Former Ex-Gay Ministry Director’s Life Inspires Film ‘Boy Erased’
The highly-anticipated drama film Boy Erased, directed by Joel Edgerton, has been making waves since its release. The movie revolves around the story of Jared Eamons, a young gay man who enters a gay conversion therapy program called Love in Action, led by its director, Victor Sykes. The film follows Jared’s struggles and his attempts to escape from the program. But did you know that Victor Sykes is based on a real person?
The character of Victor Sykes is inspired by John J. Smid, the former director of the ex-gay ministry Love in Action. Smid’s journey is just as compelling as the film portrays it. Born in Denver, Colorado, he was initially married to a woman and had two daughters. However, in 1979, he came to terms with his own sexuality and separated from his wife, claiming that he was gay.
In the late 1980s, Smid found solace in the teachings of evangelical Christianity, which led him to Love in Action. He married his second wife in 1988 and became the executive director of Love in Action in 1990. It was during his time at Love in Action that he created the controversial Refuge program, which focused on gay conversion therapy for teenagers.
Smid expressed his beliefs about conversion therapy, stating, I hope we can help men and women overcome… mindsets counterproductive to their walk in Christ. Unfortunately, Garrard Conley, the inspiration behind the film’s protagonist Jared Eamons, was one of the teenagers who attended Smid’s gay conversion therapy.
In his 2012 memoir, Ex’d Out: How I Fired the Shame Committee, Smid acknowledged that the transformation he promised through conversion therapy did not truly change someone’s sexual orientation. He admitted that the vast majority of homosexuals will not include a change of sexual orientation. This revelation brought both personal and public backlash, leading to Smid’s resignation from Love in Action in 2008.
After leaving the organization, Smid issued apologies and publicly spoke out against gay conversion therapy. He acknowledged the harm caused by the Refuge program, expressing deep remorse for the damage inflicted on the vulnerable teenagers seeking help.
Smid’s journey continued as he divorced his second wife in 2011 and later married his current husband, Larry McQueen, in 2014. Together, they now reside in Pearcy, Arkansas, where Smid works as a furniture maker. Through his marriage and personal experiences, Smid hopes to inspire others who are struggling with their sexual orientation.
The story of John J. Smid serves as a sobering reminder of the impact and consequences of gay conversion therapy. While Boy Erased sheds light on the experiences of Jared Eamons and others like him, Smid’s real-life journey adds another layer of authenticity to the film’s narrative.
The release of Boy Erased has ignited discussions about the harmful effects of conversion therapy and the importance of acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Smid’s transformation and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights serve as a testament to the power of personal growth and understanding.
As society progresses, it is crucial to continue having conversations about the damaging nature of gay conversion therapy and work towards creating an inclusive and accepting world for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation. The real-life inspiration behind Boy Erased showcases the resilience and strength of those who have dared to challenge harmful ideologies and embrace their true selves.
