Group Calls on Obama to Extend Same Recognition to Ex-Gays as Transgenders

Contact: Regina Griggs, PFOX, 804-453-4737, pfox@pfox.org

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) today thanked Kevin Jennings, Assistant Deputy Director of the Department of Education, for meeting with PFOX and called upon President Obama to do the same.

Photo: Kevin Jennings and Ex-Gay Christopher Doyle embrace

Jennings recently announced he will leave the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. His appointment in 2009 was controversial due to his previous work with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), which rejects former homosexuals. However, during Jennings' tenure he met with PFOX, which advocates for equality and equal access for the ex-gay community, and assured them that his office represents students with all sexual orientations, including those with unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA). Jennings also affirmed the right of ex-gay organizations to have equal access in the nation's schools and agreed that former homosexuals should not be discriminated against during outreach efforts for students with unwanted SSA.

"I commend Mr. Jennings for affirming that his work to combat bullying in schools includes protection for ex-gays," commented former homosexual Christopher Doyle, one of several PFOX Board Members who in February of 2010 met with Jennings and Joseph Wheeler, Attorney for the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights. Wheeler stated that he agreed with the Washington, DC Superior Court's 2009 ruling that ex-gays are a legally protected class. "Mr. Jennings extended a hand of civility towards former homosexuals. Despite our different paths, both gays and ex-gays can stand united over the ideal that no student should be bullied because of sexual feelings, and all organizations leading outreach efforts must be extended equal access," commented Doyle.

In light of the Administration's recent meeting with the transgender community, PFOX is calling on President Obama to extend the same courtesy and meet with ex-gays. "The administration's meeting with transgenders was a first for the White House, and it would be historic for this administration to extend the same consideration for ex-gays," said Doyle. "Considering the increasing ex-gay population and the example that Jennings set, the President should also include our voices in sexual orientation policies."

Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays is the nation's leading advocacy organization for former homosexuals, their families, and individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions.