Formerly a leader in the Assemblies of God and regular preacher in mega-churches of Australia and overseas, for 22 years Anthony tried to change his homosexuality through psychiatric treatment, exorcisms, ‘ex-gay’ programs, 40-day fasts and daily struggles with his ‘problem’. Although happily married for 16 years with two daughters, eventually he had to admit that nothing had changed. At this time, Anthony faced the toughest decision of his life; be true to himself (which would result in losing everything he held dear) or live a lie.
Anthony’s autobiography, ‘A Life of Unlearning’ (first released in 2004) was awarded the SGLBA’s ‘Book of the Year’. The revised second edition (with additional 80 pages) was released internationally in 2007. Anthony has appeared on national television shows such as ‘60 Minutes’, ‘Channel 7’s Sunrise’, ‘Mornings with Kerri Anne’ and SMH’s Sexperts as well as radio and in the mainstream and gay print media.
Background:
- Well read on the scientific research from both sides of the debate re changing one’s sexual orientation
- Networked with US groups such as Beyond Ex-gay, The Ex-gay Watch, The Boxed Turtle Bulletin, Truth Wins Out and Courage in the UK
- 2008 Released 20 Questions for “Ex-gay” Ministry Leaders
- 2007 Voted one of The 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians
- 2007 ‘A Life of Unlearning- a journey to find the truth’ revised second edition published
- 2007 Released statements and apologies from five former Australian ‘Ex-gay’ Leaders
- 2007 Attended the first in California USA
- 2005 Launched Freedom 2 b[e], a network GLBT People from Pentecostal, Charismatic & Evangelical Backgrounds
- 2004 ‘A Life of Unlearning- Coming out of the church, one man’s struggle’ awarded the SGLBA Literary Award
- 2000 Commenced an online support group Exex-gay for survivors of ‘ex-gay’ ministries.
- 1972 Spent six months in Australia’s first live-in ‘Ex-gay’ program (read entire chapter here)
Anthony has over 8 years experience working with young and old, who have attended ‘ex-gay’ programs, assisting them to deal with the aftermath of a belief system that said, because they were same-sex-oriented, they were sick, dysfunctional and ‘abnormal’. After leaving an ‘ex-gay’ program, unsuccessful candidates are often vulnerable and traumatized as they try to deal with the sense of shame and failure.
Anthony shares his life with us with all the colour that a story-telling evangelist can capture. The honesty of his story is compelling . . . Anthony doesn’t claim to be ‘right’, he simply tells his story. You can’t argue with it. It is neither right nor wrong, it simply is. His story faces the hard issues, HIV/AIDS, Suicide, Sexual Assault, Relationships, Marriage, Parenting, Domestic Violence, Loneliness, Guilt, Shame, Rejection, Love and Sex. He has nothing to hide and it is refreshing.
I recommend this book as a non-threatening way to understand and process the issues of sexuality and spirituality; however, I can’t say you may not experience discomfort as the honesty in these pages invites you to be honest in your own life. Read it if you dare.
Dr Wendell Rosevear - O.A.M., M.B.,B.S., Dip. RACOG., FRACGP.
Contact:Email: anthony@anthonyvennbrown.com
