You can purchase an autographed copy of Anything But Straight by sending a $35 check or money order to:
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Wayne Besen
PO Box 25491
Brooklyn, NY 11202
In the latest Time Magazine, The Rolling Stones talk about their new album, "A Bigger Bang", and discuss a song, "Sweet Neo Con" that doesn't mince words.
"You call yourself a Christian, I call you a hypocrite/You call yourself a patriot, well I think you're full of shit."
The Stones, who are going on tour in the U.S. have always been my favorite rock band, and this just gives me one more reason to love them. Thanks Mick, for sticking that big tongue out at Bush and Rummy.
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It is the 21st Century and the cover of Time Magazine has pictures of a chimpanzee and God under the bold headline, "Evolution Wars". I turn on the television and a non-descript talking head is promoting the bizarre idea that tax cuts for the rich lead to increased tax revenue. I flip the channel and an effeminate man is lisping about how he prayed away the gay.
How did such weird and scientifically bankrupt ideas find their way into mainstream culture? The answer is at once simple and scary.
In response to an initiative underway aimed against the spirit of National Coming Out Day, members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community and their allies are encouraged to organize nationwide screenings of a new documentary film that shines light on some of the personal stories behind the "ex-gay" debate. Author and activist Wayne Besen, filmmaker Tom Murray, former "ex-gay" participant Shawn O'Donnell and performance artist Peterson Toscano ask LGBT individuals and affirming groups to organize screenings of FISH CAN’T FLY throughout the month of October, 2005. (www.fishcantfly.com)
"We believe these ex-gay survivors' stories must be heard in order to stop the damage daily perpetuated against LGBT youth and adults, damage done by ministries who dishonestly persuade people that change is possible. FISH CAN'T FLY poignantly exposes the pain, confusion, loss and heartache endured by victims of 'ex-gay' programs and celebrates the power of coming out", the organizers said in a joint statement.
Every October 11th, and throughout the month of October, thousands of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and allies celebrate National Coming Out Day. Workshops, speak-outs, rallies and other kinds of events are held that provide LGBT individuals a time to reflect on and share the coming out experience so as to reinforce the importance of psychological, physical and spiritual health in having all of us be true to ourselves.
In opposition to the positive nature of this event, this October, the anti-gay group, Truth Comes Out Project, is organizing screenings of their film, "I DO EXIST", which touts the success of "ex-gay" therapy. The people in the film boldly claim that through participation in ex-gay programs, same-gender loving people can change and become heterosexual and that such a lifestyle is the healthiest and most desirable spiritual choice.
"FISH CAN'T FLY gives those of us who participated in those 'ex-gay' programs and eventually overcame antigay oppression and self hatred, a chance to tell our stories. I feel grateful that Tom Murray with his insightful and tender eye, allowed us to transparently share the heartache and confusion we suffered. Amazingly he does so with dignity, hope and even humor," said Peterson Toscano, a former 'ex-gay' programs participant for more than 17 years.
Screenings of this 83-minute documentary can range from smaller gatherings with family and friends to more organized community efforts through national organizations, followed by discussion.
For details about the effort, promotional material and information on how to organize an event, please visit the film’s website: www.fishcantfly.com and follow the link to Coming Out Project.
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For interview information or further details:
Wayne Besen - Wbesen@aol.com Peterson Toscano - p2son@earthlink.net Shawn O'Donnell - dlphnstud762000@yahoo.com Tom Murray - TJoeMurray@aol.com
The BBC sent bisexual reporter David Akinsanya into the "ex-gay" ministry Love In Acton to turn him heterosexual. Needless to say, it didn't work. In fact, Akinsanya made a keen observation about the leadership.
Four days into the course, Akinsanya walked out, realising that without the religious conviction of the other participants, he could go no further. "Even the course organisers, who claim to have been converted, admitted they still struggle with homosexual feelings," he says. "They seemed to be in some strange no man's land."
Enough said. Isn't it time they close up shop and stop wasting peoples' valuable time and hard earned money?
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