On Nov. 7th, Focus on the Family brought its absurd “ex-gay” roadshow Love Won Out to Birmingham Alabama. This is a conference that tries to help people “pray away the gay”. (Cue uproarious laughter)

Truth Wins Out joined several local groups in protest. More than 50 people greeted conference attendees as they entered the church parking lot. Movie star Glenn Shadix, who had once undergone shock therapy in a failed effort to become straight commented on Joe Openshaw’s blog about what he saw at the demonstration:

“An image that will always stay with me is that of a young teenager being driven by what seemed to be his parents, into The Metropolitan Church of God,” said Shadix. “He slowly raised his hand and, hidden from those in the front seat of the car, waved at us as he was driven into the all day seminar. His sad face haunts me. I have been there. My prayers are with him.”

Truth Wins Out joined The Alliance for GLBT Equality at UAB, Covenant Community Church, Equality Alabama Birmingham, Central Alabama Pride and PFLAG.

Special thanks to Bob Palmatier, Joe Openshaw and Rev. J.R. Finney (and many others) for a powerful action against the intolerance and bigotry of Focus on the Family.

Today was Focus on the Family’s final Love Won Out road show, which took place in Birmingham, Alabama. Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen joined more than 75 people to protest the misinformation being spread at the mega-church where the “ex-gay” extravaganza took place.

If you like the fact that Truth Wins Out is fighting back against such lies, please consider a tax-deductible contribution today. Only with your help can we continue our efforts exposing lies and anti-gay distortions.

Today’s protest included members from: The Alliance for GLBT Equality at UAB, Equality Alabama Birmingham, Central Alabama Pride, Covenant Community Church and PFLAG. Several media outlets covered the presentation. Movie star Glenn Shadix, an Alabama native was on-hand. On Thursday, he shared his story of undergoing shock therapy in his youth to unsuccessfully become heterosexual.

We will provide video of the protest later. In the meantime, here are a few pictures.

Sun to Set On Focus on the Family’ Infamous “Pray Away The Gay’ Road Show

BIRMINGHAM — Truth Wins Out (TWO) announced today that its Founder, Wayne Besen, would speak on the dangers of the “ex-gay’ myth on Thursday (7PM) at the University of Alabama Birmingham. The UAB presentation coincides with Focus on the Family’ final Love Won Out conference, which they sold to Exodus International in the midst of financial trouble. TWO has worked with local gay advocates across the nation to stage protests against Love Won Out, and in 2000, Besen photographed its “ex-gay” organizer, John Paulk, in a Washington, DC gay bar.

The multi-media presentation is sponsored by UAB’ Office of the Vice President for Equity and Diversity, The Alliance for GLBT Equality at UAB, Equality Alabama Birmingham, Central Alabama Pride, Covenant Community Church and PFLAG.

The event will take place Thursday (7PM) at Hill University Center Alumni Auditorium, 1400 University Blvd. It’ on the NE corner of University & 14th Street S.

“The sun is setting on a dangerous program that has brought much darkness and pain to families across America,” said Wayne Besen, Founder and Executive Director of Truth Wins Out. “I look forward to sharing the history of misery and misinformation Love Won Out has brought to countless people. I hope to get out the facts and let gay and lesbian people know they are fine just the way they are.”

Throughout the week, Besen will join a coalition of Alabama gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocates responding to Focus on the Family’ Love Won Out conference, which encourages people to “pray away the gay.” This includes a protest at the “Love Won Out” conference at Metropolitan Church of God. The peaceful protest is planned on public right of way near the entrance of the church, which faces Interstate 459 near the Acton Road exit. (Read More)