Ex-exgay Artist Announces ‘Burning Bush World Tour’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gay performance activist Peterson Toscano announces his 2005 “Burning Bush World Tour” which brings his original one-person ex-gay satire, “Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House,” and other comedic social justice presentations, to venues throughout the U.S. and internationally in Canada, England, Scotland and Cameroon, West Africa.

Toscano spent 17 years and over $30,000 attempting to transform
himself into a heterosexual.  He did not become straight, but he lived
to tell the tale through performance, writing, and the spoken word.

Praised for his daring comedy and provocative material, audiences
appreciate Toscano’s ability to tell stories that do not attack or
preach. Since 2003, he has presented at universities, conferences,
theaters and “open and affirming” churches in 15 U.S. states.

The “Burning Bush World Tour” includes academic conferences,
universities and high school campuses where Toscano will address gay
oppression within language and the power of embracing one’s true
identity.

Later this year Toscano is slated to appear on the PAX TV network
opinion program, “Faith Under Fire”; in a documentary by award winning
filmmaker, Tom Murray; and in an upcoming BBC documentary about the
ex-gay movement.

While in West Africa and Europe, Toscano expects to meet with church
and government leaders to speak about gay oppression worldwide. U.S.
cities on the tour include San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington,
D.C., Huntsville, Ala., and Albuquerque, N.M.

Toscano will premiere three new pieces in 2005 including:

1. The Re-Education of George W. Bush, a political comedy;
2. “Talkin’ Trash in the Homo No Mo Halfway House,” which looks at oppression through language in the ex-gay movement; and
3. A collaborative piece with acclaimed gay performance artist, Rich
   Kiamco, premiering in March at the True Colors Annual Conference for
   LGBTIQ youth.

The Burning Bush World Tour, inspired by the biblical account of God
speaking to Moses through a burning bush, will showcase Toscano’s use
of non-violence and humor to bring about change. 

“In the queer community, we’ve experienced much hurt; it is easy to
turn around and attack right back.  I seek truth and reconciliation
through storytelling. Many of the people oppressing us have children or
siblings or friends who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender,
intersex or queer.  We are not just talking about laws and religious
dogma; we are talking about relationships,” Peterson explains.

In addition to education, Toscano continues to present his work to
audiences hungry for queer-affirming messages that speak to the power
of embracing the true self without bashing those who have stood in the
way.

For a complete listing of appearances, video clips and more, visit Toscano’s colorful web site, www.homonomo.com.