Inqueery is an Iowa-based organization run by ex-gay activist Chad Thompson. The organization’ primary goal is to get ex-gay speakers and literature into public schools. Thompson is the author of the book, “Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would.”
In his book, Thompson postulates that “healing” can occur through the questionable practice of “touch therapy” where a heterosexual cuddles and caresses a gay person — supposedly teaching him or her how to accept non-sexual affection. Thompson writes that, “Same-sex touch is a prerequisite for healthy heterosexuality because it works as a bonding agent between children and their gender.” Of course, there is no correlation to a deficit in physical affection and homosexuality in any of the scientific literature. The claim is wholly without merit and an invention by the ex-gay industry to explain the existence of GLBT people.
Elsewhere in his book, Thompson goes on to make the unsubstantiated claim that, “it is well documented that in many primitive cultures, adult male homosexuality does not exist because boys go through a rite of passage with the older men of the village.” Of course, Thompson’ assertion is not documented and homosexuality is known in every civilization.
Thompson relies heavily on stereotypes and writes about how hyper-masculine activities can help make one heterosexual. His book discusses, for instance, a time he worked in a summer wilderness camp in Colorado to “affirm his masculinity.” This included the not so wise activity of climbing to a mountaintop in “a massive lightening storm.” (pg. 147)
At the September 29, 2006 “Love Matters Most” ex-gay conference in Macon, Georgia, Thompson said that demonic spirits couldn’t be ruled out as a cause for homosexuality. He also said that curses from the spirits of dead relatives might also play a role in why a person is gay.
Inqueery is the vehicle in which Thompson tries to disseminate in public schools his controversial ideas. He has had some success, securing a limited number of speaking engagements in the Midwest, from Iowa to Chicago. Thompson openly advocates his services on the Inqueery website:
“Inqueery’ Chad Thompson is available to make presentations at school assemblies, diversity days, freshmen orientations, or teacher in-service meetings. If your school has had a homosexual group such as GLSEN, GLAAD, or PFLAG give a presentation on homosexual issues, or facilitate a sex education program, ask your school’ principal to allow Inqueery equal time at your school to present the ex-gay perspective.”
The most disturbing aspect of Inqueery’ work is that it is deceptive. It attempts to confuse vulnerable and questioning youth by portraying itself as a pro-gay organization. Indeed, at first glance, one could easily mistake this organization with gay supportive groups such as GLSEN. For example, Inqueery’ website is filled with pictures of attractive students with boxed off quotes, such as, “Words like “fag’ and “dyke’ can be hurtful to those who identify as LGBT.”
Inqueery even has a slick, 4-colorful brochure with the headline, “The Homophobia Stops Here.” This appears to be a pro-gay pamphlet, until one reads on where it says, “addressing the ex-gay perspective in public schools.”
Clearly, Inqueery is using misleading marketing techniques, hoping to lure youths and promote its agenda by misrepresenting itself as gay friendly, when it is really just an old fashioned ex-gay ministry.
