In solidarity with blogger Justin Watt’s problem with Exodus International, we here at Big Queer have posted his very funny ex-gay parody ad (above). Wait what issue you ask? Well if you haven't yet heard, the ex-gay group Exodus International has served Mr. Watt, and at least one other blogger, with a cease and desist order for creating a parody of a billboard ad Exodus sponsored in Orlando, Florida.

The original ad asks unhappy queers to visit the Exodus website which states that the ad is, "aimed at offering hope and help to those conflicted and discontented in homosexuality."

Watt's parody billboard asks unhappy heterosexuals to visit gay website www.gay.com, with which Watt has no affiliation. It should come as no surprise that Exodus, an organization that arguably tries to force people into denying their sexual identity, would also seek to force Watt into giving up his right to free speech.

Fortunately Watt is not giving up his free speech rights so easily. This whole issue reminds me of the case Matel brought against the Dutch Danish (thanks Danish Guy) singers of the Barbie song a few years ago. Fortunately the judge in that case ruled against Matel and in favor of parody.

The whole thing is pretty ironic, in my humble opinion, since Exodus International is really just a giant parody in and of itself anyway. Have you seen the ridiculous and misleading information they release in an attempt to manipulate people into believing that homosexuality is wrong or unhealthy or something that can be changed (in contrast to legitimate research and knowledge).

Now, I wonder what would happen if hundreds or thousands of bloggers and website publishers decided to support the right to parody and free speech and posted an image of the parody billboard ad on their own sites?