Artistic Empowerment in 'Pray Away': A Journey towards Self-Acceptance and Freedom

Former leaders of the "pray the gay away" movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma.

"Pray Away" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the damaging effects of gay conversion programs. This film takes a deep dive into the pray the gay away movement, exposing the lies and misconceptions surrounding the idea that homosexuality can be changed through prayer and therapy. Through raw and intimate testimonies from current members and former leaders of the movement, the film provides a vivid picture of the harm caused by shame, repression, and discrimination.

As an artist, I was approached by the producers of "Pray Away" three years ago. John Paulk, one of the key figures in the film, had recommended my artwork to the producers, expressing how much it had impacted him. He saw my watercolors as a representation of his own journey of breaking away from Exodus International, a controversial organization that claimed to change people's sexual orientation through conversion therapy.

Two of My works in the Netflix Film Pray Away

I was thrilled and honored to have my artwork included in "Pray Away." This documentary gave me a platform to use my art as a form of activism, to raise my voice against these unfair and harmful practices. My watercolors were used to inspire others to love and accept themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Being part of "Pray Away" was a life-changing experience for me. It was a chance for me to use my art to bring hope, positivity, and empowerment to others who have gone through similar experiences. This film is a powerful message of hope, resilience, and self-acceptance, and I am proud to have been a part of it.