Locals Gather to Ixnay the Ex-Gay Conference


Among the many charming events that Orange County attracts year after year–ranging from conferences held by holocaust deniers to 9/11 truthers–none might be more charming than Exodus International's “Freedom Conference” in Irvine, at which panels and workshops are held to diligently discuss how to destroy any given gay person's psyche. For salvation, of course.

]
This year's conference will be held June 23 to 26 in Irvine, “its birthplace” (that's Exodus's words, referring to its founding in Anaheim 35 years ago). 

We've received word, though, that'll there'll be a counter-conference, put on by the folks at the Irvine United Congregational Church, Orange County Equality Coalition, Equality California, Courage Campaign, Integrity and the Progressive Interfaith Alliance.
“It's Not a Choice: Orange County LGBT Affirmation Conference” will feature speakers addressing topics ranging from “Science Is On Our Side” to the “Ugandan Case Study,” taking a look at the human-rights-violating, anti-gay laws catching headlines in Uganda. 
Exodus International co-founder and Orange County native Michael Bussee, who has become one of the loudest critics of the ex-gay movement, will also speak. The Weekly profiled his efforts, as well as the rise of Exodus International, back in 2007 in a story that's still very worth reading.
The event goes down this Saturday, June 19, at Irvine United Congregational Church. More details here.
We hear tell that a protest is being organized for the actual days of the conference at Concordia University; we'll let you know when those details are made public.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *