 A group of gay men and women gathered outside the gates of The Metropolitan Church of God in Birmingham to protest FOCUS ON FAMILY coming to town to help "CHANGE" gay people into Straight people. All the protestors stayed in our designated spots and were well behaved. The same can not be said for bus loads of people from other fundamentalists churches who, as they passed us announce through a P. A. system "God Hates Queers! You made the mistake, not God". This language as they entered The Gates of The Metropolitan Church of God off Acton Road near Hoover. We were ashamed for them. Local ABC and CBS affiliates interviewed protestors and Wayne Besen, Head of TRUTH WINS OUT. After the protest Wayne and I had a late lunch at Surrin's and I agreed to participate in their documentary through an interview that will be taped while I'm in New York next week. It was great to see so many Gay Alabamians come out early on a Saturday to peacefully and silently protest the bogus "Gay to Straight" movement headed by Focus On Family and Exodus. The hate and profanity came from the "Christians" who drove pass. PFLA (Parents of Gays and lesbians ) were well represented and a 90 year old grandmother came in a wheelchair to show her support for the Gay and Lesbian population in Birmingham and Alabama. Many Gay Christians were present. An image that will always stay with me is that of a young teenager being driven by what seemed to be his parents, into The Metropolitan Church of God. He slowly raised his hand and, hidden from those in the front seat of the car, waved at us as he was driven into the all day seminar. His sad face haunts me. I have been there. My prayers are with him.
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