"Faulkner, 23, was preparing to come out to deeply religious family in Arkansas when his mother discovered his emails to his boyfriend, Travis who lives in Wisconsin. Bryce was given an ultimatum of being kicked out of his family and put out on the street or going into ex-gay therapy. Before Bryce disappeared his boyfriend Travis recieved one last phone call on June 15th and was crying uncontrollably saying, ‘You should have heard the mean and hateful things they said about me. They made me read out loud passages from the Bible’.
'One of the last things he said to me before falling asleep was, ‘Promise me you will be strong for me and for us’.' Travis said.
Travis believes Bryce may be at an Exodus International ministry in Florida. He said a friend of the family had heard Faulkner would be in Mississippi for three weeks and then in Florida for 14 months.
His friends have created a ‘Save Bryce’ web campaign to find out where the student is."
Why is this 23 year old man doing anything he doesn't want to do? He's old enough to be living on his own, going to college, getting a job, etc. Why was he still living at home at 23 where his mommy could find his e-mails?
I can't believe some of us would blame the victim. Thanks for getting the word out, Andy.
Posted by: RP | Jul 20, 2009 1:44:56 PM
@WHY: That's like asking why women in abusive relationships don't leave their husbands, or why sexual harassment goes unreported in the workplace. It is EXTREMELY difficult to simple discard the only family you've ever known and loved, even if they're treating you like worthless trash - perhaps ESPECIALLY if they're treating you like trash.
His friends are doing the right thing - doing everything they can to find him, and to shame his family and the terrible human beings who run LIA, Exodus and other such concentration camps. I only hope they can get him out in time.
Honestly, I don't think we're getting all the facts here. He's an adult, with all the legal rights that come with adulthood.
If he didn't choose to go to this "therapy" and voluntarily cut off communication, then why aren't any attorneys involved in this? What we've been presented with so far would seem to indicate that 1) he is being held against his will ("false imprisonment"); 2) his personal possessions have been taken from him ("conversion/theft"); and 3) he's been coerced into entering some kind of contractual therapy ("duress"). All of these are legally actionable in some form - but they're rights the victim has to exercise.
Why isn't he?
And if he was never given the chance to exercise them, have the authorities been notified and a missing person's case opened?
With so much we don't know, its hard to have an informed opinion about all this.
Posted by: AERES | Jul 20, 2009 2:00:05 PM
Since it was brought up; what ever happened to Zach; every site I looked at discussed his plight in 2005 without any follow-up. I believe its relevant to the story here.
With regards to why he probably did this; his property was likely the least of his concerns. He probably loves his family; as wrong minded as they are; and wanted to do whatever he could to keep them in his life. It's about a confused young man(adorable as well) that is being given a horrible ultimatum. Thank god I wasn't made to make that choice.
Posted by: Jason | Jul 20, 2009 2:10:46 PM
Could he have been mentally unstable as well? I, too, have a hard time accepting the idea of someone of his age still living at home. Why wasn't he with one of his friends, or on his own? I know guys younger than he who have done it. So, I'm not criticizing him, I'm just seriously wondering.
Posted by: JT | Jul 20, 2009 2:21:24 PM
I too am wondering why someone at age 23 would consider homelessness the only alternative to living with his family. Then again, the psychologies of families are so complex, unknowable and powerful, that one must assume something more complex than an either/or. That said, religion = poison.
Posted by: LD | Jul 20, 2009 2:25:09 PM
LD : I agree there could always be complexities involved in families and situations about which we don't know the full story. But I still can't help feeling- not exactly suspicious, but that we should be cautious- with this whole story until more is known.
Posted by: JT | Jul 20, 2009 2:32:06 PM
Something is fishy about this story!
How could a grown ass man be "forced" into ex-gay therapy for over a year?
I'm going to sound shady, but how can the boyfriend be like "oh, girl, be strong for us" when informed of what was happening? They couldn't get up enough money to at least buy a bus ticket to get the hell out?
Posted by: Anthony in Nashville | Jul 20, 2009 2:43:12 PM
By the way, Zach turned out okay, but not after quite a bit of drama:
You're all coming from stronger points of view. It's really not that easy for people.
I'm 23, at let me tell you, age has nothing to do w/ it, no matter what counts as an adult. I am financially independent, have a secure job, a college degree, live on my own, and am still not out to my family. It is NOT simply a matter of being an adult and moving on. Losing the support of your family is a scary thing, not just at 23. Always.
Those of you that are suspicious or blaming him probably come from places where you have a lot of choices. Some people don't have that luxury.
Posted by: Mark | Jul 20, 2009 2:56:21 PM
There are way too many holes in this story, as others have noted. And way too much drama. "Be strong for us!". Indeed!
We may not have the whole of the story here, for many obvious reasons. And tt may be true as stated. And if it is true as stated, then this young man's friends are doing something very positive. He needs, if nothing else, help to stand up to his family, or to stand up for himself. It bears watching, and support.
But with this many holes and that much drama, I'm smelling something not good, something that smells like a set up. If I had to make a guess, it's a 23 year old's idea of terrible vengeance wreaked upon his family for being jerks, and upon his conservative church for exactly the same reason.
2nd place possibility-- a set up by the conservative church, or a particular minister, all to show how horrible the fags are. Less likely, but still possible.
As I say, it bears watching.
Posted by: Ben in Oakland | Jul 20, 2009 2:56:32 PM
Man...after listening to the cold hearted bitch minded queens in here, I can say with true honesty now that I KNOW why we dont have full rights in the country...and now I wonder if we truly deserve them. The majority of reactions in here sound like 14 year old girls in a clique in HS.
God...gays can be a ridiculous bunch of self absorbed cunts...and unfortunatly I am gay, so these are MY people being so COMPLETELY unsympathetic. You know, church people and fundies...we dont deserve rights...if we cant support each other, then why should we ask for yours?
Posted by: JT | Jul 20, 2009 2:57:59 PM
I call shenanigans.
I want proof. My tears and efforts are not blindly offered these days nor have they ever been. Maybe I'm a bit jaded but this just isn't adding up. Why is a website put up? Why aren't these people who purport to care for him not moving their asses to get him a place to move into. Why does his bf not offer to cover at least his housing for a short time???
WAY too many unanswered questions here.
Posted by: The Phoenix | Jul 20, 2009 3:02:57 PM
No, JT, we're just not gullable fools about a story that almost sounds like a publicity stunt by a wannabe actor. Everyone says it's possible, yes, but that there are too many holes here.
Posted by: Let'sFaceIt | Jul 20, 2009 3:03:19 PM
@JT, you may be on to something.
Posted by: sonnie | Jul 20, 2009 3:04:37 PM
Don't know if this helps, but It says that he might be in the Pensacola area. If he is, he would be in the northern parts of Escambia or Santa Rosa county(Cantonment, Molino, Century and Pace). I came from this area and it is really religious and all fucked-up. It's mostly Baptist.
When I was younger, they found out that my family was Catholic and these Baptist counselors would come into our yard and tell me that we were all going to hell because of our religion. So, I would start looking in this area first.
Posted by: AJ | Jul 20, 2009 3:12:51 PM
I agree with you JT.It be nice if for once,these dumb contemptible gay queens grow up and start acting like MEN and cut the teenage girl DIVA CRAP.
Dont get no attitutde with me,Im just speaking the truth you tired bitches
Posted by: Jonnie | Jul 20, 2009 3:19:16 PM
what a bunch of Jessica Fletchers we got here.
Posted by: b mac | Jul 20, 2009 3:22:43 PM
Ohh and some of you bitches wonder why I dont like fem guys?
Fem guys whine bitch and moan and are full of drama just like GIRLS,only worse.Its like all year round is your fucking time of the month.Grow a kick-stand already Jesus Christ
Posted by: Jonnie | Jul 20, 2009 3:23:16 PM
I know it's legal for someone to force a minor into reparative therapy, but I don't think it's been legal to force an adult into counseling (insane asylum) since the 70's. (They do a lot of college campus recruiting though, so they can snag 'em while they're young and impressionable) I do know that there was a farm home that was a 'Christian' organization where I lived that used to take in homeless queer teenagers that would use church and bible studies to "cure" them of their "sins" and that was as late as the 80's. To be fair, during the 90's they switched over to drug rehab.
p.s. Try and remember that sodomy laws were still on the books in Arkansas up until July 5th, 2002 (U.S. Supreme Court decision Lawrence v. Texas was in 2003) and you could go to prison for being a homo and there are plenty of places (and people) who would like to see that happen again.
http://www.pflagdetroit.org/Holy_War_OnGays.htm
Posted by: Wheezy | Jul 20, 2009 3:30:48 PM
I'm just wondering what's up with all the cunts and on your period comments. Regardless of the facts here, it's indisputable that gay misogyny is alive and well.
Posted by: KJ | Jul 20, 2009 3:44:34 PM
shenanigans
There will be plees for money from the public.
As stated. A 23 yr old being forced to go anywhere against their will is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE! and across state lines = FBI territory
The 1st thing a friend should have done is contact the FBI because he was taken against his will across state lines. FEDERAL offense!
Some friends.
If my ass at 23 was kidnapped and forced into another state, i would hope someone would call the freaking feds and not put up some website.
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
Thank you Andy
Posted by: Wolf | Jul 20, 2009 1:38:50 PM
Why is this 23 year old man doing anything he doesn't want to do? He's old enough to be living on his own, going to college, getting a job, etc. Why was he still living at home at 23 where his mommy could find his e-mails?
Posted by: Why? | Jul 20, 2009 1:41:25 PM
I can't believe some of us would blame the victim. Thanks for getting the word out, Andy.
Posted by: RP | Jul 20, 2009 1:44:56 PM
@WHY: That's like asking why women in abusive relationships don't leave their husbands, or why sexual harassment goes unreported in the workplace. It is EXTREMELY difficult to simple discard the only family you've ever known and loved, even if they're treating you like worthless trash - perhaps ESPECIALLY if they're treating you like trash.
His friends are doing the right thing - doing everything they can to find him, and to shame his family and the terrible human beings who run LIA, Exodus and other such concentration camps. I only hope they can get him out in time.
Posted by: Aaron Akins | Jul 20, 2009 1:57:04 PM
Honestly, I don't think we're getting all the facts here. He's an adult, with all the legal rights that come with adulthood.
If he didn't choose to go to this "therapy" and voluntarily cut off communication, then why aren't any attorneys involved in this? What we've been presented with so far would seem to indicate that 1) he is being held against his will ("false imprisonment"); 2) his personal possessions have been taken from him ("conversion/theft"); and 3) he's been coerced into entering some kind of contractual therapy ("duress"). All of these are legally actionable in some form - but they're rights the victim has to exercise.
Why isn't he?
And if he was never given the chance to exercise them, have the authorities been notified and a missing person's case opened?
With so much we don't know, its hard to have an informed opinion about all this.
Posted by: AERES | Jul 20, 2009 2:00:05 PM
Since it was brought up; what ever happened to Zach; every site I looked at discussed his plight in 2005 without any follow-up. I believe its relevant to the story here.
With regards to why he probably did this; his property was likely the least of his concerns. He probably loves his family; as wrong minded as they are; and wanted to do whatever he could to keep them in his life. It's about a confused young man(adorable as well) that is being given a horrible ultimatum. Thank god I wasn't made to make that choice.
Posted by: Jason | Jul 20, 2009 2:10:46 PM
Could he have been mentally unstable as well? I, too, have a hard time accepting the idea of someone of his age still living at home. Why wasn't he with one of his friends, or on his own? I know guys younger than he who have done it. So, I'm not criticizing him, I'm just seriously wondering.
Posted by: JT | Jul 20, 2009 2:21:24 PM
I too am wondering why someone at age 23 would consider homelessness the only alternative to living with his family. Then again, the psychologies of families are so complex, unknowable and powerful, that one must assume something more complex than an either/or. That said, religion = poison.
Posted by: LD | Jul 20, 2009 2:25:09 PM
LD : I agree there could always be complexities involved in families and situations about which we don't know the full story. But I still can't help feeling- not exactly suspicious, but that we should be cautious- with this whole story until more is known.
Posted by: JT | Jul 20, 2009 2:32:06 PM
Something is fishy about this story!
How could a grown ass man be "forced" into ex-gay therapy for over a year?
I'm going to sound shady, but how can the boyfriend be like "oh, girl, be strong for us" when informed of what was happening? They couldn't get up enough money to at least buy a bus ticket to get the hell out?
Posted by: Anthony in Nashville | Jul 20, 2009 2:43:12 PM
By the way, Zach turned out okay, but not after quite a bit of drama:
http://www.nunya.com/index.cfm/2009/4/1/Truth-Wins-Out--Zach-Stark-Speaks-Forced-into-ExGay-Boot-Camp-in-2005
There's also a documentary about him, although I don't much else about it outside the IMDB entry
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0853155/plotsummary
Posted by: Gregoire | Jul 20, 2009 2:49:36 PM
Thanks for reminding me that I should be grateful for the family I have.
Posted by: The Milkman | Jul 20, 2009 2:55:29 PM
You're all coming from stronger points of view. It's really not that easy for people.
I'm 23, at let me tell you, age has nothing to do w/ it, no matter what counts as an adult. I am financially independent, have a secure job, a college degree, live on my own, and am still not out to my family. It is NOT simply a matter of being an adult and moving on. Losing the support of your family is a scary thing, not just at 23. Always.
Those of you that are suspicious or blaming him probably come from places where you have a lot of choices. Some people don't have that luxury.
Posted by: Mark | Jul 20, 2009 2:56:21 PM
There are way too many holes in this story, as others have noted. And way too much drama. "Be strong for us!". Indeed!
We may not have the whole of the story here, for many obvious reasons. And tt may be true as stated. And if it is true as stated, then this young man's friends are doing something very positive. He needs, if nothing else, help to stand up to his family, or to stand up for himself. It bears watching, and support.
But with this many holes and that much drama, I'm smelling something not good, something that smells like a set up. If I had to make a guess, it's a 23 year old's idea of terrible vengeance wreaked upon his family for being jerks, and upon his conservative church for exactly the same reason.
2nd place possibility-- a set up by the conservative church, or a particular minister, all to show how horrible the fags are. Less likely, but still possible.
As I say, it bears watching.
Posted by: Ben in Oakland | Jul 20, 2009 2:56:32 PM
Man...after listening to the cold hearted bitch minded queens in here, I can say with true honesty now that I KNOW why we dont have full rights in the country...and now I wonder if we truly deserve them. The majority of reactions in here sound like 14 year old girls in a clique in HS.
God...gays can be a ridiculous bunch of self absorbed cunts...and unfortunatly I am gay, so these are MY people being so COMPLETELY unsympathetic. You know, church people and fundies...we dont deserve rights...if we cant support each other, then why should we ask for yours?
Posted by: JT | Jul 20, 2009 2:57:59 PM
I call shenanigans.
I want proof. My tears and efforts are not blindly offered these days nor have they ever been. Maybe I'm a bit jaded but this just isn't adding up. Why is a website put up? Why aren't these people who purport to care for him not moving their asses to get him a place to move into. Why does his bf not offer to cover at least his housing for a short time???
WAY too many unanswered questions here.
Posted by: The Phoenix | Jul 20, 2009 3:02:57 PM
No, JT, we're just not gullable fools about a story that almost sounds like a publicity stunt by a wannabe actor. Everyone says it's possible, yes, but that there are too many holes here.
Posted by: Let'sFaceIt | Jul 20, 2009 3:03:19 PM
@JT, you may be on to something.
Posted by: sonnie | Jul 20, 2009 3:04:37 PM
Don't know if this helps, but It says that he might be in the Pensacola area. If he is, he would be in the northern parts of Escambia or Santa Rosa county(Cantonment, Molino, Century and Pace). I came from this area and it is really religious and all fucked-up. It's mostly Baptist.
When I was younger, they found out that my family was Catholic and these Baptist counselors would come into our yard and tell me that we were all going to hell because of our religion. So, I would start looking in this area first.
Posted by: AJ | Jul 20, 2009 3:12:51 PM
I agree with you JT.It be nice if for once,these dumb contemptible gay queens grow up and start acting like MEN and cut the teenage girl DIVA CRAP.
Dont get no attitutde with me,Im just speaking the truth you tired bitches
Posted by: Jonnie | Jul 20, 2009 3:19:16 PM
what a bunch of Jessica Fletchers we got here.
Posted by: b mac | Jul 20, 2009 3:22:43 PM
Ohh and some of you bitches wonder why I dont like fem guys?
Fem guys whine bitch and moan and are full of drama just like GIRLS,only worse.Its like all year round is your fucking time of the month.Grow a kick-stand already Jesus Christ
Posted by: Jonnie | Jul 20, 2009 3:23:16 PM
I know it's legal for someone to force a minor into reparative therapy, but I don't think it's been legal to force an adult into counseling (insane asylum) since the 70's. (They do a lot of college campus recruiting though, so they can snag 'em while they're young and impressionable) I do know that there was a farm home that was a 'Christian' organization where I lived that used to take in homeless queer teenagers that would use church and bible studies to "cure" them of their "sins" and that was as late as the 80's. To be fair, during the 90's they switched over to drug rehab.
p.s. Try and remember that sodomy laws were still on the books in Arkansas up until July 5th, 2002 (U.S. Supreme Court decision Lawrence v. Texas was in 2003) and you could go to prison for being a homo and there are plenty of places (and people) who would like to see that happen again.
http://www.pflagdetroit.org/Holy_War_OnGays.htm
Posted by: Wheezy | Jul 20, 2009 3:30:48 PM
I'm just wondering what's up with all the cunts and on your period comments. Regardless of the facts here, it's indisputable that gay misogyny is alive and well.
Posted by: KJ | Jul 20, 2009 3:44:34 PM
shenanigans
There will be plees for money from the public.
As stated. A 23 yr old being forced to go anywhere against their will is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE! and across state lines = FBI territory
The 1st thing a friend should have done is contact the FBI because he was taken against his will across state lines. FEDERAL offense!
Some friends.
If my ass at 23 was kidnapped and forced into another state, i would hope someone would call the freaking feds and not put up some website.
BS story
Posted by: jimmyboyo | Jul 20, 2009 3:53:48 PM