Paul Martin Named One of the 25 Most Influential Gay & Lesbian Australians

A Brisbane man who was the former leader of a group that claims to
‘cure’ homosexuality has been named as one of the gay community’s most
influential people.

During the 1980s, Paul Martin was at the helm of an ‘ex-gay ministry
movement’ – one that tried to turn homosexual people into heterosexual
people – in Melbourne.

Providing ‘treatment and religious counselling’ to hundreds of men and
women, the group still operates in cities across the country.
However, Mr Martin, 45, eventually “saw the light” and confronted his
personal demons.

“At the time I truly believed I was on a journey to being repaired, I
was convinced my sexuality could be changed,” he said.

Two decades on, the counselling psychologist helps confused and
troubled gays and lesbians come to terms with their own sexuality.

“Most people would be surprised that this group operates in Brisbane,
using the same sort of outdated practices from decades ago that
produced hundreds of human wreckages,” Mr Martin said.

“Followers think being gay is a psychiatric disorder, against the will
of God and therefore inherently evil … they believe homosexuals can
change through healing.”

Despite significant steps in society towards a greater acceptance of
homosexuality, Mr Martin said there was still strong demand for such
organisations.

“There are enough tortured and confused people out there to warrant
their existence but they are incredibly dangerous because trying to be
something you’re not creates horrific conflict.”

Mr Martin was this week named as the sole Queenslander in
samesame.com.au’s annual Gaylies list – for the 25 Most Influential
Gay and Lesbian Australians.

Recipients were chosen from hundreds of publicly-nominated
individuals. They include Olympic diving sensation Matthew Mitcham,
retiring High Court Justice Michael Kirby and politician Penny Wong.
Organisers said Mr Martin was chosen in recognition of his work in
Brisbane’s gay community, including the bravery required in speaking
out against the ex-gay movement.

While he disagrees with their methods and beliefs, Mr Martin does not
believe the organisers of such groups are deliberately hateful people.
“The people involved with these groups don’t actually mean harm – they
are lovely individuals, I’m sure. However, they are genuinely ignorant
and driven by personal belief that is not in tune with reality.”

Of the dozens of so-called reformed gays Mr Martin worked with 20
years ago, only a few are still heterosexual and the majority wound up
leading “messy lives”, he said.

“Some of those people got married but it inevitably ended in divorce
and the sad part is most situations involved children.”

samesame.com.au founder Tim Duggan said the awards were designed to
raise awareness of gay community members and the issues they faced, as
well as celebrating personal achievement.

“This list shows that there are amazing role models within our
community and the more society sees gay people achieving great things,
the easier it will be to see equality,” Mr Duggan said.

web-link:
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/gay-psychologist-sees-the-light/\
2008/12/17/1229189662679.html?s_rid=smh:top5#