I've also pondered if 'ex-gay'/conversion therapy programs are cults -- especially after listening to various cult podcasts like IndoctriNation and Conspirituality. I don't think these programs quite fit most definitions of cult. However, these programs are definitely high-demand, high-control religious groups with cult-like features:
• Like many cult leaders, they usually prey on religious LGBTQ people in crisis by lovebombing them and making overly optimistic promises.
• Participants are encouraged to make highly sensitive, personal confessions which 'counselors' can hold over them.
• 'Ex-gay' groups pressure participants to make massive life changes and investments of time, money, faith, relationships, vocation, and other destabilizing changes to the point that escaping increasingly less feasible and more detrimental.
• Programs brainwash participants into making ongoing pledges of devotion, discourage challenging questions, and demonize alternative perspectives.
• Of course, sex shaming, highly restrictive sexual practices, and/or secretive sexual practices/abuse are typical to both cults and 'ex-gay' groups.
• These programs are often centered on charismatic leaders. It requires a massive ego and hubris for a person without any professional training or experience to step into leadership, offer counseling, lead support groups, write books while claiming mainstream psychology and medicine are wrong. I'm not aware of any Jim Jones of the 'ex-gay' world, but the potential is there.
I think the only safeguard to 'ex-gay' groups have to becoming cults is that most are under the guise of Christianity which isn't tolerant of competitors.
I've also pondered if 'ex-gay'/conversion therapy programs are cults -- especially after listening to various cult podcasts like IndoctriNation and Conspirituality. I don't think these programs quite fit most definitions of cult. However, these programs are definitely high-demand, high-control religious groups with cult-like features:
• Like many cult leaders, they usually prey on religious LGBTQ people in crisis by lovebombing them and making overly optimistic promises.
• Participants are encouraged to make highly sensitive, personal confessions which 'counselors' can hold over them.
• 'Ex-gay' groups pressure participants to make massive life changes and investments of time, money, faith, relationships, vocation, and other destabilizing changes to the point that escaping increasingly less feasible and more detrimental.
• Programs brainwash participants into making ongoing pledges of devotion, discourage challenging questions, and demonize alternative perspectives.
• Of course, sex shaming, highly restrictive sexual practices, and/or secretive sexual practices/abuse are typical to both cults and 'ex-gay' groups.
• These programs are often centered on charismatic leaders. It requires a massive ego and hubris for a person without any professional training or experience to step into leadership, offer counseling, lead support groups, write books while claiming mainstream psychology and medicine are wrong. I'm not aware of any Jim Jones of the 'ex-gay' world, but the potential is there.
I think the only safeguard to 'ex-gay' groups have to becoming cults is that most are under the guise of Christianity which isn't tolerant of competitors.
Thank you for adding your valuable (as usual) insights.