David Matheson (campaigner)

David Matheson is an American campaigner known for his previous advocacy of conversion therapy. In 2019, he announced he was divorcing his wife of 34 years and intended to live as a gay man.[1][2][3] He previously led the organization Journey into Manhood.[4]

Matheson was an early protege of Joseph Nicolosi, who founded the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH).[1]

Matheson, a Mormon, said "he was not renouncing his religious faith, or the entirety of his work as a conversion therapist, despite dating men. But he did criticise the 'shame-based, homophobic-based system' of his upbringing" in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).[5][1] He and his former wife had three children and one grandchild.[6]

Career

Matheson has a master's in counseling and guidance from the LDS Church's largest school Brigham Young University and began full-time practice in New Jersey in 2004. He counseled only men and the goal was always to develop what he called “gender wholeness.”[7]

Publications

• Matheson, David (1993) "The Transition from Homosexuality: The Role of Evergreen International," Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy: Vol. 19 : No. 1 , Article 7.

See also

• Alan Chambers
• John Paulk
• John Smid

References

1. "Once-prominent 'conversion therapist' will now 'pursue life as a gay man'". NBC News. January 23, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
2. "Former Mormon ex-gay 'conversion therapist' comes out as gay". Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
3. Holpuch, Amanda (January 25, 2019). "Man who worked as top 'conversion therapist' comes out as gay". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
4. "Mormon who led gay conversion therapy comes out as gay". Evening Standard. January 25, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
5. Forrest, Adam. "A prominent 'gay conversion therapist' has divorced his wife of 34 years and now identifies as gay". The Independent. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
6. "Former Utah conversion therapist comes out: 'I am gay'". KSL.com. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
7. Luo, Michael (February 12, 2007). "Some Tormented by Homosexuality Look to a Controversial Therapy". The New York Times. Retrieved February 25, 2019.