NEW YORK, NY — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 — Author and conversion therapy survivor Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez has launched Pray the Gay to Stay, a 31-day digital course co-created with licensed mental health counselor Candice Czubernat, founder of The Christian Closet. The program helps LGBTQ+ people challenge religious shame, explore affirming approaches to faith, and embrace who they are.
Announced October 11 for National Coming Out Day, the course is launching now at a special discount on the digital program now through October 31st. 100% of proceeds go directly to therapy scholarships through Affirming Therapy to fund mental health care for LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis.
Rodriguez (NY) and Czubernat (San Francisco) are available for press interviews about the project, his experience in conversion therapy and the intersection of faith, sexuality and belonging.
\nRodriguez’s memoir, Conversion Therapy Dropout, chronicles his eight years in conversion therapy and his work inside evangelical megachurches. He and Czubernat bring lived experience and clinical expertise to a course designed to help LGBTQ+ people reclaim their faith without trying to change who they are.
The founders self-funded the project and are taking no salary or profit. Enrollment costs $99, with 100% of net proceeds supporting LGBTQ+-affirming therapy scholarships through Affirming Therapy, the nonprofit founded by Czubernat.
Candice Czubernat, LMHC, Founder of The Christian Closet: “More than anything, I hope this course sets people free. I hope they see themselves differently. I hope they trust themselves more.”
Candice Czubernat, LMHC, is a therapist with more than 20 years of experience, an ordained minister and a gay Christian. She founded The Christian Closet, an online mental health practice serving LGBTQ+ Christians and people of faith, and Affirming Therapy, a nonprofit expanding access to LGBTQ+-affirming care through therapy scholarships.
Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, Author & Survivor Advocate: “LGBTQ+ people should never have to choose between their faith and their sexuality.”
Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez is the author of Conversion Therapy Dropout, winner of the inaugural Kirkus Indie Award, and a 2026 GLAAD Media Award nominee for Outstanding Journalism. A co-founder of Church Clarity, he writes about faith, sexuality and belonging, with work in TIME, Oprah Daily, Harper’s Bazaar, Religion News Service and The Advocate. He lives in New York City.
Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez is available for interviews about Pray the Gay to Stay, surviving conversion therapy and building an affirming relationship with faith. For interview scheduling, course review access and press materials, contact:
Full Press / Media Assets Folder
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Pray the Gay to Stay — Course Site
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Sample Course Lesson
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Candice Czubernat — Video / Interview References
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Candice Czubernat on Instagram
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Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez
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