Jason Blum makes a lot of horror movies. As this documentary produced by Blum begins it quickly becomes clear how terrifying this film is itself. By focusing on people within the ex-gay movement, people who paint cis-heterosexual life as the only healthy way of living, the film drives home how terrifying these hate groups are, how insidious they are to force people to hate who they are.
The film moves between two narratives. On the one hand it follows a number of high profile ex-ex-gays, people who were leaders in the movement who have since left. They talk about their trauma in the movement, the way they were forced to lie, how the cult created belonging and how hard it was to leave. But the film also follows one particular person who remains in the movement and we watch as they push hurtful and hateful beliefs. And it's painful to watch.
I know people who have been through conversion therapy movements. They have shared with me a lot of the abuse and trauma they suffered. While it is hard for many of us to watch this sort of pain being inflicted, I can't imagine what it would be like for someone who went through it themselves.
The film does offer some hope as we see some of the survivors build new lives, find happiness and hope with new partners and find peace being their true selves.
This remains important testimony. For survivors, for those who might be currently struggling in such abusive situations, and for those who might be considering it as an option for people they might love. Hopefully Pray Away raises awareness of the harm these ministries bring, the lives they ruin, and how dangerous they remain.
Pray Away
Director: Kristine Stolakis
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