News

WASHINGTON, October 18, 2002 (LSN.ca) – Ads in Washington D.C. subway stations demanding respect for individuals who have left the homosexual lifestyle are causing a stir.  “We had the ads made in response to the hate directed against ex-gays,” said Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) Executive Director Regina Griggs. “With all this talk of ‘diversity,’ we thought it was time to alert people to tolerance for ex-gays and the possibility of overcoming homosexuality.”  PFOX, a national organization that assists families dealing with homosexuality, notes that two of the ads, which are 3 and a half feet by 5 feet, have already been vandalized with anti-ex-gay graffiti.  “‘Tolerance’ should mean just that,” Griggs said.  “PFOX has received anonymous hate phone calls because our billboard ads call for tolerance for ex-gays.  This tells us a lot about who really believes in tolerance.”  One ad features a young man who says: “‘I Chose To Change.’ I make choices everyday. Where to eat. What to wear. Who to see.  But as a gay man I never thought I could change WHO I was.  Until I realized change was a choice. and I chose to change from gay to straight.  It may not be a decision you want to make, but you should know thousands of us already have.  Please respect our choice.”  Another ad features a young woman with a pierced eyebrow, who says: “‘It’s My Choice To Change.’ If someone changes their address, maybe changes an attitude, or even changes their job, you’d still respect them, right? So why not respect me when I decide to leave homosexuality? I chose to change from gay to straight. If that choice isn’t for you, at least change your mind about me.”  For more information see:  https://www.pfox.org.