Josh Sanders, Director of External
Engagement, GO! Athletes Network talks 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 Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of
OUTTAKE VOICES™. 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
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