Background

Anthony Venn-Brown
Author, Speaker, LGBT Ambassador and Bridge Builder

Formerly a leader in the Assemblies of God and popular preacher in Australia’s mega-churches and overseas, for 22 years Anthony tried to change his homosexuality through psychiatric treatment, exorcisms, ‘ex-gay’ programs, 40-day fasts and daily struggles with his ‘problem’. Although happily married for 16 years with two daughters, he eventually had to admit that nothing had changed and in 1991 faced the toughest decision of his life; be true to himself, which would result in losing everything he held dear, or live a lie.

Anthony’s autobiography, ‘A Life of Unlearning’ is in its second edition and was awarded the SGLBA’s ‘2004 Book of the Year’. Anthony is the co-founder and convenor of Freedom 2 b[e], a global network that offers information, support and advocacy for LGBT people from Christianh backgrounds. He has appeared on national television shows such as ‘60 Minutes’, ‘Channel 7’s Sunrise’ and ‘Mornings with Kerri Anne’, ABC’s ‘Hungry Beast’, as well as many radio programs and print media. Anthony is regularly called upon to speak on a range of topics such as:
  • ‘A Life of Unlearning’ – an inspiring journey of reconciliation and authenticity
  • Homosexuality and the Church – Why we got it SO wrong!
  • Ex-gay Organisations – Can a person change their sexual orientation?
  • Mixed Orientation Marriages – Married and gay - Looking at the options
  • Coming Out – Why? When? Where? How?
  • Same Sex Orientation – The research
  • Living an Authentic Life – Gay or Straight, everyone pays a price to be true to themselves
  • Defining Moments in Life – the good, the bad and the ugly.
  • Can We Talk? How historic changes are being created in the Australian Pentecostal and Evangelical worlds.
  • The Velvet Closet – how to destroy homophobia in 24 hours
As an ambassador for the LGBT community, Anthony speaks to a wider audience about gay and lesbian community issues to bring greater understanding and acceptance, by providing a comfortable space where people can ask the often-unasked questions.

Anthony Venn-Brown has been twice voted one of The 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians.
 
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