MEDIA RELEASE
27.08.25
James Dobson’s Death Reopens Wounds — and Sparks Truth-Telling About His Anti-LGBTQ Legacy
The death of James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and longtime adviser to U.S. presidents, has reignited debate about his legacy of harm. For millions, Dobson was celebrated as a family “expert” and Christian leader. For LGBTQ people, however, his message fuelled decades of shame, rejection, and trauma.
Dobson’s empire — spanning over 70 books, daily broadcasts, political campaigns, and his infamous Love Won Out “pray the gay away” conferences — promoted the idea that homosexuality was sinful, destructive, preventable and changeable. His teachings gave mainstream credibility to so-called “conversion therapy,” despite mounting evidence of its devastating psychological impact.
“Homosexuals are not monogamous. They want to destroy the institution of marriage. It will destroy marriage. It will destroy the Earth,” Dobson said.
Anthony Venn-Brown OAM, founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International (ABBI), says the damage still reverberates.
“Dobson’s influence was global in its reach and devastating in its impact. His voice dominated evangelical culture for decades, embedding the belief that homosexuality could be prevented by parents and changed. His rhetoric legitimised conversion practices that harmed thousands. Families were torn apart, young people internalised shame, and some paid the ultimate price with their lives. That is the true legacy,” said Venn-Brown.
Survivors who once stood on Dobson’s stages have also spoken out. John Paulk, once the “poster boy” for the ex-gay movement and a leader within Focus on the Family, has since apologised publicly. Reflecting on Dobson’s death, Paulk wrote:
“Dobson’s empire baptised cruelty and called it love. Parents were taught to fear their own children. Young people saw me on magazine covers and thought they were broken because they couldn’t change. Conversion therapy didn’t make me straight — it made me ashamed, hopeless, and suicidal. That is his true legacy.”
Dobson relied on figures such as John Paulk, psychologist George Rekers, and psychiatrist Dr. Robert Spitzer to justify his claims. Each has since recanted, been discredited, or like Rekers, faced scandal. Rekers was caught with an attractive young man, claiming he was a “travel companion” for his European holiday, but it was discovered he’d found him on Rentboy.com. Even Exodus leaders like Alan Chambers and Randy Scobey, who once fronted the movement, have apologised for the devastation it caused.
Yet Focus on the Family continues today, still promoting anti-LGBTQ messages that keep queer people and their families trapped in fear and denial.
Venn-Brown concludes: “James Dobson may be gone, but the world he shaped is still with us. His passing must be a reminder of why our work continues — to dismantle the lies, support survivors, and ensure no one is ever told again they must choose between their faith and their identity.”
Media Contact:
Anthony Venn-Brown
0416 015 231
About ABBI:
Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International (ABBI) works to create understanding and acceptance for LGBTQ people of faith and those from faith backgrounds through education, advocacy, and resources. Founded in 2013 by Anthony Venn-Brown OAM, ABBI is recognised internationally for its pioneering work in bridging the gap between faith and sexuality.
Further reading https://www.abbi.org.au/2025/08/james-dobson-focus-on-the-family/
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