Local

Virginia ‘ex-gay’ group to defy new ban on conversion therapy

‘Brothers on a Road Less Traveled’ maintains it doesn’t accept minors

Published

6 years ago

March 3, 2020

Brother's Road, conversion therapy, gay news, Washington Blade — People Can Change, Inc. abruptly ‘rebranded’ to Brothers Road after a complaint by LGBT advocacy groups. (Screen capture via YouTube)

A Virginia-based group that runs personal workshops for gay men “who are conflicted over their same-sex attractions” said Tuesday it has no plans whatsoever to cease or change operations in the aftermath of Gov. Ralph Northam signing into law a prohibition on widely discredited conversion therapy.

“I don’t see how this applies to us at all,” said Rich Wyler, founder and director of “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled,” one of the more prominent groups that conducts programs seen as reparative therapy and promises men an alternative to identifying as gay.

Asked by the Washington Blade to affirm that means “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled” won’t change anything in aftermath of the new Virginia law, Wyler replied, “That’s correct.”

Northam on Tuesday signed the bill prohibiting conversion therapy for youth, making Virginia the first state in the South with such a ban. A total of 20 states and D.C. have similar laws on the books.

The practice of therapy aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or transgender status is considered ineffectual at best and harmful at worst. Major medical and psychological institutions — including American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics — widely reject the practice.

But Wyler via email to the Washington Blade rejected on two grounds the idea the new Virginia law applies to “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled,” even though the organization is headquartered in Ruckersville, Va.

First, Wyler disputed the idea the organization offers “conversion therapy” as prohibited under the new Virginia law.

Instead, Wyler called the organization a “peer-support group” and said it runs “personal-growth workshops especially for men who are conflicted over their SSA who are looking for peace within the boundaries of their faith and values.”

Second, Wyler insisted the group has “never allowed minors in our program nor reached out to them in any way,” pointing to a post on the organization’s website asserting “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled” requires all participants to be at least age 21 and the average age is 36.

Bans on conversion therapy in other states also don’t seem have hampered “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled,” which operates workshops across the nation and online through webinars. Among the states where an upcoming workshop is scheduled is Utah, where Gov. Gary Herbert recently prohibited conversion therapy for youth through regulation.

“Brothers on a Road Less Traveled” also operates internationally. Another workshop is scheduled in Poland, which has become renowned for its homophobia now that one-third of the country has been designated as “LGBT-free zones.”

The new Virginia ban on conversion therapy, much like laws in other states, is limited in scope.

For starters, it applies only to medical and mental health practitioners, threatening to revoke their licenses if they engage in conversion therapy. Other organizations and individuals, including churches and clergy, are allowed to engage in the practice or otherwise LGBTQ people not to be LGBTQ.

Ministers would likely have a First Amendment right consistent with their religious beliefs to encourage LGBTQ people, including LGBTQ youth, to change their sexual orientation or gender identity despite those being innate characteristics.

Further, the measures apply only to youth. Even medical and mental health practitioners can offer conversion therapy to adults — and take money for the practice — if those adults on their own volition wish to undergo the practice despite evidence demonstrating it’s ineffective.

“No person licensed pursuant to this subtitle or who performs counseling as part of his training for any profession licensed pursuant to this subtitle shall engage in conversion therapy with a person under 18 years of age,” the Virginia law says. “Any conversion therapy efforts with a person under 18 years of age engaged in by a provider licensed in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle or who performs counseling as part of his training for any profession licensed pursuant to this subtitle shall constitute unprofessional conduct and shall be grounds for disciplinary action by the appropriate health regulatory board within the Department of Health Professions.”

Likely because they’re limited in scope, the state laws are uncontroversial. Numerous governors — Democratic and Republican alike — have signed them into law. Although former Maine Gov. Paul LePage vetoed the measure in the state, the move was corrected by subsequent Gov. Janet Mills, who signed the legislation into law.

Formerly known as “People Can Change,” the Virginia-based group “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled” has faced challenges to its operations before. In 2016, the Human Rights Campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, accusing the group of illegally engaging in fraud.

But years later, “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled” is still in operation and the only thing that appears to have changed about the organization is it’s name. The FTC has refused to comment to the Washington Blade on the state of the complaint filed by the Human Rights Campaign.

The Human Rights Campaign didn’t respond to the Blade’s request to comment on “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled” remaining in operation in the aftermath of the new Virginia law.

Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, warned “Brothers on a Road Less Traveled” it may still be running afoul of the law if it’s charging money for its practices.

“If they are not targeting minors, the law does not directly affect them; however, if they are charging money, they are likely violating Virginia’s consumer fraud laws and can be sued by anyone who pays them money in exchange for their bogus claims that they can help a gay person become straight,” Minter said.

Minter concluded under its earlier moniker “People Can Change,” one of the group’s founders Dave Matheson has publicly admitted its claims it can help people change their sexual orientation are false.

Local

Comings & Goings

Delaware governor honors Peter Schott

Published

3 days ago

May 22, 2026

Peter Rosenstein

Peter Schott

The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected].

Congratulations to Peter Schott on being honored by Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer on National Honor our LGBTQ Elders Day.

Schott is a prominent LGBTQ advocate and seasoned political strategist who has spent decades advancing civil rights at the national and state levels. Following a distinguished 25-year career as a staff assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives, Schott leveraged his extensive legislative expertise to help organize the National Stonewall Democrats, serving as an influential member of its national board.

After moving to Delaware in 2002, he became a foundational figure in the state’s LGBTQ political landscape, co-founding the Delaware Stonewall PAC, (now Stonewall Delaware) to champion the election of pro-equality candidates. His strategic lobbying and community organizing were instrumental in the successful passage of Delaware’s landmark non-discrimination, civil union, and marriage equality laws. A former member of the State Human Relations Commission, he remains a vital voice for the LGBTQ community in the Mid-Atlantic, continuing to document and drive social progress through his activism and writing. Schott currently serves as vice chair of the Delaware Democratic Pride Caucus, and a board member of Speak Out Against Hate (SOAH). He was a delegate to two Democratic National Conventions.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, New York University; and a master’s of Public Administration degree from American University.

District of Columbia

Doc on Blade reporter Chibbaro scores Emmy nomination

‘Lou’s Legacy’ chronicles 50-year career

Published

5 days ago

May 20, 2026

Staff reports

“Lou’s Legacy: A Reporter’s Life at the Washington Blade” has been nominated for a Capital Emmy in the “Documentary – Historical” category by the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

“Our members include all of the video content producers who serve our local audiences in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia—from the Atlantic to the Appalachians, from Bristol to Baltimore,” said Capitol Emmys President Adam Longo in a press release.

Broadcast last June by WETA PBS in Washington, D.C. and MPT in Maryland, the documentary was directed and produced by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Patrick Sammon in association with the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C. Additional nominees who worked on the film include producer Julianne Donofrio and editor Amir Jaffer.

“Lou’s Legacy” tells the story of two D.C. icons — legendary Washington Blade reporter Lou Chibbaro Jr. and beloved drag performer Donnell Robinson, known to generations of Washington audiences as “Ella Fitzgerald.” Through Chibbaro’s nearly five-decade career at the Blade and Ella’s return to the stage after a three-year hiatus following COVID, the 29-minute documentary explores the history of Washington’s LGBTQ community and today’s rising backlash against LGBTQ rights, including laws targeting drag performers.

“We’re honored that Lou’s Legacy has been recognized alongside such an impressive group of historical documentaries,” said Sammon. “This nomination is especially meaningful because the film preserves and celebrates the stories of people who helped shape queer history in Washington, DC — often without recognition from mainstream institutions. We’re deeply grateful to the Mattachine Society, Lou Chibbaro Jr., Donnell Robinson, WETA PBS, and everyone who helped bring this project to life.”

“Lou’s Legacy” premiered on WETA PBS in June 2025 during Pride month. The documentary also broadcast on Maryland Public Television and is streaming nationally on PBS.org. WETA will rebroadcast “Lou’s Legacy” several times during Pride month, including June 15 th at 9 p.m. Winners of the Capital Emmy Awards will be announced at the Capital Emmy Gala on June 20 at the Bethesda Marriott Hotel.

Rehoboth Beach

Don’t let Rehoboth rain deter you, there’s lots to do for Memorial Day

Local businesses ready to host thousands this weekend

Published

5 days ago

May 20, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

Purple Parrot’s Chris Chandler is ready to welcome the crowds this weekend. (Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

Although the weather is not expected to produce a picturesque Memorial Day Weekend at the Nation’s Summer Capital, plenty of exciting LGBTQ-friendly events, gatherings, and celebrations remain planned in Rehoboth Beach, Del., come rain or shine.

Thursday (5/21)

Begin this Memorial Day Weekend early on Thursday at The Pines Coastal Tavern, an LGBTQ+ friendly bar and grill that offers a happy hour from 4-6 p.m and a comfort food weekly special on Thursdays.

Next, you have a few options to spend your night enjoying live music, drag performances, and karaoke across Rehoboth.

The Purple Parrot Grill, Rehoboth’s only biergarten, will host its weekly Thursday Karaoke night starting at 9 p.m. With no cover fee, the Purple Parrot offers a queer-friendly space to have a drink or two and sing your heart out with friends.

Aqua, an LGBTQ bar in Rehoboth, is featuring six different DJs from Thursday to Monday. This Thursday will feature DJ KG, who will be spinning from 8 p.m. to midnight. Additionally, Thursdays are Burger Nights with $12 burgers and $3 domestic beers.

Naughtee Bingo will be hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub starting at 8:30 pm on Thursday.

Friday (5/22)

Get your Friday night started with a live piano show with Grant Uhle from 7-10 p.m. at The Pines.

Freddie’s Beach Bar, another LGBTQ-friendly bar in Rehoboth, will feature “Freddie’s Follie’s Drag Show” at 9 p.m. with DJ Nan keeping the party going at 11 p.m.

Aqua’s “Beats Party Night” with DJ Matt Bailer will also be going on from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Saturday (5/23)

The party is starting early at Diego’s on Saturday with a Splash Party hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m.

The Pines is also offering a live Piano show & sing-a-long with Etienne Pilon from 6-8 p.m. and DJ Fixed Rate spinning from 8-11 p.m.

DJ Chord will play from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at Aqua on Saturday night.

Sunday (5/24)

On Sunday, Aqua is hosting an “Aquaman” swimsuit modeling contest at 3 p.m. with the “king” chosen by the crowd. The event is sponsored by JimmyTrendy and prizes include a JimmyTrendy swimsuit set and an Aqua Grill gift card. JimmyTrendy will also offer a pop-up shop to purchase swimwear.

DJ Biff will play beats at the “Aquaman” contest until 6 p.m. and DJ Malachi Gomez will spin from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Diego’s is putting on its weekly Party Pams T-Dance starring singer Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. It’s Pamala’s 21st season in Rehoboth Beach and her show is a must-see event.

At Freddie’s Beach Bar, DJ Shady Lady will play from 5-6 p.m. with a Memorial Day Sunday Drag Show taking place from 9-11 p.m. and karaoke directly after.

Monday (5/25)

Come together on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen women service members, first responders, and canine war heroes with the Laying of the Wreath. This ceremony will take place at 8:45 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial at the end of Rehoboth Avenue at the Band Stand Area. This event is put together by the Gay Women of Rehoboth.

Sussex Pride invites you to a Memorial Day Cookout Honoring LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Gordons Pond Pavilion in Cape Henlopen.

End your MDW with Monday night singing your heart out with late night karaoke at Freddie’s Beach Bar at 8 p.m. and Piano Pam at Diego’s at 5 p.m. with Pamala Stanley playing everything from Broadway hits to current dance music.