Author and activist Wayne Besen’s new book Bashing Back: Wayne Besen on GLBT People, Politics and Culture, offers a powerful defense of secular and progressive values, while unsparingly eviscerating religious charlatans and right wing hypocrites. It also provides innovative approaches towards activism and practical advice for victory.
“Wayne Besen has powerfully proven once and for all that he is one of the most important voices in the progressive community,” said author and advocate David Mixner. “His unique insights, powerful outrage, and uncompromising commitment to real justice and equality make this book a must-read for those who care. He pulls no punches when it comes to the issues and people of our time. Finally, someone with the courage to call it as he sees it – how refreshing.”
“Wayne Besen’s comedic wit and knowledge base compels you to read through this book,” said Joe Kort, MSW, author of ’10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To find Real Love.’ “Like watching the Daily Show, Besen makes gay news entertaining, enlightening and informing. This book is a valuable resource both currently and as time goes by – a great read for gay history in America.
The book is a compilation of his controversial syndicated weekly column that runs in the Falls Church News Press, 365Gay.com and several other leading GLBT publications. Besen is the Founding Executive Director of Truth Wins Out (TWO) and author of Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth (Harrington Park Press, 2003). In 2006, Besen was named one of the Advocate Magazine’s “People of the Year” for his work with TWO.
“I enthusiastically invite my readers to come to this event and to also periodically visit www.waynebesen.com for additional book tour dates,” said Besen. “This book is crucial in helping the progressive community find its voice and the courage of its convictions.”
Besen has appeared as a guest on leading news and political talk shows including: the NBC Nightly News, CNN’s Talk Back Live and The Point, Fox’s O’Reilly Factor and Hannity and Colmes, MSNBC News and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Prior to founding TWO, Besen served as a spokesperson for five years with the Human Rights Campaign.
Founder of Motley Mystic and the Jubilee! Circle interfaith spiritual community In Columbia, S.C., Candace Chellew (she/her) is the author of Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians (Jossey-Bass, 2008). Founder and Editor Emeritus of Whosoever, she earned her masters of theological studies at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, was ordained by Gentle Spirit Christian Church in December 2003, and trained as a spiritual director through the Omega Point program of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. She is also a musician and animal lover.