Donnie McClurkin's not homophobic. He's just misunderstood. Well, that's what he says, at least.

The preacher, who Barack Obama tapped for his "Embrace The Change" tour, may have implied that homosexuality can - and should - be changed, but he wants the world to know he's no anti-gay. He tells the Chicago Tribune:

I don't believe that even from a religious point of view that Jesus ever discriminated toward anyone, nor do I. Most of the things that were said were totally out of context and then other things weren't true.

My only concern is to be in place with Sen. Obama in unity and bring all the factors together for the sake of change. That's my only thing. Of course some agents have twisted it as though he [Obama] were embracing a racist or a Nazi, and that is anything but true.

Actually, no, people thought the presidential candidate was embracing a homophobic "ex-gay" preacher". McClurkin also insists that he's not on an anti-gay crusade….

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Barack Obama took some time yesterday to address the Donnie McClurkin controversy.

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We'd like to give you more of an idea about Barack Obama's new preacher pal, ex-gay preacher Donnie McClurkin. Here's an excerpt from a piece he wrote for Charisma Mag:

I was not born with these sexual tendencies. It wasn't chromosomal and had nothing to do with my DNA. These tendencies surfaced because a broken man thrust an 8-year-old boy into this whirlwind.
…
It's the same with the Word of God. When the seed is planted into a person's heart, if used correctly it will stop the natural cycle of sin. The Word will multiply and grow and bring forth fruit, and the fruit will remain. [Ed. note: Ha!]

…There are countless numbers of people who are not happy in this lifestyle and want to be freed from it. They were thrust into homosexuality by neglect, abuse and molestation, and want desperately to live normal lives and one day have a happy home and family.

For them, I write this without apology, knowing that I've been through this and have experienced God's power to change my lifestyle. I believed that I was meant to be a whole man, made for one woman, and God brought it all about. I am delivered, and I know God can deliver others too.

Barack Obama truly is the hopeful candidate.

Barack Obama's presidential campaign's taking it's show on the road with some holy rollers - and homo heads are spinning!

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• Hallelujah! Gospel singer Donnie McClurkin claims that we can be straight if we only find God! There’s hope for us after all! [WABL]

• The gay bible at magazine stands everywhere, The Advocate, loses a long time editor. [Ad Age]

• The hotties from Noah’s Arc are returning to Logo for another season which means we’ll be back as well. [The Advocate]

• Did you hear about the gay riots that broke out after Brokeback Mountain's loss at the Oscars? Maybe it's because they didn't really happen but let's just pretend, ok? [The Gilded Moose]

• We hope that all this Brokeback backlash isn’t what has made a gay character on The Sorpanos the early favorite to get knocked off this season. [Gambling 911]

• Queers in Boise are very creative protesters. Makes us want a "Heterosexuals Only" sticker. [Good As You]