Press Release: Anti-Gay P-FOX President Richard Cohen Expelled For Life From The American Counseling Association
Released January 25, 2005
NEW YORK – Author Wayne Besen today released a letter he uncovered from the American Counseling Association that "permanently expelled" reparative therapist Richard Cohen in 2003 for serious ethics violations. As the outspoken president of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Dr. Laura Schlessinger's ex-gay advisor, Cohen's expulsion casts a dark shadow over the disreputable practice of trying to change sexual orientation.
Evergreen's Promise, One Man's Struggle
Salt Lake Metro , Published December 2004
By Joel Shoemaker
Russ Gorringe remembers the moment he almost lost his life to his fight against being gay. "I had determined that the only way out was to end my life." Gorringe says he was hiking with his wife and children in Glacier National Park when they crossed a swinging rope bridge over a river ravine.
Anti-Bush Gay Advocate Loses Post
Washington Times , Published December 1, 2004
By Cheryl Wetzstein
Cheryl Jacques, president of the Human Rights Campaign - whose political action committee mounted an anti-Bush effort this year - has been asked to step down, several homosexual activists said yesterday.
Press Release: Author Calls On Editor of Divisive, Anti-gay Advertising Insert To Apologize For Defaming The Gay Community
Released November 22, 2004
WASHINGTON – Author Wayne Besen today condemned Grace Christian Church in Woodbridge, Va., for divisively vilifying gay people in last week's Washington Post. The attack, which was intended to arouse anti-gay sentiment in the African-American community, came in the form of an advertising insert called "Both Sides Magazine". Besen called on "Both Sides" editor Dr. David Grier to apologize for his politically motivated, scientifically incorrect and mean-spirited attack.
Press Release: Author Calls On Ex-Gay Leader To Explain Involvement With Bizarre, Backwoods Demon Deliverance Cult
Released October, 26, 2004
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Author Wayne Besen today called on ex-gay spokesperson Stephen Bennett to explain his controversial ties to a backwoods cult that specializes in relieving people of "demon torment". Bennett’s odd association with Northwest Deliverance Ministries in Albany, Ore. belies the mainstream image he often tries to present to the media. http://www.northwestdeliverance.com
Is being gay something that can be overcome?
Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Published October 25, 2004
By Sandy Theis
Today, Wayne Besen discusses the origins of sexual orientation and the failure of the ex-gay myth with the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Settlement allows 'ex-gay' ads on bus shelters
Express Gay News, Published October 22, 2004
By Phil LaPadula
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has agreed to allow organizers of a so-called "ex-gay" conference to advertise on bus shelters in the St. Petersburg and Tampa areas. But Wayne Besen criticized the transit authority for agreeing to allow "false advertising."
Press Release: Author Criticizes Decision To Let Focus On The Family Publicize Ex-Gay Hoax In Pinellas County
Released October, 14, 2004
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Author Wayne Besen today criticized an out of court settlement in the Tampa-area allowing divisive hate group Focus on the Family to advertise their ex-gay hoax. The settlement will let FOF promote a dangerous product, mislead area-residents on gay life and perpetuate outdated myths.
Psychologist touts film on 'ex-gay' people
Gay.com - PlanetOut Network, Published October 11, 2004
By Christopher Curtis
A psychologist who believes that gays and lesbians can change their orientation distributed a documentary film on Monday that follows five people who claim to be "ex-gays."
Gay no more: Ex-gay movement gains ground, argues sexual orientation can be changed
Chicago Tribune RedEye, Published October 11, 2004
By Kathryn Masterson
As gay organizations mark National Coming Out Day on Monday, a psychologist who believes gays and lesbians can choose to change is encouraging churches and schools to show his new film that suggests it's possible to become an "ex-gay."
A Sad Sick Sequel
The Washington Times, Published October 9, 2004
By Natalie Troyer
Today in the Washington Times, Wayne Besen challenges the validity of a new ex-gay propaganda video, "I Do Exist". The film, by anti-gay activist Warren Throckmorton, hopes Americans have amnesia and forget the last failed ex-gay campaign of 1998.
6th Annual Matthew Shepard March held in Chicago on October 2, 2004
This year's Matthew Shepard March, cosponsored by Equal Marriage NOW! and the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, will focus on the broader issues involved in the struggle for equal marriage rights for same sex couples. Keynote address by Wayne Besen, author of "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth."
ACTIVIST CHARGES THAT THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT SUPPRESSED INFORMATION ON EX-GAY LEADER FOR IDEOLOGICAL REASONS (9-15-04)
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Author Wayne Besen today accused the Virginian-Pilot of suppressing damaging information on a nationally known HIV-positive ex-gay leader who allegedly had unsafe sex with several Virginia Beach-area men.
AUTHOR CONDEMNS NEW EX-GAY BOOK URGING GAYS TO GO BACK INTO THE CLOSET (9-06-04)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Activist Wayne Besen today condemned a new book by right wing ministers that urges gay people to go straight - and straight back into the closet. "Closing the Closet: Testimonies from Deliverance from Homosexuality", features stories from 23 "ex-gays" who said they prayed away the gay.
ACTIVIST CALLS ON GOP TO DROP HOMOPHOBIC 'EX-GAY' SINGER DONNIE MCCLURKIN AS CONVENTION PERFORMER (8-26-04)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Activist Wayne Besen today called on Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie and CEO Bill Harris to cancel a scheduled convention performance by anti-gay singer Donnie McClurkin.
