My statement at the CHANGED DC Press Conference

My name is Elizabeth Woning, I am one of the cofounders of CHANGED. I’m from California and I’m a former lesbian.

The CHANGED Movement is a loose network of men and women like me who have left LGBTQ behind. We don’t offer services and do not oversee other organizations. Our focus is to publicly share our personal stories because most people have never heard stories like ours. America needs to hear there is diversity of experience for LGBTQ identifying people that should impact how our congress  legislates.  We are not here to demean or belittle the LGBTQ community.  Many of us still have connections to the LGBT community. However, we have chosen a different route for our lives and in following that path, whether through professional counseling or faith based discipleship we have attained levels of wholeness and fulfillment that most assume is impossible. We have all experienced life altering change that has impacted our sexuality. Many of us are in healthy marriages to our opposite sex spouses. Some even would say they no longer experience any same sex attraction. Several of us have detransitioned. 

We no longer identify as LGBTQ.

And many many people, upon hearing our testimonies of fulfillment are seeking what we have. It is challenging to question your sexuality alone and many Christians experience crisis when they realize they have same sex desires.

You are not alone!

Until I experienced the love of Jesus and began walking with Him I suffered from bipolar disorder for years. I was often suicidal or out of control. I came out during my early 20s and found solace and comfort in the LGBTQ community. They were my family. I was pursuing the path of an ordained pastor in the LGBTQ affirming church movement when I began questioning my faith. That long journey led me ultimately to question my sexuality as a lesbian. Over time as my faith brought deeper emotional health I also experienced an unexpected change in my sexual desires. 

Today I have been married to my husband 14 years. I no longer experience same sex desires and I no longer have symptoms of bipolar disorder. I have seen the restoration I have in the lives of countless other Christians.  Our faith compels us to share what we have received.

We want to offer vision to those who feel conflict in their sexual orientation.

But also to ask that America recognize there are multiple options for people who experience LGBTQ. People deserve the right to choose their own path and follow their religious convictions especially in matters of their sexuality. Our public conversations on the LGBTQ issue needs to expand so that we recognize the dignity of all people.

I hope you’ll hear our hearts in these stories today.