same
i found an article on reparative therapy. hope you enjoy/not at all
for those of you who dont know, this is the type of "therapy" that mom and dad sent me to.
"Ex-Gay" Ministries and “Reparative Therapy”
Ex-gay ministries use out of date, and scientifically disproved medical theories and radical religious beliefs to justify trying to alter gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender peoples' natural sexual orientation or gender identity. Originally, these ministries were a small group of religious people who were virtually unknown. However, because of high profile ads, campaigns and conferences sponsored by the radical right, these ministries have become a political tool in the ongoing fight to deny gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights. It is important that we have the information to answer these organizations. Ex-gay ministries believe three main things:
* they are called to love gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people "struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity";
* homosexual orientation and transgender identity are chosen or are the result of bad childhood experiences; and
* they cannot condone this "sinful" behavior that was chosen by their loved ones, and therefore "cannot accept their gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender family members".
"Ex-gay ministries believe that homosexuality is not innate and is treatable through the combination of sound Christian psychological teachings and [reparative] therapy." (Parents & Friends of Ex-Gays, PFOX)
It is worth noting that Richard Cohen, who currently heads up P-FOX, is permanently excluded from the American Counseling Association. Below is a copy of the official letter excluding Mr. Cohen from the association for life:-
Many PFLAG parents have seen firsthand how damaging this so-called "reparative therapy" has been to their children. PFLAG members believe that it is important that we recognize and educate society based on scientific facts and reputable professional opinions, not on the ideological and pseudo-scientific beliefs expressed by PFOX and the Ex-Gay Ministries.
Facts to consider regarding so called "reparative therapy"
The record shows that “reparative therapy” has no support from the major medical and mental health professional organizations. Organizations opposed to the practice of “reparative therapy” include: the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Medical Association.
* In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed the term "homosexuality" from the list of mental and emotional disorders. Sexual orientation is not a disorder, therefore, it does not need to be cured.
* In 1990, the American Psychological Association stated that scientific evidence shows that reparative therapy does not work and that it can do more harm than good.
* In 1998, the American Psychiatric Association stated it was opposed to reparative therapy, stating "psychiatric literature strongly demonstrates that treatment attempts to change sexual orientation are ineffective. However, the potential risks are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive [suicidal] behavior..."
* The American Medical Association, states in its policy number H-160.991, that it “opposes, the use of ‘reparative’ or ‘conversion’ therapy that is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her homosexual orientation”.
* In 2001, The US Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior asserted that homosexuality is not "a reversible lifestyle choice”.
When responding to questions on "reparative therapy," it is important that we empathize with the GLBT people, who are involved with these ministries, as well as their families, because they all are the victims of misinformation.
Religious Beliefs
Many people who support the Ex-Gay ministries and “reparative therapy” contend that it is their strong religious convictions which drive them to “cure” GLBT people, and save them from their “immoral and sinful” ways.
It is important to let these people know that many religious groups are affirming of GLBT people, and that many religious leaders and people of faith see sexual orientation - whether it be heterosexual, bisexual, or homosexual - as a gift from God.. Many GLBT people lead moral lives or live in monogamous relationships, and many heterosexual people lead immoral and sinful lives. Morality has little to do with sexual orientation or gender identity.
Conclusion
“Reparative therapy” is unethical; it does not work and it is dangerous and destructive. The damage that can be done by so called reparative therapy is real. It can destroy someone's self esteem and faith and may lead to self-destructive and suicidal behavior.
It is critical that we answer the lies about "reparative therapy" and "ex-gays" in our local communities, whether in the media or in conversation. It is important that we provide the truth about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and the positive contributions that they make to our communities, the country and the world.
for those of you who dont know, this is the type of "therapy" that mom and dad sent me to.
"Ex-Gay" Ministries and “Reparative Therapy”
Ex-gay ministries use out of date, and scientifically disproved medical theories and radical religious beliefs to justify trying to alter gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender peoples' natural sexual orientation or gender identity. Originally, these ministries were a small group of religious people who were virtually unknown. However, because of high profile ads, campaigns and conferences sponsored by the radical right, these ministries have become a political tool in the ongoing fight to deny gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights. It is important that we have the information to answer these organizations. Ex-gay ministries believe three main things:
* they are called to love gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people "struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity";
* homosexual orientation and transgender identity are chosen or are the result of bad childhood experiences; and
* they cannot condone this "sinful" behavior that was chosen by their loved ones, and therefore "cannot accept their gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender family members".
"Ex-gay ministries believe that homosexuality is not innate and is treatable through the combination of sound Christian psychological teachings and [reparative] therapy." (Parents & Friends of Ex-Gays, PFOX)
It is worth noting that Richard Cohen, who currently heads up P-FOX, is permanently excluded from the American Counseling Association. Below is a copy of the official letter excluding Mr. Cohen from the association for life:-
Many PFLAG parents have seen firsthand how damaging this so-called "reparative therapy" has been to their children. PFLAG members believe that it is important that we recognize and educate society based on scientific facts and reputable professional opinions, not on the ideological and pseudo-scientific beliefs expressed by PFOX and the Ex-Gay Ministries.
Facts to consider regarding so called "reparative therapy"
The record shows that “reparative therapy” has no support from the major medical and mental health professional organizations. Organizations opposed to the practice of “reparative therapy” include: the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Medical Association.
* In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed the term "homosexuality" from the list of mental and emotional disorders. Sexual orientation is not a disorder, therefore, it does not need to be cured.
* In 1990, the American Psychological Association stated that scientific evidence shows that reparative therapy does not work and that it can do more harm than good.
* In 1998, the American Psychiatric Association stated it was opposed to reparative therapy, stating "psychiatric literature strongly demonstrates that treatment attempts to change sexual orientation are ineffective. However, the potential risks are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive [suicidal] behavior..."
* The American Medical Association, states in its policy number H-160.991, that it “opposes, the use of ‘reparative’ or ‘conversion’ therapy that is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her homosexual orientation”.
* In 2001, The US Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior asserted that homosexuality is not "a reversible lifestyle choice”.
When responding to questions on "reparative therapy," it is important that we empathize with the GLBT people, who are involved with these ministries, as well as their families, because they all are the victims of misinformation.
Religious Beliefs
Many people who support the Ex-Gay ministries and “reparative therapy” contend that it is their strong religious convictions which drive them to “cure” GLBT people, and save them from their “immoral and sinful” ways.
It is important to let these people know that many religious groups are affirming of GLBT people, and that many religious leaders and people of faith see sexual orientation - whether it be heterosexual, bisexual, or homosexual - as a gift from God.. Many GLBT people lead moral lives or live in monogamous relationships, and many heterosexual people lead immoral and sinful lives. Morality has little to do with sexual orientation or gender identity.
Conclusion
“Reparative therapy” is unethical; it does not work and it is dangerous and destructive. The damage that can be done by so called reparative therapy is real. It can destroy someone's self esteem and faith and may lead to self-destructive and suicidal behavior.
It is critical that we answer the lies about "reparative therapy" and "ex-gays" in our local communities, whether in the media or in conversation. It is important that we provide the truth about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and the positive contributions that they make to our communities, the country and the world.