My name is Darlene Bogle. I was a former leader in Exodus International and directed an ex-gay ministry in Hayward, California in the 1980’s and early l990’s where I was an assistant pastor in a Foursquare Church.  I had been a national spokesperson for ex-gay ministry, having appeared on such programs as Sally Jesse Raphael, CBS 48 Hours and Jerry Springer.  During that time I authored several books and hundreds of articles promoting an ex-gay lifestyle. My life and ministry changed at a women’s retreat as I was sharing my journey of emotional healing, when I met Des. Our instant attraction grew into love and we began our journey of discovering who we were as gay Christians.

Exodus International and the Foursquare church demanded my resignation. Des battled breast cancer for nearly 10 years and went to be with the Lord in February 2005, leaving me free to take a stand for the reality of God’s love and creation of all His Children as sexual beings. I am currently celebrating my spirituality and sexuality as God’s gifts.

My story is featured in the documentary, “God and Gays–Bridging the Gap” and I have traveled throughout the country to promote reconciliation between faith and sexual orientation.

I took part in the Beyond Ex-gay conference in Southern California, June 2007. I was one of three former Exodus leaders who issued an apology to those who had been harmed by the message that sexual orientation is a choice and must be changed to be acceptable to God.

The story of my exit from Exodus is woven together with the journey of love and truth that I found with Des. My book, A Christian Lesbian Journey was published in Feb. 2007 and is available on Amazon.com.

 I currently live with my Christian partner Becky Lake, in San Jose, California where we minister God’s truth to the LGBT community.

Darlene's latest book ( Click on image to buy)