John Paulk facts for kids
John Paulk (born April 13, 1963) is an American activist. From 1998 to 2003, he was a leader who believed people could change their sexual orientation. In April 2013, Paulk said he no longer believed this. He also apologized for his past work.
He started and led a group called Love Won Out. This group was part of an organization called Focus on the Family. From 1998 to 2003, he was also the chairman of Exodus International North America. In 1998, it was found that Paulk had visited a place known for gay people. Both organizations took action, but he stayed with Focus on the Family until 2003. He resigned as Exodus chairman but finished his term. In 2005, Paulk opened a catering business in Portland, Oregon.
By 2013, his wife Anne Paulk had divorced him. He no longer supported the idea that people could change their sexual orientation.
Paulk was featured in the 2021 documentary film Pray Away.
About John Paulk
John Paulk was born in Columbus, Ohio. He went to Fort Hayes High School for the Performing Arts. He also studied music and voice at The Ohio State University. In the late 1980s, Paulk managed a dessert shop in San Francisco called Cocolat. It was owned by Alice Medrich.
Paulk said he changed his views after becoming a Christian. He said this happened through counseling, group meetings, prayer, and his faith. Paulk co-wrote two books: Not Afraid to Change with Tony Marko and Love Won Out with Anne Paulk.
John Paulk's Career
Paulk began working with Focus on the Family. There, he managed their Homosexuality and Gender Division. In August 1995, Paulk was chosen as the Chairman of Exodus International North America. He served a three-year term and was re-elected in 1998.
As an employee of Focus on the Family, Paulk traveled across the United States. He spoke at Love Won Out conferences. At these events, he shared his personal story. Paulk and his wife became well-known faces for Exodus ministries. They appeared in large newspaper ads. The couple were also on the cover of Newsweek magazine in August 1998. This was when the magazine wrote about Exodus and groups that believed in changing sexual orientation. That year, some Christian groups spent a lot of money on ads for this idea.
Paulk stopped working in this ministry in 2003. He moved to Portland, Oregon, with his family. In 2005, he and his wife started a catering business. Paulk often appeared on Portland television, showing how to cook. In February 2015, Paulk was on the Food Network show Cutthroat Kitchen. This show is hosted by Alton Brown. Paulk came in second place on the show.
Washington, D.C. Incident
On September 19, 2000, John Paulk was on a speaking tour. He was seen sitting inside a place known for gay people in Washington, D.C.. A person recognized him and told Wayne Besen. Besen works with groups like the Human Rights Campaign. When Besen arrived, he spoke to Paulk. Paulk first said he was not John Paulk. He said his name was "John Clint." When Paulk left, a picture was taken to show he had been there.
When Besen showed Paulk the picture, Paulk admitted he had been in the place. But he said he did not know it was a gay place. He said he had only stopped to use the restroom.
Paulk was called back to Focus on the Family headquarters. He was questioned by James Dobson. Paulk first avoided giving a clear answer. But he later admitted he had been there to connect with other men. Paulk reduced his activities for six months. Then he went back to his job as manager of the Homosexuality and Gender Division.
This event was reported in newspapers and news magazines. Paulk stayed in his job until he chose to leave in 2003.
Formal Apology
In April 2013, Paulk said he no longer believed in the idea of changing sexual orientation. He announced that he is still a Christian. However, he also said he identifies as a gay man. He believes that trying to change someone's sexual orientation is not helpful and can be harmful. He announced that his marriage was ending. He also issued a formal apology for his past role as a leader in that movement.
See also
- List of LGBT people from Portland, Oregon
