Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D-CA) introduced the “Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2019” today which would prohibit the destructive practice of “ex-gay” conversion therapy on LGBTQ youth. In support of the bill, Truth Wins Out released a powerful new video featuring five former high-profile “ex-gay” activists who apologize to the LGBTQ community and call on Congress to pass Rep. Lieu’s bill.
“Former ex-gay leaders are some of the strongest voices to emerge in support of federal legislation banning the abusive practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “These individuals know firsthand that conversion therapy and other ‘ex-gay’ programs are ineffective and dangerous. They are speaking out now so others won’t follow in their footsteps. They are warning people to stay away from programs that will waste their time and money, as well as adversely impact their mental health. We also thank Rep. Lieu for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the LGBTQ community. He is a true hero and champion of LGBTQ youth.”
The former ex-gay leaders featured in TWO’s video:
Michael Bussee: The co-founder of Exodus International, which was the largest “ex-gay” ministry organization in the world until it shut down in 2013. He now leads the Former Ex-Gay Leaders Alliance (FELA), which helps former ex-gay leaders transition out of the harmful, cult-like movement.
Alan Chambers: Alan Chambers was the former President of Exodus International who decided to shut down the organization when he realized that people were not successfully changing from gay-to-heterosexual.
Yvette Cantu Schneider: Yvette worked as a policy analyst for the Family Research Council, served as Director of Women’s Ministry for the now defunct Exodus International and spoke at Focus on the Family’s now closed “ex-gay” road show Love Won Out.
John Smid: He was the former leader of Love in Action, the “ex-gay” program featured in the movie Boy Erased.
Randy Thomas: He was the former Vice President of Exodus International, who helped Alan Chambers shut down the group. Randy also participated in the right wing political strategy organization The Arlington Group. Today, Randy is the founder of THRIVE LGBT+, which helps people escape and heal from the destructive impact of religious stigma against the LGBT+ community in all its forms including ex-gay ministry and conversion therapy.
