In 1998, a coalition of antigay, pro-family activist organizationspublished a set of full-page print advertisements in severalnationally-recognized newspapers. These ads promoted sexual ("ex-gay")conversion therapy for homosexuals. I examine these advertisements as acontest over cultural symbols and values, and over the very definition oflesbian and gay identity. This discursive contest had the potential toimpact activist politics greatly, but this impact was mitigatedsignificantly by a similar set of ads produced in response by an opposingmovement: the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement. Theinteractive dynamics between opposing movement impact the political fieldin which activists on each side pursue their goals.