographed "ex-gay" leader John Paulk in a gay bar after he was spotted by Daryl Herrschaft.
           

 Besen is also a frequent guest on leading news and political talk shows including: the NBC Nightly News, The Roseanne Show, CNN’s Talk Back Live and The Point, Fox’s O’Reilly Factor and Hannity and Colmes, Fox News and MSNBC News. He has also been quoted in a number of national publications such as The Washington Post, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, The San Francisco Chronicle, Rolling Stone and the Advocate magazine.  In 2001, the Advocate named Besen one of the nations Most Innovative Activists for his work discrediting the ex-gay myth. Anything But Straight is the first book he has authored.
 
- 30 -

 

Besen sexually harassing an ex-gay with unsolicited emails which seem designed to provoke and agitate people who identify as former homosexuals:

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Randy

To: griggs@erols.com

Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 2:52 PM

Subject: Spotlights Report for September 9, 2003

1) Gay activist sends note of discouragement.

WARNING:  The following contains lewd comments directed at yours truly and Exodus.  This message is from Wayne B. who is a gay activist.  Wayne writes in regard to last weeks Spotlights:

It is clear by your bitter call for members to cancel cable that you don't have the faith or willpower to simply change the channel. How very cult-like of Exodus to try to take "evil influences" out of the home because members might actually enjoy the material (or in your case get turned off by women kissing). Sounds a bit like mind control.

Randy, it is clear by your unusually angry writing that you are in desperate need of a man, and soon. A good man will take that palpable tension away and you might enjoy life a little bit more.  I'm sure I'll never catch you in a gay bar because you are too wound up from lack of good loving. It is clear you just sit around sexually frustrated watching naughty stuff on cable - which now makes you want to cancel your subscription out of guilt.

Let's face it. If you were actually the straight guy you pretend to be, you would have found the MTV kiss hot. What I think bothers you most about the MTV kiss is that three of the hottest women in America locked lips and this did nothing for you sexually. ... unnecessarily explicit description of a possible sexual response edited out ...  If I spent all the time and money on change therapy and that kiss caused no stirrings, I'd be as bitter as you are.

Randy, I understand. I really do. Just hang on a bit longer until you can accept yourself, and you will find a nice, attractive man who can do for you what Brittany, Madonna and Christina could not.

 

Here Besen sends an unsolicited email to a PFOX mom, telling her she is a “bad mother.”

----- Original Message -----

From: Bridget

Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 10:41 PM

Subject: Tell me what you think?

Hi Group,

Read this from bottom up. I got this email this morning out of the blue from Wayne Besen who is trying to get his book out called, "Anything But Straight."   I guess he must have heard about me and my book somewhere and is angry at anyone that supports ex-gay beliefs.  I told my son about this and he was really angry at this guy for writing me this. He said, "Mom, how dare that guy try to make you feel bad. You are a wonderful mother and I love you so much. I also love dad and he is a good father."  That really warmed our hearts today. So bad things can be turned to good.

Bridget

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Bridget

To: WBesen@aol.com

Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 8:27 AM

Subject: Re: You are a bad mother

Wayne 

If your son told you he was genetically pre-disposed to alcoholism or drugs and living this life was what made him happy, would you support that?  My son's first sexual experience (oral sex) was with someone he met at an affirming diversity group. That night his throat was totally swollen and we had to rush him to our doctor. He caught the worst case of gonorrhea our doctor had seen in 20 years. If we had not rushed him over to the doctor right away and gotten the proper treatment, he would have died. During the next month he had to get shots 5 times a week and we had to nurse him to health. I have not seen living the gay life bring happiness and peace to most gay people. I have met many who have come out of the lifestyle and with the help of Jesus Christ live happy heterosexual lives.

Our son absolutely KNOWS we love him and he absolutely LOVES us unconditionally. I don't expect him to love my fat thighs in order to love me and he does not expect me to love or accept gay sex in order to love him.

My prayers are for you because I think you are a angry, unhappy man.

Bridget 

Anyone have more Besen emails, incidents, harassment or other info to add to this?  Send to WackyWayne666@hotmail.com