September 10th, 2010
Jacob Wilson has come a long ways in a short time. In 2005 Jacob was coerced into attending Love In Action’s “Source” program (a residential ex-gay program) after his church discovered he was involved in a same-sex relationship with a minister from another local church. Jacob was 19 and attended Love In Action at the same time as the Zach Stark controversy. Since then Jacob has publicly spoken out about the harm he experienced in ex-gay programs though events such at Beyond Ex-Gay’s weekend of activism in Memphis in 2008.
Jacob and his fiancée Ben met through their fraternity at Iowa State, Delta Lambda Phi, an LGBT and progressive interest fraternity, and have dated for two years.
Jacob is currently a senior double majoring in political science and women’s and gender studies. Ben completed his undergrad degree in computer engineering and is now a masters student in the same subject.
After Jacob graduates he plans to attend grad school and has yet to finalize what city they will be moving to.
Jacob proposed to Ben at a picnic over Labor Day earlier this week.
The fully legally recognized wedding ceremony will likely be held in Ames the summer of 2010 2012. Ben is adamant there will be no drag performances at the reception.
Our congratulations to Jacob and Ben.
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Titus
September 10th, 2010
Congratulations!
Jim Burroway
September 10th, 2010
Oh my God Jacob! Congratulations!
Timothy Kincaid
September 10th, 2010
All the very best to Ben and Jacob
Jacob Wilson
September 10th, 2010
Thanks for the shout out and warm wishes Dan! Jim, I am thinking of wearing white, but not sure if that will be as ‘believable’ as I would like for it to be.
Ray
September 10th, 2010
I love a happy beginning. Hugs to you guys!!!
scioto
September 10th, 2010
“The .. ceremony will likely be held in Ames the summer of 2010.”
That would mean within the next 2 weeks.
Congrats.
anteros
September 10th, 2010
congratulations guys!
jacob, thanks for sharing your story… you and all the others who spoke out made a difference in my life. happier days ahead:-)
Douglas
September 10th, 2010
“Jacob is currently a senior double majoring in political science and women’s and gender studies.”
That and $2…
But seriously, congrats!
Richard Rush
September 10th, 2010
Congratulations, Jacob, on having the courage to walk away from the darkness. And double congratulations to you and Ben on your wedding plans!
Tone
September 10th, 2010
I am very happy for this man finally finding his way to himself. Living an authentic life is much healthier than living a sham.
I was involved in an ex-gay religious group in the late 80’s. It didn’t work… quel dommage. Two of the guys from that group eventually hooked up with each other and they are still together 18 years later. They still look like they’re 25 too, the bitches.
Charles
September 11th, 2010
fiancé, not fiancée, or it turns the whole point of your article on its head! ;-)
Nathaniel
September 11th, 2010
Congratulations guys!
A story with a real winner, rock on guys!
Tony P
September 11th, 2010
Just proves that ‘conversion’ therapy doesn’t work.
Congrats to both of you. I’m glad you’re doing well.
Carl
September 11th, 2010
I think that Lady Bracknell said it best when she said that she wasn’t in favor of long engagements because they give people an opportunity of finding out each other’s characters before marriage. Which she thinks is never advisable
gordo
September 11th, 2010
from Bull Durham:
Millie: Annie… do you think I deserve to wear white?
Annie Savoy: Honey, we all deserve to wear white.
Regan DuCasse
September 11th, 2010
Yay! Yay! Yay!
Jacob, congratulations to you and Ben! I’m so happy for you.
You’ll be amazed at how different you’ll feel.
The ss weddings I’ve attended have some political sentiment to them because it feels great at the moment you can actually marry, but also a bit tense as there are so many factions out there willing to pull the rug out from under your marriage.
But I know of no couple that doesn’t think this is a very big deal. Because it IS a big deal. Hard fought for, and hard won where it’s been won.
Therefore, in that picture, I see a pair of handsome WINNERS!
Love kinda does that for ya and looks like it to me from here.
All the best guys!
XOXO
David
September 11th, 2010
Their relationship and upcoming marriage is the real Love in Action.
Congrats to the happy couple.
Audrey the Liberal
September 14th, 2010
“Jacob is currently a senior double majoring in political science and women’s and gender studies.” Is just lighting a pile of money on fire now considered gauche?
Rarian Rakista
September 16th, 2010
Grats, I wonder how long till there will be less of a need for identity-based fraternities and more of a profession-based set?
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