John Paulk

John Paulk (born April 13, 1963) is an American activist who, from 1998 to 2003, was an advocate of the ex-gay movement and conversion therapy. In April 2013, Paulk disavowed his belief in gay conversion therapy and issued a formal apology for his role as an advocate of the movement. He founded and led the ministry Love Won Out, which was launched by the organization Focus on the Family. From 1998 to 2003, he was chairman of the board of Exodus International North America. His autobiography, Not Afraid to Change (1998), discussed his sexuality and attempts to change his same-sex desires. Later in 1998, after it was revealed that Paulk had attended a gay bar, both organizations punished him, but he remained with Focus on the Family until 2003. He resigned as Exodus board chairman but continued his elected position until his term was completed. In 2005, Paulk opened a catering business in Portland, Oregon. By 2013, his wife Anne Paulk had divorced him and he no longer supported the ex-gay movement and efforts to attempt to change individuals' sexual orientation Paulk was featured in the 2021 documentary film Pray Away.