LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) advocates are readying to empower students against anti-LGBT acts during a one-year-old youth-led effort called "Ally Week" in October. In response, Exodus youths from across the states are launching a new campaign with the same purpose but coming from a Christian stance.

Ally Week is promoted by Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in high schools nationwide for the purpose of a safer school environment. The national week was launched last year to create allies to put an end to anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools. Exodus Youth, however, announced the new "Allies, Too" movement to support the same effort of safer schools but for Christian students.

Exodus Youth is a division of the major ex-gay group Exodus International.

The "Allies, Too" campaign gives Christians whose beliefs often conflict with the policies of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network the opportunity to support a safer school environment without compromising their beliefs.

"Still, the fact that our beliefs are different doesn't mean we can't work together for safer schools for everyone," said a statement by Exodus Youth. "So, Exodus Youth is creating the 'Allies, Too' campaign, in which Christian students can voice their support for safer schools without compromising their faith in God's Word! "

At the launch of Ally Week last year, conservative Christian group the American Family Association had criticized it as a "doorway" for Gay-Straight Alliance clubs to recruit fellow students.

Victoria Cobb, executive director of the Family Foundation of Virginia had called the campaign an "assault on our values by the homosexual community through our public schools."

While concerns were raised among Christian groups and parents, "Allies, Too" was newly formed this year to call Christian students to be an ally too during the week (Oct. 15-21) and speak out in solidarity with the goal of making schools safe while still taking a stand for God's design for sexuality. As thousands of Christian students will have the chance to show the love of Christ to their peers, the campaign will seek to create a harassment-free place for students regardless of beliefs or backgrounds.

Pledge cards will be signed by both LGBT advocates and Christian students in their own individual campaigns during Ally Week but all involved youths are making the same promise to support safer schools.

Exodus Youth provides resources to help young people questioning their sexual identity and struggling with same-sex attraction find life and healing in Christ. Exodus International is considered the largest Christian referral and information network dealing with homosexual issues in the world.


Lillian Kwon
Christian Today Correspondent