KISS 108 radio show advocates "ex-gay" program

Dawson McAllister Live representatives direct questioning teens to Exodus International.

Boston's popular KISS 108 radio station (WXKS-FM), like many stations all over the country, airs syndicated program Dawson McAllister Live every Sunday night. McAllister's call-in show is designed to help teenagers and young adults (25 and under) tackle some of their deepest issues, from drug abuse to pregnancy.

It was revealed this week, however, that callers searching for advice on same-sex attraction are directed by McAllister's off-air HopeLine to Exodus International, one of the largest "ex-gay" programs in the country. Through prayer and intense Christian-based therapy, the organization believes it is possible to change one's sexual orientation from gay to straight.

"Exodus upholds heterosexuality as God's creative intent for humanity, and subsequently views homosexual expression as outside of God's will," the group's mission statement reads on their Web site, www.exodusinternational.org. "Exodus cites homosexual tendencies as one of many disorders that beset fallen humanity. Choosing to resolve these tendencies through homosexual behavior, taking on a homosexual identity, and involvement in the homosexual lifestyle is considered destructive, as it distorts God's intent for the individual and is thus sinful."

The American Psychological Association publicly denounced similar "gay rehabilitation programs" last August, saying, "Practitioners can assist clients through therapies that do not attempt to change sexual orientation, but rather involve acceptance, support, and identity exploration and development without imposing a specific identity outcome."

A blogger from KnowThyNeighbor.blogs.com phoned into the show last Sunday, curious about how McAllister would respond to a young man seeking advice about his sexual orientation. Greg Kimball, 22, told Tennessee-based HopeLine representatives that he was 16, and questioning whether or not he might be gay. A resulting audio recording revealed the trained HopeLine representative equating homosexuality with murder.

"So being gay is just as bad as, like, stealing?" Kimball asked. "And murder?"

"Yes," the representative responded. "It's the same thing."

The unnamed telephone operator went on to explain why being gay or lesbian is a sin. "The reason why God does not want us to be gay is if everybody was gay, there'd just be two people in the whole world," she said. "If Adam and Eve were gay, that'd be all there'd be. That's why He made women and He made men. He wants us to couple up like that. ...It is not normal to be gay."

Kimball asked if there were any resources or groups that could help him. The representative immediately provided him with Exodus International's Web site and phone number. "It's a referral service for those struggling with homosexual issues," she said. "They will talk to you, they will counsel you, they will not condemn you, they will not make you feel little or anything."

A production of Premiere Radio Networks and Clear Channel Radio, the Dawson McAllister show airs on more than 140 stations across the country and reaches more than 500,000 listeners. Because the HopeLine phone calls aren't aired, the production companies say that they cannot control the content. "The Dawson McAllister Association separately runs the volunteer HopeLine call-in service," a statement from Clear Channel Radio read. "Clear Channel and Premiere Radio Networks are not directly involved in that operation, nor do we exercise any control over it."

The Dawson McAllister Association also responded to requests for comment, saying, "As a faith-based organization, our staff and volunteers strive to show compassion and understanding to all who reach out to us, whatever their issues or challenges may be. When appropriate, we offer referrals to those who have questions about same-sex attraction to Exodus International because they respond with love and compassion."

"It is despicable that the Dawson McAllister show hides its affiliation with these anti-gay religious extremists," representatives of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus said in a public statement. "The unsuspecting LGBT youth who they lure into being 'counseled' deserve better. And listeners deserve honesty and transparency."

Dawson McAllister's Web site provides a bio for the show's host, as well as frequently updated blog posts. "Dawson gives clear, caring, commonsense advice," his biography reads. "Dawson's number one goal is to help his listeners find hope." While the on-air content is not overtly religious, McAllister's Web site lists not only Exodus International, but also conservative anti-gay organization Focus on the Family as "partners."

McAllister's Web site (www.dmlive.com) also includes polls, phone coaches, and blog posts. "I want to offer up a challenge to all of us," McAllister wrote in a blog entry in September of last year that addressed living an open and honest life. "Would you be willing to commit to a life of honesty and integrity?" he asked his readers. McAllister has authored several books since the late '80s and has appeared on television and at student conferences.

KISS 108 representatives could not be reached for comment, but program director Chris Tyler reportedly told KnowTheyNeighbor's Kimball that the station was unaware that McAllister's show has a religious foundation.