Mel White will be fasting for a week--drinking only water and juices--to call attention to the myths about homosexuality that are being portrayed by such groups as Focus on the Family. He has sent a letter to Dr. Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, in an effort to dialogue over the distortions and lies that are broadcast and published by the $150 million ministry.

White was once regarded by many Christian televangelists as one of its most talented and productive writers. However, in 1991 he revealed his homosexuality and was then shunned by many of his once Christian friends. Before coming to terms with his sexuality, White spent at least $100,000 on Christian counselors who thought they could "cure" him.

White will be available for conversation all week outside of the Focus on the Family "Campus." He and his partner are parked in a RV with a banner reading, "Mel White's Fast for Understanding." On Saturday, he will lead a pro-family rally outside of the ministry's campus and will march in the Gay Pride Parade in Colorado Springs on Sunday. He will continue his fast until Sunday evening, where he will participate in communion at the Colorado Springs Metropolitan Community Church.

MEL WHITE, AUTHOR OF "STRANGER AT THE GATE" TO FAST FOR UNDERSTANDING, TO LEAD VIGIL AND PRO-FAMILY RALLY AT FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

Colorado Springs, CO, July 6, 1994 -- Mel White, author, film director, former speechwriter, confidant, and neighbor to many Evangelical and Fundamentalist leaders in the nation; among those who founded and supported EX-Gay ministries such as Exodus, and now Dean of the largest predominantly gay church in the world (12,000 congregants) will commence a FAST FOR UNDERSTANDING in front of the FOCUS ON THE FAMILY BUILDING, commencing at 1 p.m., Monday, July 11, 1994, and ending at the Pikes Peak Metropolitan Church Service on Sunday, July 17, 1994 at 5 p.m. in an Interdominational, Interfaith, Service where he will officiate and break fast in Holy Communion.

During the week, Rev. Dr. Mel White will talk with any and all who desire to come to his site, has already scheduled numerous live interview shows accross the nation. He will have materials demonstrating the misinformational and disinformational campaign being waged by many fundamentalist leaders against gays and lesbians, including Dr. Dobson and his Focus on the Family and related organizations that his organization has spun off or created.

The schedule is as follows:

Monday, July 11, 1994 -- Press conference to define fast, discuss issues. Location (all locations in Colorado Springs): Corner of Briargate Parkway at Explorer Road, north of Colorado Springs on I 25.

Wednesday, July 12, 1994 8 p.m. -- Candlelight Vigil in support of the fast. Same location.

Saturday, July 16, 1994 Noon -- The pro-family rally: delivering a message to Focus. Dr. White has sent a letter to Dr. James Dobson. The message of the rally is that there are more than one type of caring, nurturing familes and that the real element of importance is LOVE MAKES A FAMILY. It is time to end the campaign of hate and exclusion and begin to reach out in love and understanding. Location: Explorer drive, directly in front of the Focus building.

Dr. White will be joined by Jose Zuniga, former Soldier of the Year who was kicked out of the service after revealing that he is gay. (Jose is releasing his new book "Soldier of the Year")

White will also be joined by Micheal Bussey, subject of the Academy Award-nominated full length documentary "One Nation Under God" Saturday, July 16, 7 p.m. -- Showing of "One Nation Under God" followed by a discussion and Q&A seesion with Bussee, White and Zuniga. Location: Palmer High School.

Saturday, July 16, 9 p.m. -- Community reception in honor of Pride Fest guests, including White, Bussee and Zuniga. Location: Colorado College, Palmer Hall, Gates Common Room.

Sunday, July 17, Noon -- Noon Pride Fest, Rally and March. Jose Zuniga is Grand Marshall. March begins at the corner of Cache La Poudre and Nevada, proceeding to Acacia Park.

Sunday, July 17, 4 p.m. -- reception, followed at 5 p.m. by Dr. White officiating at the Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church service, held at the All Souls Unitarian, N. Tejon at Dale, where he will break his fast in celebration of Holy Communinion. This will be an Interfaith service.

For more information, please contact Frank Whitworth of Ground Zero at 719-635-6086.

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