Jallen Rix is the author of Ex-Gay No Way, a part dramatic memoir, part compassionate manual, dealing with homosexuality, Christianity and – in particular – “reparative therapy”.

Rix reveals how he endured extreme religious abuse while part of an ex-gay ministry which was designed to turn him from a gay man to a straight one. However, Ex-Gay No Way is also the story of his incredible determination to live in the truth of his sexuality, and with his spirituality up front and centre.

We caught up with Jallen Rix to find out more.

Tell us a bit about Ex-Gay No Way – what can we expect?
I have come a long way from my Southern Baptist roots to be a sexologist. The book is a partial memoir of my struggle through the ex-gay movement, the painful experiences I faced, and what I did to liberate and integrate my gay sexuality and spirituality.

What are you most proud of about the book?
As I wrote out my journey, I discovered in the research that the ex-gay movement is an outgrowth of a larger, damaging phenomenon, called “religious abuse.” This is not to say that all religion is bad.

However, there is a significant part of christian religion today that might espouse to spread the all-inclusive love of God, but sadly, their tactics are an abuse of power that harms, shames and ultimately rejects the very people who put their trust in them. This is probably not a big surprise to most of us, but I am proud to be the one to draw the direct connection - point for point - between the two.

Were there any particular parts of the book that were exceptionally difficult to write?
I dug through piles of journals and letters to try and write from the heart of what I was feeling. It was like I relived the whole arduous experience again - coming to grips with my sexuality, letting go of all the pain and hurt, coming out to my conservative family and friends, letting go of a ministry I had developed - it was hell!

What was it that made you want to turn your experiences into a book?
It seemed a necessary step for me since I was already speaking out about it, leading workshops and giving support to people who were recovering from these kinds of abuses. There is not much published from a personal and practical perspective about the damaging effects of ex-gay and reparative therapies, much less what can be done to recover from them.

"The reason ex-gay and reparative therapies do not work is that they attempt - and fail - to fix something that is not broken."

How long did it take you to write?
It took about three years to write the book, but it reviews my life over the past two decades.

What has the early reaction been like to Ex-Gay No Way?
If the emails and FB contacts are any indication, the book has been very positive and profoundly helpful for fellow ex-gay survivors. I have been pleasantly surprised by some enthusiastic responses from people who didn’t go through an ex-gay ministry, but sure recognise religious abuse in their past - straight people, too. I think this means I did well in writing the book for as wide an audience as possible, despite the specific story.

Do you think that there is still a need for conscious efforts to be made to support gay writers and artists?
Yes, I believe that the LGBT community is leading the way, not just in gender equality, but in authentic sexual liberation. Diversity is not just for some but for everyone to celebrate, and I think we comprehend these ideas most quickly through artistic expression.

What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
It is the outcasts, the mutants, the oddities and the freaks that usually model unconditional love in a community, because they know what it feels like to be rejected simply for existing.

"Diversity can be enjoyed by all. We live in an incredibly amazing and multi-faceted world, and our sexuality is just one aspect of our colourful lives that reflects that beautiful diversity. It’s not something to be squeezed into a tiny, narrow box."

What makes you happy?
When the greater community responds with that same inclusive love.

What makes you angry?
When conformity squelches authenticity.

What do you hope readers take away with them after reading your book?
The reason ex-gay and reparative therapies do not work is that they attempt - and fail - to fix something that is not broken. As I said, diversity can be enjoyed by all. We live in an incredibly amazing and multi-faceted world, and our sexuality is just one aspect of our colourful lives that reflects that beautiful diversity. It’s not something to be squeezed into a tiny, narrow box. It’s a gift, like any blessing that can be celebrated and responsibly enjoyed!

What’s coming up for you?
Right now I’m doing a lot of publicity and appearances to promote the book. I continue to support ex-gay survivors, but I’ve got a lot of projects in my bag o’ tricks. We’ll just have to wait and see which one I work on next. To be sure, it’s always my intention to make a big controversial splash!

Anything to add?
Order your copy of Ex-Gay No Way in any format - paperback, downloadable electronic copy for your reading device, or downloadable audio copy (read by the author) for your listening devices - www.exgaynoway.com, www.FindhornPress.com, www.gaysexpert.com.

Ex-Gay No Way: Survival and Recovery From Religious Abuse, by Jallen Rix
Published by: Findhorn Press
Released: 13 June 2010
ISBN: 1844091872