Arriving in Orlando: Ex-Gay Days
Billboards tell truth that homosexuality can be questioned … and changed
May 27, 2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Six new city billboards are introducing a daring idea to Orlando drivers – men and women can question homosexuality. The billboards are promoting Focus on the Family’s Love Won Out conference, set to arrive in Orlando on Saturday, June 7 – the same day homosexuals nationwide will travel to Disney World to celebrate their annual Gay Days.
"Love Won Out speakers are bold enough to challenge the dominant ‘born gay’ view. We believe men and women have the right to manage their sexuality according to their faith," Melissa Fryrear, director of Focus on the Family’s gender and sexuality department said. "We reject the notion that men and women are bound by genetics to live homosexually."
Although this perspective is often underreported in mainstream media, recent research supports LWO's Bible-based teachings on homosexuality. One study fueling the debate is Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation (InterVarsity Press), which found that 67 percent of participants either reported a change towards heterosexual orientation or were successfully continuing work towards that goal.
During the conference, some of the speakers – who, like Fryrear, used to self-identify as homosexual – share their stories of how they overcame unwanted same-sex attractions through religious means including group discussions, counseling, Bible reading and prayer.
Beyond giving hope to those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, LWO helps churches, friends and families respond to homosexuality. Fryrear explains, "We encourage open discussion of the issue, and remind people to speak the truth with love and understanding."
The Orlando event marks LWO's 50th U.S. conference in its 10-year history. It will be held from 8 to 5:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, located at 106 East Church Street. To coordinate an interview or for a jpeg image of the billboard, contact Whitney Farr at 719.648.4590 or whitney.farr@fotf.org For more information on LWO, visit www.lovewonout.com.
About Focus on the Family
Reaching more than 220 million people in 155 nations, Focus on the Family is a Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, strengthening and defending families worldwide. Founded in 1977, Focus on the Family provides practical tools, spiritual resources and emotional support to families at every stage of life. Focus on the Family is online at www.FocusOnTheFamily.com.
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To coordinate an interview or for a jpeg image of the billboard, contact Whitney Farr at 719.266.7127 or whitney.farr@fotf.org.