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Friday, January 9, 2015

Gay Activist Josh Sanders Speaks OUT (AUDIO)

Produced by Charlotte Robinson








In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Josh Sanders, Director of External Engagement, GO! Athletes Network about the change.org petition he initiated to cancel TLC TV show “My Husband’s Not Gay” which promotes the false and dangerous idea that gay people can and should choose to be straight in order to be part of their faith communities. With over 125,000 signatures this action has sparked mainstream media’s attention and hopefully will result in the cancellation of this misrepresented view of our LGBT community. “My Husband’s Not Gay” also sends a very disturbing and irresponsible message to our LGBTQ youth who are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers when dealing with bullying incidents. Sanders who is a devout Christian understands the important role faith plays in the lives of the show’s main characters especially after being subjected to six months of so-called "reparative therapy" that falsely claims to turn gay people straight. We talked to Josh about his inspiration to launch this petition to stop spreading such dangerous misinformation by cancelling TLC’s “My Husband’s Not Gay” and his spin on LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Sanders stated, “My personal commitment is to live authentically. I have to live authentically; I have to speak up if I see injustice and right now I love what’s going on with marriage equality. I love what’s going on with equal protection rights and the abilities for spouses to be able to receive health benefits. I want to be someone that works towards that in all areas. I work specifically within athletics right now. I love to see any type of discrimination towards LGBT youth done away with. So my personal commitment is just to live an authentic life and do what I can every day to make a difference.”

Josh Sanders is an advocate and educator with a passion for inclusion and equality in athletics and beyond. As Director of External Engagement with the GO! Athletes Network he builds upon GO’s mission of engaging, educating and empowering LGBTQ athletes and others. Josh speaks nationally on intersectional issues including religion, identity, homophobia, sexism, racism and other topics and has been a guest speaker and advisor for the NCAA on developing inclusive spaces within athletic departments for religious institutions.
To Sign Petition: change.org 

1 comment:

Marilyn Rosen said...

I love this interview with Josh. He's very grounding with straightforward advise and insight. Thank you, Charlotte.