Monday, October 12, 2020

Sorry, Family Research Council but the APA opposes 'ex-gay' therapy


It goes without saying that LGBTQ people have a lot of work to do when it comes to calling out the anti-LGBTQ industry, i.e. the organizations and personalities better known as the religious right. For years, they have been allowed to control most of the narrative when it comes to our rights and safety. They've demonized us and stigmatized our families with fear tactics, cherry-picked science, and out-and-out lies. And hiding behind  a veneer of religion while doing it.

While it has been difficult to point these facts out,  the difficulty does not lie with the lack of information or incidents of lies. Probably because they feel that they won't be called out, religious right groups and personalities openly and brazenly distort legitimate information to lie on LGBTQ people.

One example of this is recent piece by SPLC-designated hate group, the Family Research Council. 

A few days ago, Facebook removed the page of Restored Hope Network. Restored Hope Network is a  group of organizations pushing the false science of 'ex-gay' therapy or the belief that people can change their sexual orientation. Needless to say, a lot of folks on that side of the spectrum are angry, including FRC,  at Facebook over this

One of FRC's spokespeople, Peter Sprigg, claimed that it was blatant censorship. He also that there should be a debate about whether or not people can change their sexual orientation. To back up his claim, he included information from the American Psychological Association:


This focus on the causes of same-sex attraction is squarely within the realm of mainstream scientific debate. Even the American Psychological Association, though critical of SOCE (sexual orientation change efforts), has said: "[M]uch research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation... Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles..."

Even though Sprigg acknowledges that the APA is critical of 'ex-gay' therapy, he deliberately omits just how critical the organization is of the practice.

'Appeals court gives another victory to gay couple and their child over the Trump Administration' & other Mon midday news briefs


Child Born Abroad To Gay Couple Is A US Citizen, Federal Court Rules - The Trump Administration lost the original case and now loses in an appeals court. It needs to stop trying to harm gay families.

LGBTQ community mourns death of trans journalist Monica Roberts - Yes we are. She was my friend and my ally. She supported me without even knowing who I was. I sincerely miss this black queen. 


National Coming Out Day: Coming out during a pandemic - Wonderful, thought-provoking piece.