Book Release at Soulforce

 

 

Publication Date Report: 
Soulforce at Focus On The Family.
Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Event:
From July 17th -July 22 I combined my publication release with
Soulforce's action at Focus on the Family- one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. Standing hand in hand with 500 others who gathered to end spiritual violence made me glad I authored Straight Into Gay America.

I could have started writing a whole new book during the week with Soulforce. So many stories of beautiful families, including two dads and triplets.  So many stories of painful journeys on the road to acceptance.  Stories too, where even decades have not healed the wounds between parent and child.  My daily reports from Soulforce share some of these stories:  Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. Saturday.

The Task:
As much as I'd like to start writing another book, the job at hand is using Straight Into Gay America as best I can to help end spiritual violence and gain equal rights. 

The Invitation:
I'm honored by the response of readers who tell me they cry when they read about this journey of a straight pastor giving public voice to LGBT justice.  If you too find value in this project, then I ask your help in using Straight Into Gay America to promote LGBT equality.  I filled this book with my encounters of everyday LGBT and straight people. I bared my own soul, including my struggles with church, and differences with my dad. If you're like me and believe in the power of stories, then help me share this story far and wide.  I've made it easy.

  1. Conversation Starters:
    Sign up for A-Page-A-Day, the entire Straight Into Gay America delivered free to your email, one page per day.  Forward these pages to church members, family members, government officials.  Email your contact list with an invitation to sign up.  Real stories change lives.
  2. The Book: 
    Read it and share it. Soulforce Founder Mel White says this book "will bring our churches and our nation another step closer to the day of equal rights."  PFLAG director Jody Huckaby calls this book "nothing less than a sacred journey."  Make Straight Into Gay America a part of your life and a part of your conversations for LGBT equality.
    Order Straight Into Gay America.

The Thanks:
Two Women and a Poodlewere at the Soulforce action.  They're inspiring the LGBT community with their year-long tour to advocate for equality and create authentic connections. At the top of their website is a Helen Keller quote,

I am only one: But still I am one.  I cannot do everything.  But still I can do something.  I will not refuse to do the something I can do.

At Soulforce in Colorado Springs, I give thanks for a week spent with hundreds of people who are choosing to live out Helen Keller's courage to do what each of us can do.  Releasing Straight Into Gay America during this Soulforce action is one of the best decisions I've made in a long time.  Thanks to all.

Lars Clausen
July 25, 2006

 

 


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Lars Clausen is the author of Straight Into Gay America: My Unicycle Journey for Equal Rights.  Visit www.straightintogayamerica.com for more information.