Ex-Gay Watch

Colin Cook pioneered touch therapy and “nude massages.” He molested, abused, and took advantage of many of his clients. He was able to resurrect himself twice – but he always fell.

Is it not rather obvious that all this “therapy” (touch, cuddle, hold, hug) is simply vicarious affection for the therapist, and some of the clients as well? What better way to be both ex-gay and satisfy ones needs for affection and sex – become and ex-gay counselor and fondle your clients.

Jeremy,

The court document is NOT availabe online–the DA office is particularly slow in adopting new technology. The court report could be costly because of the length of the trial. It might be in the range of one to a few thousand of dollars. But it is available to the public. Again, you can call ADA Julie Wilbanks at Frank Crowley court house about the case.
The case is not about holding therapy. It is not criminal to hold someone in the therapy room. It is about holding the patient, arousing him sexually with and without clothes, and performing sexual acts to them. That is what disgust the jury. And that is why Chris Austin is found guilty for sexual assault. The witnesses, who testified in the trial, were sexually assaulted in the therapy room. However, NOT all of them had sex with Chris. Jeremy, this is an extremely serious matter. The testimonies are unique and disturbing to listen to. To say that the witnesses “blantantly false” accusations is unwarranted and a serious mockery to our judicial system. I truly applaud the witnesses for coming forward to tell the TRUTH. You can choose to believe or not believe their testimonies.

Thanks Darrell. I was just asking for clarity.

Have a good weekend,

Jeremy

According to Carmen Foster of Abileen Christian University, they have removed Austin and Renew as a resource from their Counselling Services.

j.

Austin was guilty of oral sex with his patients. This implies nudity in his “touch therapy.”

The gay subculture is pretty evil. Anyone that has really lived in it (that is truthful) will concur. Wayne Besen is obsessed with bringing every ex-gay down. He tried to make false allegations about me when I was in Washington, DC. I haven’t slept with a man in 23 years. Gays can heal. No one is born that way. Secular psychiatrists will even tell you that. the only gay gene is Levi-Strauss 501 Button flys!!! These are perilous times. Most born-again Christians know that Jesus Christ is coming back real soon and you don’t want to be caught in a gay bar when that happens. Pray that Wayne will receive Jesus Christ. He is like the apostle Paul in the bible. Paul was a Jew who did his best to stamp out Christianity…he even killed Christians!!!Did God zap him and send him down into hell???…no he SAVED him and then Paul went on to write 2/3 of the New Testament…Pray for Wayne Besen’s soul…If God saved Anthony Falzarano and Paul and Sy Rogers and Joe Dallas,He can save Wayne Besen’s soul. The time is coming to an end…Look at the world and compare it to the bible…The end days are here…I beg you to repent of (whatever your sins are) and be saved…In Jesus Christ…Anthony Falzarano P.S. Wayne Besen is going to be a great ex-gay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have known Chris since 1995. At that time he volunteered as a facilitator for a group of survivors of sexual abuse. I joined the group when I came to the DFW area. He worked with our group weekly for many years. Chris has continued as my therapist until he called to inform me that he was losing his license.

In many of the groups that I have been to over the last 30 years, people have talked about falling victim to doctors and therapist who made improper advances toward patients. They had put their trust in professionals to help guide them through the healing process. I am always so shocked and outraged by this kind of behavior!
I know how if feels when no one believes you because your abuser is a prominent, Christian adult. I am especially observant when it comes to noticing children who have been or are being abused. It goes hand in hand with my profession. I believe this is because of my own abuse as a child and teenager. Believe me – I AM on the side of the abused!

The adult male who has accused Chris is NOT a stable person and has an imagination warped by his illness. At one point he placed flyers on all the cars in a church parking lot where Chris was a member. There are hundreds of people who will stand up for Chris. I am just one of them. I personally know of at least 30 people that have gone to Chris for guidance. They are as shocked as I am by this misguided campaign of lies.
.
Some people in this forum have said, “I have a very good “Gaydar” and he registers a “0″ on that scale”. Well, I have very good “Abuser–dar” – if there is such a word.
Chris is NOT an abuser. He does not have it in his nature.
I have seen him surrounded by children and there has never been an inappropriate glance or gesture. That he will be registered as a sexual abuser is the greatest injustice.
It breaks my heart that this abuse is being perpetrated against someone who has given his life helping anyone that has a need.

Please realize, sometimes accusations, no matter how vivid, detailed or “documented” can be imagined and totally false.

Anthony, please try to stay somewhere near the topic, which here is the conviction of Chris Austin for sexual assault. If you have personal comments for Wayne Besen, please use his site, not XGW.

@ Pam

I’m genuinely curious. Would any amount of evidence against this man convince you of his guilt? If so, what would that be?

All things aside, I think its safe to assume that the court used a much higher standard of evidence than a person personal opinion of this guy, and I would say the investigation went a lot deeper than simply asking people who knew him if they thought he could do this sort of thing.

If these kind of personal anecdotes and impressions were all that was needed to clear smoeones name, no one would ever be convicted of much of anything, because most criminals of any kind are considered to be normal and incapable of any wrongdoing by friends and neighbors until they’re caught.

Anthony,

WOW. I can’t believe you actually posted here. I’ve only heard of you until now- (through Besen, et al) – and I thought it was exagerations – but wow. Your post has shown me nobody has exagerated a THING. Mostly I heard about how you started PFOX but then was kicked out by your own creation for being a lunatic. Oops.

In Wayne’s book, he says before 2000, you warned him to repent and come to Jesus because he was coming at the turn of the Millennial year. Then you saw him later on (after it DIDN’T happen) and didn’t say a word about Jesus coming – I mean, according to your prophecy, he should have already come and I should be burning in Hades. But he didn’t. Because you were wrong.

Good luck converting Wayne in any way. He’s a proud Jew and a proud Gay.

Some people in this forum have said, “I have a very good “Gaydar” and he registers a “0″ on that scale”. Well, I have very good “Abuser–dar” – if there is such a word.
Chris is NOT an abuser. He does not have it in his nature.
I have seen him surrounded by children and there has never been an inappropriate glance or gesture.

From what I understand, he was accused of abusing adult men, not women or children (someone please correct me if I’m wrong). It makes sense that he would not be dangerous around people he wasn’t looking to abuse.

Anthony, in another section of the site, you state that gay people have shown hate for you, and then in this forum you state that gay subculture is pretty evil. Do you really think that gay people are supposed to accept your name calling and bizarre statements and not respond to it.

You stated in another post that you are hated because of Christ; no, while some may hate you, most probably feel sad for you. Honestly, bizarre statements like those above make me laugh more than anything.

Alan, actually many Christians in the first century after his death thought he was coming back then.

Alan, just fyi regarding your comment about celibacy: Last I heard, Falzarano was married with college-age or post-graduate kids.

Moderated: Personal accusations withheld until substantiation is received.

Jessica, if you have proof of these claims, please send them to us. Until then, please refrain from comments of that nature.

Jessica, this website had nothing to do with conviction. That was the court system. All this site has done is reported the facts. Also, where did you get this info about the jurors? No juror would ever say that about the cruise because that would be illegal.

It’s interesting to me the one thing you chose to comment on. Also, I heard quite a few mentions of the conviction before I wrote my post, so why is it that I shouldn’t be commenting on the conviction? Most of my post wasn’t about the conviction, anyway. The information I got came from my father who was at the trial. If I am not mistaken, it was reported by one of the jurors when he/she was being interviewed after the trial. I’ll ask him specifically if that is correct and if it’s not, I’ll comment tomorrow to let you know.

We can’t verify information you got from your father who was at the trial, nor can we put it into context. We are looking into the possibility of obtaining transcripts, but that may not be financially feasible.

I continue to be amazed at the Svengali like ability Mr. Austin seems to have over some people. I’ll ask you the same thing I asked another commenter; would any amount of evidence against this man convince you of his guilt? If so, what would that be?

What’s the matter Falzerano, don’t like how you wacky dangerous ex gay phonies are being exposed by Wayne Beson? You take the cake for being the ‘grand ex gay of all crazies”, hopefully Wayne will expose your bathroom trysts as well!

Jessica, the one thing I choose to comment on was because the item lacked credibility–without credibility, it throws the whole into question.

The last year has been interesting because we have seen respected people in situations that questioned their moral standing. Larry Craig, David Vitter, Ted Haggard, etc. These are all people who have people around them who state that they are good people, and these things can’t be true. Simply because we know someone does not mean they cannot do bad things. A friend of mine in December shocked everyone when he was caught molesting his daughter. No one, not even his wife, could believe that this person was guilty, but the evidence was there. I was shocked because there was no suggestion at all that he would have done such a thing. Turns out it was going on for years.

David, I noticed your comment and question repeated: “I’ll ask you the same thing I asked another commenter; would any amount of evidence against this man convince you of his guilt? If so, what would that be?”

I have to ask you the same question. What miniscule amount of evidence did you consider before deciding he was guilty?

Everyone here has seemed really eager to believe the worst about Dr. Austin. Even when the accusations were initially dropped by Mark Hufford a while back no one here would even consider that they might have been false to begin with.

Did the jury have any physical (DNA) evidence to consider or was this all about who they believed (Dr. Austin vs. Hufford and Tan, etc.)?

It’s not hard for me to believe that a few determined anti-ex-gay activists would say whatever it took to stop Dr. Austin or anyone else in this field. I’m not saying that they did. I’m just saying, it wouldn’t suprise me.

XGW did not decide Austin was guilty; a Texas jury did, and there’s been no indication yet of an appeal by Austin.

I am dismayed at the contempt shown by both Jeremy and Jessica toward the U.S. judicial system. I am especially disappointed at the flimsy claims by the so-called “Jessica” (no last name) regarding unspecified observations by unnamed relatives.

Why is it that some people consider themselves, and their ideological allies, above the law?

Jeremy, I did not presume guilt on Craig ever. I took the fact that he was convicted of a crime. There is a fairly high standard of guilt in this country–and I trust the system. I read the facts presented, and that is it. Could the jury be wrong?–possibly. If he is innocent, he will appeal. Few prosecuters would bring something to trial unless they have some kind of evidence beyond testimony, which is considered problematic. Most jurors also take their responsability fairly seriously. Once a person is convicted of a crime, we generally as a public see the person as guilty, so attacking people for saying that someone is convicted of a crime is not smear. You seem to be taking a news item and turning it into something way more personal than it should be. It was simply a news item reported here. If you read David’s original story, there is no indication of making a slight–he is just reporting the facts from another site.

If they appeal, it goes to a judge only- not a jury. If that judge decides that Chris is guilty, he has to serve the original sentence- 10 years in jail. That is why they have not yet decided whether or not to appeal. If he appeals and loses, he has to be without his family for 10 years. And as far as evidence goes, I would definitely believe it if there was any proof that he did it. Alas, there has been none. Only accusations by unstable people. It’s one man’s word against another, and in this day and age people are only too eager to condemn anyone on sexual assault charges. It is no longer innocent until proven guilty.

Anyway, I’m not interested in arguing with anyone, so this will be my last post. Jeremy– I suggest you do the same. These people will never be convinced, and they see the supporters Chris has. Just as they say my claims are “flimsy,” so are theirs. I just wanted to defend Chris by giving some information from an insider’s point of view.

If this were true and there were evidence, I would be sad, but I would believe it. It seems to me, though, like Chris is just another good man martyred by people filled with hate.

Most born-again Christians know that Jesus Christ is coming back real soon and you don’t want to be caught in a gay bar when that happens.

I just hope those “born agains” aren’t caught walking past a homeless person who asks for help, or are in any remarriage (which Christ called adultery), building up their own personal wealth whist ignoring the needs of the poor, charging interest on loans or applying parts of the Bible to others whilst ignoring the parts that apply to them. You know, the things Jesus actually talked about.

I have to confess that there are quite a few things that I might worry that Jesus would ask me about if he were to come back tomorrow, but being gay is not one of them – nor would I be concerned about him finding me in a gay bar.

“He tried to make false allegations about me when I was in Washington, DC. I haven’t slept with a man in 23 years.”

Mr. Falzarano – please provide evidence of this false assertion. Where were these false allegations made? What publication? I am sure you can find it on Google.

What you may be referring too, of course, is a witness I found in DC (he still lives there and is willing to testify, so don’t push your luck) who claims you slept with him while you were married. He had a letter you wrote saying that you must end the affair.

Now – my jounralistic training ensures that I have a second source to corroborate before I publish. This is why this very convincing accusation never made it to print, nor in my book. The alleged event also happened many years ago,(while you still lived near Logan Circle) which made it less interesting. Hence, it was never published.

Based on my own journalistic standards, I have no reason to deny your claim that you have been faithful for 23 years. As far as I am concerned, you have, until overwhelming evidence suggests otherwise. Then again, my witness is quite convincing. Perhaps, we should consider working a little harder to find a second witness to back up the first, now that your book is about to be published and you will be back on the scene.

Anthony – you are a little batty, but one of my favorite ex-gays. I sincerely hope that you are living the life you say you are. I wish you the best of luck.

Like Wayne, I consider Anthony Falzarano one of my favorite ex-gays.

I think it’s sad that he has always been unwilling to listen to real gay people. He simply repeats his own strawman arguments ad nauseam — stale arguments that haven’t evolved since his days with Roy Cohn decades ago. Then he attributes those strawmen to people whom he hasn’t taken the time to know. And finally, he ascribes to the myth that one’s own gossip, spoken often enough, can become true through mere repetition or sheer force of one’s misplaced indignation.

Jeremy,

You mentioned a trial “Dr. Austin vs. Hufford and Tan, etc”? Are you referring to the recent trial that ends on 090507 when Chris is found guitly on?

Jessica said:

If they appeal, it goes to a judge only- not a jury. If that judge decides that Chris is guilty, he has to serve the original sentence- 10 years in jail.

As I understand it, an appeal of a guilty verdict would be to determine if an error of law was made during the trial – a judge does not then decide innocence or guilt. It doesn’t sound like you really know what is going on. Perhaps a genuine attorney can comment on your claim.

It is no longer innocent until proven guilty.

Jessica, he WAS proved guilty, in a court of law, by 12 jurors. The presumption of innocence does not extend beyond the conviction. Good heavens, this is incredible. I’ve heard cult members with less conviction.

I know Chris and have known him for some time… I was one of his victims. I did not testify because of personal reasons…that I can’t get into on here.

But I want everyone to know…everyone that is dead set on supporting Christopher Austin. That he is not innocent…not in the least.

There are two reasons why I am glad that Chris was convicted.

1) Because I was justified.
2) Because if he wasn’t convicted…I would have felt guilty for the rest of my life for not testifying.

Please…don’t ridicule me for not testifying…again…it was because of personal reasons. You can refer to one of Pam Ferguson’s previous posts for a little more clarification.

Jeremy- It is very sad that it has come to this. I am sorry that you are still shocked. But like they said….you are one of the lucky ones.

I could go on and on with how it all came about…but I really don’t know how to get into all of that here. I have sent an email to somone to discuss it with them….just so I can get it off my chest.

Joe,

Did you mention your story to the DA and decide not to testify? I know testifying against a perpetrator(Chris) is intimidating in a courtroom, but it is rewarding because you claim some of the power back. Even if Chris were found innocent in the trial, you would still feel empowered because you told your story to everyone.

Darrell – no I did not mention my story to the DA… I was afraid I would get supen. and I didn’t want that to happen.

This notion that his other clients are some how lucky is ridiculous, this man betrayed their trust. All of his clients have to reassess their experiences, and come to terms with the fact that they trusted someone who was not trustworthy. There are no lucky people in this situation because the damage done extends to anyone who crossed paths with this guy.

Joe,

There are laws to protect a victim and keep you anonymous. You can send me an email: goodkid09@yahoo.com.

I was afraid I would get supen. and I didn’t want that to happen.

Do you mean you were afraid you would be called to testify? Can I infer that others in your life (wife?) didn’t or don’t know you are gay? I realize this can be difficult, and I don’t mean to pry. You have to realize that this is probably one of the reasons he picked you, and that’s not your fault.

This notion that his other clients are some how lucky is ridiculous…

PW, I think we can agree that being sexually assaulted by the guy would be more traumatic for most than realizing he had done so to others. It’s a matter of degree.

David, I agree, but I would not call anyone who crossed paths with this guy, lucky.

Anonymous, can I suggest that you pick a name to use as your identity here other than “anonymous”? It can be whatever you like, but it makes it easier to refer to you in the future. Who knows, you may want to comment again.

If you decide to change it, I will synchronize your other comments so they all match.

No, from what I have seen here, I would have to agree, PW.

PW, if you don’t mind me asking, have you been in a similar situation? Your comments here seem quite passionate, even a little angry.

David, you are very perceptive and I’ll be forthright. I was a client of Dr. Austin for a few years and this whole situation is deeply disturbing to me.

PW,

I know exactly (well, mostly) what you’re feeling when you talk about “reassessing your experience” based on this knowledge. It is very disturbing. For me, I have to remember that good things can and very often do come from bad experiences. It’s been proven to me over and over again. I say that to you specifically as an encouragement and hopefully a comfort as you work your way through this “mess” of figuring out where to put all that you’ve been through in regards to your therapy with Dr. Chris.

PW,

I really do consider myself very fortunate to have come across Dr. Chris Austin. He saved my life. I will always be appreciative to him for that. I hope he can continue his ministry in some form or fashion.

Jeremy, considering his conviction and what he did, I for one would be pleased if he could NOT continue in what he has been doing.

David, you are very perceptive and I’ll be forthright. I was a client of Dr. Austin for a few years and this whole situation is deeply disturbing to me.

PW, I’ve had experiences with a couple of therapists which, while they pale in comparison, give me some insight into how you must feel; such a tragic betrayal, and a violation on many levels. My heart goes out to you and the others who have been through this. That’s all I can think of to say.

Not sure I understand what the rules are here. What exactly requires substantiation? An anonymous poster can claim they are a victim of Dr. Austin, but Jessica says something a juror said and she’s censored?

Then Darrell, who says he was at the trial, says “The jury found him guilty and gave him 7 years of probation.” Either he is lying about being at the trial and knowing what happened, lying about what he knows, or simply mistaken. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and assume the last, but it was glaringly obvious that no one corrected him. Again, one has to question the objectivity.

What is known is that the jury sentenced Dr. Austin to 10 years of jail, but the judge downsized the sentence to NO jail, and 7 years of probation. In any trial, the judge is privy to more information than the jurors. Obviously, the jury was not allowed to hear items that could have exonerated Dr. Austin. If the judge had thought he molested a 17 year old, why would he remove the jail sentence? Logic says he would never do that.

Finally, Darrell suggested calling Julie at the Frank Crowley courthouse. While everyone is talking to her, ask her what the jury count was at the end of the first deliberation day. I think you will find it enlightening, but won’t mention it here for fear of being censored. All I will say is that someone in that jury must have been extremely influential.

Jessica says something a juror said and she’s censored?

Jessica said things about the trial third hand, and chief among those things were accusations about someone who was not on trial. If someone said that their neighbor told them that Prentiss Fontaine had a frontal lobotomy, and then used that to justify all kinds of insinuations about you, we would hold that back too until and unless that person could provide some proof.

We do not remove things because they are inconvenient – if so I could have easily removed your comment just now, or another one earlier today. When we take that extreme measure, there is good reason and we tell people that we have done so and why.

We don’t need proof that Darrel or Joe were clients of Dr. Austin, because they haven’t said anything that requires justification.

Again, if the cost is not prohibitive, we will get the transcripts. At the very least, we will obtain the basic court documents and share them as possible. Until then, please refrain from any more conspiratorial tid-bits. A jury is “privy” to the evidence which the prosecution and the defense present, and which the judge determines is lawful for them to consider. That is how it works.

How they lined up on the first day of deliberations is unimportant and that you mention it is absurd. Again, the defense of this man borders on cult like devotion. It is shocking.

OK, so just to make sure I understand the rules of the board, there is not to be any 3rd person accusations without proof, and if any accusation is to be made sans proof, it must be against someone who was on trial, specifically Dr. Austin. Did I get that right?

Yes, I understand how a judge and jury work, but that does not mean the jury is allowed to see the most applicable evidence in every trial. I am sure you understand that.

Oh, and how the jury lined up after day one does matter to me. This is simply my opinion, and because it does not align with yours does not make it absurd.

Prentiss, no one here is interested in your sarcasm. I’ve spent the last few days listening to the stories of people left in the wake of this man’s actions. It’s sad, it’s painful, it’s disgusting, and it’s a felony. So know up front, at this point I’m not interested in you or anyone else taking further advantage of these people with bizarre, cult-like devotion. He has been convicted in a court of law. Deal with it, don’t deal with it, I don’t really care.