This video offers a snapshot of the work performed by TruthWinsOut.org:
Mission: TruthWinsOut.org is a non-profit organization that counters right wing propaganda, exposes the “ex-gay” myth and educates America about gay life.
Creed: TruthWinsOut.org is resolute in its belief that ex-gay programs are a politically motivated fraud designed to exploit vulnerable clients for financial gain and pass anti-gay legislation. Attempts to change sexual orientation are patently offensive, discriminatory by definition, theologically shaky, uniformly unsuccessful and medically unsound. TruthWinsOut.org firmly believes that ex-gay programs can damage families, lower self-esteem, generate guilt and shame and sometimes lead to suicide. The organization holds as self-evident that the world would be a better place without ex-gay programs, which are an unnecessary and destructive hindrance to the natural coming out process.
Goal: TruthWinsOut.org aims to end the dangerous practice of ex-gay therapy in all of its injurious forms. The organization will tirelessly advocate against such programs, vigorously disseminate educational material, and doggedly pursue actions that will help undermine the ex- gay myth.
We firmly believe in the principle that leaving the “Big Lie” unchallenged invites prejudice to prosper, falsehoods to flower and fiction to be confused with fact. TWO stands for the idea that education will overcome ignorance and truth will one day triumph.
I. Rapid Response Web Advocacy
TWO has developed a comprehensive and interactive web site to expeditiously respond to right wing misinformation campaigns, particularly by ex-gay organizations. On a daily basis, TWO quickly counters falsehoods and discredit distortions. The web site also offers thorough resources, tells the powerful stories of survivors and highlights the bizarre methods ex-gay therapists use to supposedly turn gay people into heterosexuals.
II. Landmark Legal Strategy
The ex-gay ministries are legally vulnerable because they cause harm, commit consumer fraud and their programs even lead to suicide. TWO will work with GLBT legal organizations to let ex-gay survivors know their rights and what they can do if they believe they have been harmed or abused.
III. Media Campaigns
Central to the ex-gay charade are slick advertising blitzes. Backed by the deep pockets of Focus on the Family and Pat Robertson, ex-gay groups have placed billboards, bus and subway placards, newspaper ads and have broadcast television and radio campaigns. These groups have also produced letters to the editor, op-eds in national and local newspapers and pitched television stations for sympathetic feature stories.
TWO will counter the right with its own multi-media advertising and public relations programs. While TWO will never match them dollar-for-dollar, it is realistic to produce enough high-quality ducational material to inform the national debate, shape the message and disseminate the truth.
The organization will also strategically place op-eds and direct letter writing campaigns. Additionally, TWO offers cutting-edge media training and talking points to effectively retort our opponent’s faulty arguments.
IV. Exposing Fraud
Tips are sometimes received where people reveal that major ex-gay spokespeople are engaged in inappropriate behavior. TWO will verify credible information and potentially create devastating consequences for the future of the ex-gay ministries.
V.Opposing Love Won Out
The single biggest ex-gay threat individual communities face is Focus on the Family’s Love Won Out conference. Love Won Out is a one-day event in select cities where ex-gays and “experts on homosexuality” are trotted out to distort gay life. It is a smorgasbord of hate and misinformation that often gets an avalanche of media attention, while harming gay and lesbian people.
TWO works with local communities and the media to ensure an appropriate and effective response to these anti-gay symposiums.
VI. National College Speaking Tour
Much of the battle over the ex-gay myth is being stealthily waged at the university level in an attempt to influence America’s future leaders. Groups like Campus Crusade for Christ frequently bring ex-gay speakers to colleges. These visits generate media coverage and give ex-gay groups ample opportunity to promote their dangerous message.
TWO representatives speak nationally at universities to offset the large number of ex-gay speakers. Without such efforts, the GLBT movement would be ceding crucial ground and fertile minds to our opponents. Consider a generous contribution to bring a TWO representative to your alma-mater.
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