And people still think gays can be "fixed" ...

markphillips

:mad:

One case often pointed to by "Christian conervatives" in America and even in Europe at times is the case of a kid "treated" at UCLA years ago. Well, here's what happened to him. I recomend anybody who thinks being gay is something to be fixed watches this. It's also important for GLBT people to see this to know exactly the level of ignorance they are up against...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-irAT0viF0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_AeCUSXfmU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI6-g5hnRmg

In case there are any parents reading who think their kid might be gay, a great documentary based of facts and real advice on how to handle the situation can be found here:

http://stream.utah.edu/m/show_clip_passthrough.php?c=365114bb884cb231261&noresize=1

Asry

I was going to submit myself for this treatment, actually. I shall watch this video later when I get home, however.

Is it possible that this was an isolated case?

Chuchoter

I don't think its an isolated case. All the main psychological institutions like the APA say that homosexuality are valid variations of sexuality and are not voluntarily chosen and so cannot be altered.
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx

I think its a really complicated issue because as everyone is so into pride (as a concept) these days, anybody who really wants to opt out are instantly ridiculed and ostracized but that doesn't get anyone anywhere. I'm sure there are people out there who do the therapy and are able to deal with living their lives with the opposite sex but I can guarantee you they aren't happy people because you couldn't be. Its not just about sex, if you love one gender and are constantly telling yourself its impossible and wrong you're going to be miserable. Most of the reports back from people who have done exgay treatment is that they never stop being gay, they're just more able to deal with being heterosexual, if that makes any sense. I think the whole thing would just be the most awfully lonely experience.

Asry

No, human beings cannot choose to be either gay or straight. For most people, sexual orientation emerges in early adolescence without any prior sexual experience. Although we can choose whether to act on our feelings, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed.

Hmmm. Really?? Because so many people always tell me it's a choice I'm making, and that it's the wrong one. I've always heard there's no proof for it either way.

But yes, it probably is a very lonely existence. And I also heard that bisexual people tend to have breakdowns during that treatment at a higher rate than purely gay people of either gender. I wonder why?

Chuchoter

People within a norm who have never questioned their own sexuality are going to call it a choice because they've never been in that position themselves. Theres no right or wrong choice because theres no choice to begin with. Some people just get stuck with an option that's a bit more difficult, but it doesn't make it bad.

That's interesting about the bisexuals having a higher breakdown rate, can't really think of an explanation for that one :S

markphillips

Asry wrote: »

Is it possible that this was an isolated case?

Hey Asry,

Regarding whether this is an isolated case, the answer is no. I'm not saying all those who go though "ex-gay" treatment commit suicide, but depression and loneliness is a very common trend amongst them unfortunately. The case referred to in this investigation is cited in many books and courses as a success story in turning somebody from gay to straight when clearly is is not.

Here's a link that explains the various issues these courses can offer:
http://www.beyondexgay.com/article/harm1

Asry wrote: »

Hmmm. Really?? Because so many people always tell me it's a choice I'm making, and that it's the wrong one. I've always heard there's no proof for it either way.

Only you yourself know about whether it's a choice you are making. I'd bet if you asked those same people "when did you decide to be straight rather than gay?", they'd be baffled and say they never made such a choice. Sexuality is an innate part of your being, not a choice, in my opinion. The majority of medical and psychiatric organisations around the world would seem to back that up.

I hope looking into the issue helps about your decision of whether or not to seek this treatment.

Asry

haha, no I was only thinking of it when I was much younger. I think I'm crazy enough without that too

Meesared

Asry wrote: »

Hmmm. Really?? Because so many people always tell me it's a choice I'm making, and that it's the wrong one. I've always heard there's no proof for it either way.

But yes, it probably is a very lonely existence. And I also heard that bisexual people tend to have breakdowns during that treatment at a higher rate than purely gay people of either gender. I wonder why?

More people saying it doesnt make it right

Asry

In fairness, the 'more people saying it' is just all those fundamental Christian websites that I can't keep myself away from.