LGBT Groups to Counter Houston 'Pray Away the Gay' Conference on September 10

HOUSTON, Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On September 10, the infamous "ex-gay" organization Exodus International will host Love Won Out in Houston, which is a quarterly road show promoting the false and dangerous idea that one can "pray away the gay." In response, a coalition of local and national LGBT organizations will host a weeklong series of educational and entertainment events, as well as a protest, highlighting the harm caused by "ex-gay" programs.

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 p.m.

Resurrection MCC (2025 West 11th Street, Houston TX)

Presentation followed by a Pastors' Panel and Q&A Session  

Event Info: Truth Wins Out founder Wayne Besen will discuss in an acclaimed multi-media presentation the history of "ex-gay" programs, the techniques used, the key players involved and 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.

Film Screening: This is What Love in Action Looks Like

Thursday, September 8

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

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 p.m.

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 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Outside the Sugar Creek Baptist Church  

SOURCE Truth Wins Out