Focus on the Family Counters Day of Silence Message; Hundreds of Detroit Residents to Hear Experts Challenge Myths About Homosexuality

4/8/2003

From: David Gasak of Focus on the Family 719-548-4570 or gasakdp@fotf.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., April 8 -- While the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) readies its annual Day of Silence this week, Focus on the Family is making preparations to present information that will help the Detroit community navigate the one-sided messages being presented at such events. The Love Won Out conference, to be held April 26 at Tri-City Christian Center, is primarily led by former homosexual men and women and is designed to help the public understand the underlying roots and causes of homosexuality.

Mike Haley, a former homosexual and Love Won Out conference speaker, knows all too well that messages found at events like the Day of Silence can be dangerous. At 16, his high school counselor convinced him he was born gay and should embrace homosexual life. He followed this advice and spent a decade experiencing empty relationships, hopelessness and isolation. After finding change was possible, Haley struggled away from homosexuality and is now married and the father of two.

"Hundreds of thousands of young people who wrestle with their sexuality are being encouraged to 'come out' as a cure for their problems," Haley said. "Teens struggling with their sexuality deserve all the facts, and they need responsible guidance from adults. Unfortunately, our culture continues to promote reckless messages that steer adolescents into what is often a dangerous and lonely lifestyle for many."

Focus on the Family is actively countering this unbalanced message by hosting national conferences that present the truth that change is possible and offering practical help for those wanting out of homosexuality. The Love Won Out conference features experts in the field of homosexuality and gender identity, such as Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D. President of the National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. Dr. Nicolosi has just authored A Parent's Guide to Preventing Homosexuality and has appeared on the Fox's News Channel's O'Reilly Factor. Other speakers include Dr. Dick Carpenter, Ph.D., a veteran teacher, principal and college professor; and Jane Boyer, a nurse practitioner and former lesbian.

Since its inception in 1998, Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conference has shared its message with more than 16,000 people in 20 different cities and has seen nearly a 25 percent increase in attendance.

Haley concluded, "Today's youth constantly hear that homosexuality is genetic and can't be changed and even that it is blessed by God. But I and thousands of others know that this is simply not true and we encourage the public to come hear our side of this controversial topic."

More information is available at: www.lovewonout.com.

--- James C. Dobson, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, radio broadcaster and the president of Focus on the Family. Founded in 1977, Focus on the Family is a nonprofit Christian organization committed to strengthening the family in the U.S. and throughout the world. Focus on the Family's secular and Christian radio and TV broadcasts are heard or seen by 28 million people a week.