Anti-NARTH Protest in Philadelphia

(UPDATED 11/10/10)

Saturday, November 6th was quite a day for progressives in Philadelphia! A prominent "ex-gay" organization with strong ties to the Religious Right -- the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) -- held a conference at the Renaissance Philadelphia hotel, prompting a coalition of LGBT organizations and bloggers to protest. LiftMyLuggage.Org, organized by the Equality Forum, Equality Pennsylvania, Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia, PFLAG Philadelphia, and various progressive bloggers, invited LGBT supporters to protest outside the hotel on November 6th. Demonstrators were encouraged to bring signs criticizing "ex-gay" therapy and pink luggage, a reference to the scandal involving George Rekers and a male escort.

Jeremy Hooper from Good As You gave a short speech at the protest, which you can watch below. (Click here if you're having trouble viewing the video.)




To read Edge Boston's article on the LiftMyLuggage protest and the Soulforce Symposium, visit the link below:

Edge Boston: "Ex-gay" organization protested in Philadelphia



Other bloggers in attendance have posted commentary on NARTH and the Saturday protest, which I encourage you to check out:


Zack Ford Blogs: Bully-Free Zones: Not on NARTH's Agenda

Zack Ford Blogs: The Marriott Plays for Both Teams, One of Which is NARTH

Joe.My.God: The Douchebags of NARTH

Joe.My.God: The Good Guys at the NARTH Protest

Truth Wins Out: Pictures from Truth Wins Out’s ‘Lift My Luggage’ Protest at the NARTH Convention

Good As You: NARTH "Lift My Luggage" Protest


In response to the negative attention, NARTH president Julie Hamilton posted an essay claiming that NARTH is not anti-gay and is not a hate-based organization.

Whatever.