the kid is alright

The NY Times Sunday Style and Salon.com have both featured stories about "Zach" a 16 year old kid from tennessee who posted on myspace about coming out to his parents and being forced to attend "Love in Action" the premiere ex-gay brainwashing facility in Memphis, TN. They are not only idiots who do serious psychological damage BUT this is also a rule

" In addition to the General Attire above, the following items apply. No torn, ragged, or stained clothing is to be worn at any time while on campus. Monday through Thursday, clients must wear pants, a clean shirt, and shoes or sandals with socks."

What kind of a place would require stylish gay boys to wear socks with sandals?

Not to joke too much, I feel really upset for this kid. Let's hope national media attention does him some good rather than more harm.

Zach's page is adorable.

Salon article is light and airy.

"Gay Teenager Stirs A Storm" from ny times style section (I don't understand why it was there either.)