John Paulk facts for kids

John Paulk (born April 13, 1963) is an American who was involved in a movement that aimed to help people change their personal identities and feelings. In April 2013, Paulk changed his mind about these ideas and apologized for his past role in promoting them.

He started and led a group called Love Won Out, which was part of the organization Focus on the Family. From 1998 to 2003, he was the chairman of Exodus International North America. His book, Not Afraid to Change (1998), talked about his personal journey and attempts to change his feelings. Later in 1998, after it was found that Paulk had visited a certain type of establishment, both organizations took action, but he stayed with Focus on the Family until 2003. He stepped down as Exodus board chairman but finished his elected term. In 2005, Paulk opened a catering business in Portland, Oregon.

By 2013, his wife Anne Paulk had divorced him, and he no longer supported the movement that tried to change people's personal identities.

Paulk was featured in the 2021 documentary film Pray Away.

Early Life and Education

A native of Columbus, Ohio, John Paulk attended Fort Hayes High School for the Performing Arts. He then studied music and voice at The Ohio State University. In the late 1980s, Paulk managed Cocolat, a dessert shop in San Francisco owned by Alice Medrich.

Paulk stated that he changed his personal identity after becoming a Christian. He said this change happened through counseling, group support, prayer, and his connection with God. He identified himself as having a different personal identity. Paulk's wife, Anne, also identified with a similar personal change. John Paulk co-wrote the books Not Afraid to Change with Tony Marko and Love Won Out with Anne Paulk.

Public Role and Career

Paulk became involved with Focus on the Family, where he managed the organization's division focused on personal identity and gender. In August 1995, Paulk was chosen as Chairman of the board of Exodus International North America for a three-year period. He was re-elected for another three-year term in 1998. As an employee of Focus on the Family, Paulk traveled across the United States, sharing his story at Love Won Out conferences. Paulk and his wife became well-known faces promoting Exodus ministries in large newspaper advertisements. The couple appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine in August 1998, when the publication covered Exodus and the movement. That year, groups like the Family Research Council and the American Family Association spent a lot of money on ads promoting these ideas.

Paulk left his work with these ministries in 2003 and moved to Portland, Oregon, with his wife and family. The couple started a catering business in 2005. Paulk also appeared regularly in cooking segments on Portland television. In February 2015, Paulk was a contestant on the Food Network program Cutthroat Kitchen, hosted by Alton Brown. Paulk finished in second place.

A Public Incident

On September 19, 2000, while on a speaking tour, Paulk was seen inside a specific establishment in Washington, D.C.. A person recognized him and contacted Wayne Besen of the Human Rights Campaign and other organizations. When Besen arrived and spoke to Paulk, Paulk at first denied who he was. As he left the establishment, a picture was taken. When confronted with the picture, Paulk admitted being there but said he didn't know what kind of place it was and had only stopped to use the restroom. However, people who saw him reported that Paulk stayed for more than an hour and talked with other men.

Paulk was called back to Focus on the Family headquarters and questioned by James Dobson. Paulk eventually admitted that he had been in the establishment to connect with other men. Paulk reduced his activities for six months and then returned to his position as manager of the Homosexuality and Gender Division of Focus on the Family.

An Exodus press release stated:

John's actions represent a serious lapse in sound judgment. His decision to enter a certain establishment for any reason opens him up to all kinds of speculation by both other Exodus leaders and also the community.

This incident was reported in national newspapers and news magazines. Paulk remained in his position until he chose to leave in 2003.

A Change of Heart

In April 2013, John Paulk announced that he no longer believed in the ideas he had previously promoted about changing personal identities. He stated that while he remains a devoted Christian, he now identifies differently and believes that attempts to change personal identity are not helpful and can even be harmful. He also announced that his marriage was ending and he issued a formal apology for his past role in advocating for the movement.

See also

• List of LGBT people from Portland, Oregon