Michael Johnston is a United States citizen and prominent "ex-gay". He is the chair of the National Coming Out of Homosexuality Day and founder of Kerusso Ministries.
''Michael Johnston with mother Frances Johnston in a 1998 commercial sponsored by Coral Ridge Ministries.
In August 2003, it was reported by several witnesses that Johnston had unprotected sex with multiple partners without disclosing that he is HIV-positive. [1], [1]
Johnston is best known for being featured in 1998 advertisements as an "ex-gay" denouncing homosexuality. The commercial, which aired in Washington DC, shows Johnston together with his mother. With photos of a young child blowing out birthday candles and soft music, Johnston's mother says: "This is my son Michael at 3. I love my son very much, I always have. Even when he told me he was involved in homosexuality and doing drugs."
"Just because you love your children, it doesn't mean you approve of everything they do. Sometimes they make bad choices. My son Michael found out the truth -- he COULD walk away from homosexuality. But he found out too late -- he has AIDS. If you love your children, love them enough to let them know the truth, that there is hope for change, hope for the future." Then Michael says: "A decade ago, I walked away from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ. I'm not that 3-year-old boy anymore, a little older, a little taller, but I still love my mom. And I'll be forever grateful that she loved me enough to tell me the truth. The truth that set me free." The ad ends with the tagline: "It's not about hate. It's about hope."[1]
Amidst the reports, Johnston shut down his web site and allegedly sought forgiveness for his behavior in private. Several anti-gay groups declared that Johnston's "moral fall" would not in any way damage the credibility of the ex-gay movement. Concerned Women for America stated in a press release:
The truth is that many men and women have overcome homosexuality and lead contented, obedient lives that are pleasing to God. Some get married. Others stay single. Some, such as Stephen Bennett, no longer have homosexual attractions. Others still struggle with unwanted desires but lead chaste lives in accordance with their faith. [1]
Johnston's case is part of a pattern of "ex-gays" who later engaged in homosexual acts. Gay rights activists have viewed it as the final "nail in the coffin" of the ex-gay movement.
