Charlottesville, Virginia -
A camp run by a Virginia man promises to help "cure" gay men of their feelings towards other men.
Rich Wyler has hosted more than 1300 men at his "People Can Change" weekends, which are mostly held near his home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
He's been holding the camps' special "Journey Into Manhood" retreats for eight years.
Participants pay $650. Most counselors are volunteers who also consider themselves struggling with homosexuality.
Wyler told the Charlottesville Daily Progress that he doesn't preach that homosexuality is sinful; instead, he tells participants that it's something they can manage and overcome.
"Most of the gay world would say the only solution is to embrace it, accept it and live it," Wyler said. "And if you're married — you know — divorce your wife, leave your kids and go with this life."
The Daily Progress talked with California freelance writer Ted Cox, who attended the camp as an undercover reporter. Cox is straight. He does not believe gay-to-straight therapy works.
"I would think that some of the things we did at the camp would be counter-productive," said Cox. who called the weekend "literally the gayest thing I've ever done in my life."
Rich Wyler has hosted more than 1300 men at his "People Can Change" weekends, which are mostly held near his home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
He's been holding the camps' special "Journey Into Manhood" retreats for eight years.
Participants pay $650. Most counselors are volunteers who also consider themselves struggling with homosexuality.
Wyler told the Charlottesville Daily Progress that he doesn't preach that homosexuality is sinful; instead, he tells participants that it's something they can manage and overcome.
"Most of the gay world would say the only solution is to embrace it, accept it and live it," Wyler said. "And if you're married — you know — divorce your wife, leave your kids and go with this life."
The Daily Progress talked with California freelance writer Ted Cox, who attended the camp as an undercover reporter. Cox is straight. He does not believe gay-to-straight therapy works.
"I would think that some of the things we did at the camp would be counter-productive," said Cox. who called the weekend "literally the gayest thing I've ever done in my life."
