NEW YORK – Truth Wins Out’s founder and executive director, Wayne Besen, received the Visionary Award this week from the Out Music Awards. The seventh annual ceremony honored LGBT musicians and activists who are making a difference and working to improve the world.
Besen was given this distinction for his work conceiving and organizing the American Prayer Hour (APH). This event highlighted the toxic role American evangelicals were playing in Uganda – which led to the notorious Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The APH drew international attention to the role the organizers of the National Prayer Breakfast, in particular, had in the persecution of LGBT people in Uganda.
“I am extremely grateful for this award and honored that this important work was recognized,” said TWO’s Besen. “While our efforts impacted the national consciousness, the nightmare in Uganda is not over and we must remain focused and vigilant.”
The APH was a strong coalition of organizations that came together to speak out against the bigotry and violence in Uganda. Groups and activists that deserve credit are: The Human Rights Campaign, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Metropolitan Community Church, The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Full Equality Now DC, The National Black Justice Coalition, Faith in America, Bishop Gene Robinson, Harry Knox, Slyvia Rhue, Frank Schaeffer, Lisa Darden, Ann Craig, Rebecca Voelkel, Rev. Barry Lynn, Bishop Yvette Flunder and so many others.
“I’d like to give special thanks to Kushaba Moses Mworeko , a Ugandan who told the world at our event how he was forced to flee Uganda and run for his life,” added Besen. “Moses is my hero and his bravery and fortitude serve as an inspiration to my activism each day.”
Additionally, TWO would like to recognize the work of Box Turtle Bulletin Editor Jim Burroway and Grove City College professor Warren Throckmorton for their ongoing commitment to covering the crisis in Uganda.
