Fight against “ex-gay” movement goes multi-media
TruthWinsOut.org (TWO), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to debunking the “ex-gay myth”, launched a newly revamped web site this week.
The goal of the site is to serve as an educational resource and an “all-encompassing look at the dangerous world of conversion therapy”.
TWO claims the ex-gay industry has dominated the flow of information about conversion therapy in the past and the new web site is geared to help “counter ex-gay lies and reach vulnerable people with messages of truth and hope.”
“TruthWinsOut.org is a one-stop-shop for information on the ex-gay myth and an action centre for those who want to fight back against this insidious industry,” said TWO’s Executive Director Wayne Besen.
“We believe this site will help people come out, keep families together and even save lives.
“This is a great day for those who have long wanted to stop the spread of ex-gay misinformation and help people escape the ex-gay trap.”
Ex-Gay Watch founder Michael Airhart will publish daily blogs on the new web site, “offering his penetrating insights and a deep understanding of this topic,” according to a press release from TWO.
Airhart formerly worked as senior business editor for McClatchy-Tribune news wires in Washington. In 2005 he became a director for a leading blog syndication company.
He also co-founded Men Can Stop Rape in 1997.
“The ex-gay industry has declared war against GLBT people as it has become enmeshed with the far right,” said Airhart.
“By joining with TruthWinsOut.org, I am answering a personal calling to defend individual liberties, religious freedom, constitutional rights, family unity, and sexual strugglers, against exploitation by divisive, intolerant and dishonest extremists.”
TWO’s website will include an extensive video catalogue of “ex-gay” survivors and sexual orientation experts.
The videos and website highlight an active and robust year, where TWO will challenge the “ex-gay” industry across America.
“This was a team effort and I thank everyone who has invested in TruthWinsOut.org and who laboured intensively to create this beacon of illumination,” said Besen.
“With continued support, we can build on this achievement and aggressively combat the predatory and well-funded ex-gay industry.”
To implement the dream of creating the new web site, TWO relied on the generous contributions of generous foundations and individuals such as the Arcus Foundation, Gill Foundation, William A. Kerr Foundation, John Sweet, Andrew Tobias, Bill Cohen and the Haworth Press.
Additionally, TWO is using its new website to call for volunteers nationally to come forward and help to counter “ex-gay” rallies in cities across the U.S. In 2008, it is also a major priority for the organisation to videotape the testimonials of lesbian and minority survivors.
For more information, visit www.TruthWinsOut.org.
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