A Lively, Poignant and Inspirational Performance by Peterson Toscano

What: Peterson Toscano, a theatrical performance activist, will present “Homo No Mo’!?! Gender, Orientation and the Ex-Gay Movement,” a lecture that has been hailed by many as hilarious, moving and inspirational. The event is open to the public.

When: Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m.

Where: Rittenberg Lounge in Mather Hall on the Trinity campus, 300 Summit Street, Hartford.

Background: The lecture, which is based on Toscano’s one-person comedy called Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo’ Halfway House - How I Survived the Ex-Gay Movement!, deals with his efforts over 17 years to change his sexual orientation. During that time, he spent more than $30,000 on so-called change therapy.

At one point in his life, Toscano enrolled in the ex-gay program, Love in Action. He graduated from the program two years later, but in January 1999, he decided to accept himself as a gay man.

As described in Toscano’s biographical synopsis, “ex-gay programs dot the United States” with what he calls “the deceptive promise that Change is Possible.” Having spent 17 years, more than $30,000 and three exorcisms on three different continents attempting to change and suppress his gay orientation, Toscano will speak about the ex-gay movement and the often-tragic outcome of pursuing such a change. He will also highlight the creative ways that ex-gay survivors have reclaimed their lives.

Toscano will interject scenes from his one-person comedy, as well as present the most current information about the ex-gay movement. According to reviews, Peterson’s interactive presentation leaves his audience informed and better equipped to address the false claims of the ex-gay movement. As the co-founder of www.beyondexgay.com, Toscano also reveals the damage that can be inflicted on people who try to change their sexual orientation.

Toscano’s lecture and presentation is sponsored by the Women and Gender Resource Action Center (WGRAC), The Chapel, the Queer Resource Center (QRC) and the Women, Gender and Sexuality program (WMGS).

For more information, contact Lauren Donais at 860-297-4131 or at lauren.donais@trincoll.edu.

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