HOUSTON, Texas – A coalition of local and national Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) organizations will host a week-long series of educational and entertainment events, as well as a protest, highlighting the harm caused by “ex-gay” programs. The coalition put this program together in response to a quarterly road show being presented on September 10 in Houston, Texas, by Exodus International, the notorious “ex-gay” organization that promotes the idea that one can “pray away the gay.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (All events open to media)
Opening Night: Overview of “Ex-Gay” Ministries with Wayne Besen
Wednesday, September 7, 7:00–9:00 pm
Resurrection MCC (2025 West 11th Street, Houston TX)
Event Info: “Truth Wins Out” founder Wayne Besen will discuss in an acclaimed multi-media presentation on the history of “ex-gay” programs, the techniques used, the key players involved, and the political context in which these dangerous programs operate. Besen is the architect of the recent undercover operation that revealed that the clinic of Michele Bachmann’s husband, Marcus, practiced “ex-gay” therapy. Besen is the author of “Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth.” He has appeared on leading shows including: ABC Nightline and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Presentation followed by a Pastors’ Panel and Q&A Session
Film Screening: This is What Love in Action Looks Like
Thursday, September 8, 7:00–9:00 pm
Resurrection MCC
Event Info: “This is What Love in Action Looks Like” is a new film that explores the controversial LIA experience and shows how youth are coerced into “ex-gay” programs. Film director, Morgan Jon Fox, and interviewee, Brandon Tidwell, will be on-hand to answer questions.
One Man Show: Peterson Toscano
Friday, September 9, 7:00–9:00 pm
Resurrection MCC
Event Info: Celebrated comedian and actor Peterson Toscano shares his own story of trying to “de-gay” himself and the process he took to integrate his sexuality with all parts of his life. In this presentation, you will witness the Best of Peterson Toscano as he presents excerpts from original plays including “The Re-Education of George W. Bush,” “Queer 101 – Now I Know my gAy,B,Cs,” and “Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House.”
Protest of Exodus International’s Love Won Out
Saturday, September 10, 11:30 am–1:00 pm
Outside the Sugar Creek Baptist Church
CONTACT: Wayne Besen, Founder, Truth Wins Out, +1-917-691-5118, [email protected]
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- The coalition put this program together in response to a quarterly road show being presented on September 10 in Houston, Texas, by Exodus International, the notorious “ex-gay”.
- A coalition of local and national Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) organizations will host a week-long series of educational and entertainment events, as well as a protest, highlighting the harm caused by “ex-gay”.
- In this presentation, you will witness the Best of Peterson Toscano as he presents excerpts from original plays including “The Re-Education of George W.
