1. Prominent Afro-American gay publisher turns to Jesus

Charlene Cothran, a prominent black lesbian in the forefront of the fight for equal rights for gays and lesbians, and publisher of a successful magazine geared to black homosexuals was not looking to change anything in her life. Her entire life and all her earthly successes were firmly entrenched in the homosexual community. But, due to the inspiration of a pastor who counseled Cothran to use her gifts for Christ, Cothran has left her homosexual life and is making it her mission to offer help to other homosexuals who want to do the same.

Cothran said, "I must come out of the closet again. I have recently experienced the power of change that came over me once I completely surrendered to the teachings of Jesus Christ." In a front page article in her own VENUS magazine entitled 'Redeemed! 10 Ways to Get Out of the Gay Life, If You Want Out', Cothran unabashedly explained the reasons behind her conversion and the peace that her decision has brought to her. VENUS magazine has a circulation total of over 38,000 predominantly black homosexuals across the United States. Cothran says she has "given every gift I have back to God, including VENUS Magazine. The target audience will remain the same but the mission has been renewed. Our new mission is to encourage, educate and assist those in the life who want change but can't find a way out. My brother, my sister, please follow me out of this. Do not resist God's call on your life."

Cothran says that her conversion story has been received, predictably, with mixed emotions in the homosexual community. "I completely understand many of the responses, as angry as they were. A year ago, I would have responded the exact same way."

Source: Meg Jalsevac, LifeSiteNews

Read Cothran's complete testimony:
http://www.venusmagazine.org/cover_story.html