Ex-gay ministries use out of
date, and scientifically disproved medical theories and radical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, one of the
main reparative therapists, is permanently excluded from the
American Counseling Association (ACA). Below is a copy of the
official letter excluding Mr. Cohen from the ACA 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.
