Truth Wins Out interviewed former Love in Action Director John Smid. He is the real life “ex-gay“ counselor, played by Joel Edgerton as chief therapist Victor Sykes, in the movie Boy Erased. Smid had counseled hundreds of men to rid them of their homosexuality. Here is what he had to say: I’m John Smid. I’m an ex-ex gay leader. I was the Executive Director of Love in Action International for eighteen years. I was on the Board of Directors for Exodus International for eleven years. I’ve been interviewed on Larry King Live, 20/20, CNN. If you are strongly attracted to someone of the same gender that will not change. I’ve never seen a real success story of anyone who has changed from homosexual to heterosexual. To the parent who is considering conversion therapy, a counselor, ex-gay ministry, your child’s best life is going to be lived as an authentic person. Those of you that are gay, stop hating yourself. Learn to love yourself. Be true to yourself.
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