Michael Johnston
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Michael Johnston is an American who is notable for identifying as ex-gay. He is the chair of the National Coming Out of Homosexuality Day and founder of Kerusso Ministries. Johnston is featured in the film It's Not Gay, promoted by the American Family Association. He was subsequently found out to be engaging in drug fueled gay orgies while promoting himself as an ex-gay.
[edit] Commercial appearance
Johnston is also known for his appearances in advertisements promoting the ex-gay movement. One commercial, which aired in Washington, D.C., in 1998 shows Johnston together with his mother. With photos of a young child blowing out birthday candles and soft music, Johnston's mother says:
- "This is my son Michael at 3. I love my son very much, I always have. Even when he told me he was involved in homosexuality and doing drugs."
She goes on to say:
- "Just because you love your children, it doesn't mean you approve of everything they do. Sometimes they make bad choices. My son Michael found out the truth — he COULD walk away from homosexuality. But he found out too late — he has AIDS. If you love your children, love them enough to let them know the truth, that there is hope for change, hope for the future."
Michael then says:
- "A decade ago, I walked away from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ. I'm not that 3-year-old boy anymore, a little older, a little taller, but I still love my mom. And I'll be forever grateful that she loved me enough to tell me the truth. The truth that set me free."
The ad, featured on the Commercial Closet Association website, ends with the tagline: "It's not about hate. It's about hope."[1]
[edit] HIV controversy
Johnston’s fortunes came crashing down in 2003 when it was learned that while he was traveling around the country decrying what he considered the depravity of homosexuals, he was hosting orgies, taking drugs and practicing unsafe sex without disclosing his HIV status ([2]). He has yet to face any legal consequences for his actions.
