'National Coming Out of Homosexuality Day' Celebrated

Focus on the Family
Thursday, 10 October 2002

Focus on the Family to Feature Former Homosexuals at Upcoming Washington D.C. Event on November 2nd

Focus on the Family celebrates the changed lives of ex-gay men and women on the seventh annual "National Coming Out of Homosexuality Day" today. Former homosexuals will present their stories and struggles when the pro-family group brings its 19th national Love Won Out conference to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 2.

The event comes amid increasing controversy over the issue of homosexuality. According to a recent Gallup poll, most Americans believe that one out of every five people are gay or lesbian. In reality, only 2 to 3 percent of the population is gay.

"In the midst of high-pitched political rhetoric, celebrity endorsements and media bias, people are more confused than ever about the facts surrounding this issue," said John Paulk, a former homosexual and creator of the Love Won Out conference. "Focus on the Family is committed to compassionate truth and to helping families navigate the misinformation clouding reality."

Recently, pro-homosexual vandals defaced two advertisements in Metro subway stations in Washington, D.C., that feature the stories of two former homosexuals. The ads, sponsored by Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays, are slated to remain posted for the next 30 days.

Paulk responded, "When it comes to the issue of homosexuality, it is clear that tolerance does not apply to everyone. By taking a bold stand today against the lies that say homosexuality is biological and unchangeable, we hope to encourage others desperate to escape homosexuality."

Focus on the Family has shared this message of hope with more than 14,000 men and women who have attended the ministry's Love Won Out conferences since 1998. In the last year, the conference has seen a 20 percent increase in attendance.

"Millions of people who are troubled with a variety of issues are being encouraged to 'come out' as a solution to their problems," Paulk said. "But for some it is only the beginning, and we want them to know there is a way out of the emptiness, isolation and confusion many experience in gay life."

The Love Won Out conference, hosted at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Va., will feature experts in the field of gender identity and will address topics such as the clinical development of homosexuality; the relationship between homosexuality and genetics; homosexual recovery; and the responsibility of Christians to offer an appropriate, compassionate response to their gay friends and relatives.

For media interested in covering the conference, please call David Gasak or Julie Neils at: (719) 548-4634. More information can be found at: http://www.family.org/cforum/lwo/.

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org