TWO Fights Anti-Gay Religious Extremism and the 'Ex-Gay' Industry

BURLINGTON, Vt., Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The national gay rights organization Truth Wins Out (TWO) announced today that it has moved from New York City to Burlington. Vt. Founded in 2006, TWO fights anti-gay religious extremism and counters the so-called "ex-gay" industry, which claims to help people "pray away the gay."

TWO's founder, Wayne Besen, chose Burlington to cut operating costs, but also considered the location highly desirable, geographically convenient and believed that the well-educated population was ideal in assisting with the organization's important work. Besen first began thinking about the move in 2009 after he spoke at the University of Vermont.

"Burlington is a charming college town situated on a magnificent lake with smart people who can help us monitor anti-gay religious extremism," said TWO founder and Executive Director Wayne Besen. "By moving to Burlington, we will significantly cut costs in tough economic times. While Burlington is not a large city, it is in a great location because it is only a short flight from Boston, New York City, Chicago, or Washington."

Truth Wins Out is a small organization that has had a major impact. TWO has been featured in media such as: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Rachel Maddow Show, The O'Reilly Factor, NBC Nightly News, Hannity and Colmes, CNN, The New York Times, The Advocate Magazine, The Associated Press, The Daily Beast, and The Wall Street Journal.

In 2006, Besen was recognized in The Advocate Magazine's "People of the Year" issue. In 2009, he was named in Instinct Magazine as a "Leading Man." In 2010, Besen was awarded the "Visionary Award" at the Out Music Awards for organizing the American Prayer Hour, an event which shined a spotlight on the role American evangelicals played in the introduction of Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

On a daily basis, TWO studies the "ex-gay" industry and often exposes its leaders as frauds. In 2003, Besen wrote the book, "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth" (Haworth).

TWO's new address is Post Office Box 96, Burlington, Vt. 05402

"TWO looks forward to prospering in its new home," said Besen. "We are excited about meeting interesting people and enjoying this wonderful, energetic city."

SOURCE Truth Wins Out

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.truthwinsout.org/