Over the Rainbow: - Wrestling With Angels

things.” He added, “the politically correct term now is reorientation therapy. Reparative
already implies something’s broken – of course the reparative therapists believe this, but it kind
of infuriates the gays to even call it reparative therapy.” (Adamson, 2001; Leblanc, 2005).
Christian leaders stepped forward to protect the rights of homosexuals who sought to
change their sexual orientation. In 1973, Frank Worthen ministered to homosexuals in the U.S.
In 1976 he organized a conference of ex-gay ministers who formed a coalition called Exodus
International, North America. The group became international in 1978 when a group formed in
Australia, followed by an independent group, Exodus Europe, which formed in 1982 in the
Netherlands. In 2004 leaders from around the world joined to form Exodus Global Alliance
(Exodus history, 2010). “Exodus is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization
promoting the message of Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus
Christ…Exodus is the largest Christian referral and information network dealing with
homosexual issues in the world.” Each year, over 1000 members and interested persons come
together for instruction and celebration in a five-day event in cities throughout North America
(Exodus, 2010).
Love Won Out Conferences are organized by Focus on The Family to minister to those who
struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions and to family and friends of those who are living
homosexually. Since 1998, Love Won Out has traveled to more than 50 American cities to bring
“the power of God’s love and His desire to transform the life of a struggling homosexual to find
freedom in Jesus Christ.” Attendance is limited to adults, although participants ages 16-18 may
attend if accompanied by a parent. Speakers include ex gay and lesbians, Christian counselors,
ministers, and educators. Melissa Fryrear, an ex-lesbian and director of gender issues for Focus
on the Family notes that many protestors often have attended the conferences carrying signs
accusing Love Won Out with intolerance and bigotry. She says, “There is nothing intolerant
about what we say” (Fryrear, 2009). An 18 year-old gay attendee commented, “While I strongly
disagree with many points in your message, you presented them in a loving way. I think it’s
important that people look at all sides of this issue. ..This conference was informing” (Focus on the
Family, 2004).
Concerns about Health Risks
It was 1981. Dr. Jeffrey Satinover braced himself as he examined a gaunt young man whose
arms and sides were covered with angry purple welts from a rare, ugly cancer, Kaposi’s
Sarcoma. This once rare disease was now popping up around the country, especially in San
Francisco and New York. This deadly, wasting disease was known then simply as GRID, “gay-
Over the Rainbow: The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America. 2010
Dr. M. L. Coppock
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