‘Speak Out’ Rally Features Stories of Leaving Homosexuality and Transgenderism
Our allies at California Family Council (CFC) and the Changed Movement are hosting a symposium and rally, “Speak Out,” at the state Capitol in Sacramento on June 11-12.
The informative symposium features experts who will explain how LGBT ideology has gained such power, enough that it threatens free speech and religious freedom, while the rally showcases testimonies from individuals who left homosexuality and transgenderism to follow Christ – something the world says is impossible.
This false belief is so entrenched that cities and states actively oppose the freedom to leave LGBT identities and behaviors – and the California State Legislator has taken the lead in opposing First Amendment rights for those who wrestle with these deep issues.
Elizabeth Woning, one of the founders of Changed, is one of those who chose to follow Christ. Elizabeth Woning “came out” in her early twenties and attended seminary as an open lesbian. She was an activist, lobbying within her denomination for same sex marriage and ordination of LGBT-identified individuals.
Woning shares her story of leaving lesbianism at the Changed website and in the book, Changed: #OnceGay Stories, along with dozens of others (including this writer) who left homosexuality or sexual identity confusion.
“Speak Out” commemorates the seventh anniversary of CFC and Changed speaking out against California Assembly Bill 2943, “an effort by the state to ban resources those leaving homosexuality and transgenderism,” said CFC. Hundreds gathered at the Capitol to oppose the measure, including individuals testifying about their journey out of homosexuality.
CFC, which supports life, family, religious freedom and free speech, further explained:
In 2018, the LGBTQ legislative caucus sponsored AB 2943, a bill so sweeping it threatened churches, counselors, authors, and even bookstores with legal action for offering any service, product, or program that supported helping someone wanting help to change their unwanted same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, including help to change associated behaviors.
It was a direct assault on freedom of speech and religion, including the preaching of the gospel of salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
The Changed Movement notes that our culture only gives one option for those wrestling with LGB or T issues – you must embrace this identity. The group lists these societal messages to strugglers:
- If I have same sex attraction, there’s only one option for me.
- I must be affirming of the LGBTQ lifestyle, but my desire to change is not tolerated.
- If I don’t fit in with the other boys/girls, I must be trans.
- I was told abuse and porn weren’t factors, but they were for me.
The organization states, “California should protect freedom of conscience for everyone,” adding:
Imagine if following your conscience or religion was restricted by the government simply because you have previously identified as LGBTQ. Today, freedoms have been taken away from many Christians who seek support and encouragement to follow their faith when it involves letting go of LGBTQ identities.
Whether it’s restricting counseling from children who may have been sexually abused (like so many of us) or requiring schools to offer suicide helps that promote LGBTQ ideology, Californians who question their sexuality or gender are not truly free. In many states, like California, following your conscience comes with public pressure and intrusion of government policy when you question your sexual identity.
Changed and CFC plan to meet with legislators in Sacramento to proclaim, “We exist!” and “California must remain free – for everyone – to follow their consciences.”
The organizations explain, “California legislators must step away from government-mandated sexuality and stop controlling people’s identities and personal beliefs.”
The “Speak Out” symposium, “California at Risk: The Truth About Gender Ideology,” begins on June 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento. Attendees can register here.
Prayer and the rally at the state Capitol’s West Steps in Sacramento begins at 8:00 a.m. The schedule for the event can be found here.
Focus on the Family encourages Californians to attend “Speak Out,” and all believers can pray for and support this growing movement.
Related Articles and Resources
Freedom from Homosexuality – What’s the Controversy?
Is Therapy to Leave Homosexuality Damaging? New Review Says, ‘No Proof of Harm’
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Case on Colorado’s Counseling Censorship Law
Image from Changed Movement.
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