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Study: 'Ex-Gay Movement' Focusing On Gay Youth
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
http://365gay.com/Newscon06/03/030206youth.htm
(Miami, Florida) A report released Thursday says that the so-called ex-gay movement is turning from attempting to convert gay adults to heterosexuality and is now focusing on gay teens.
Called 'Youth in the Crosshairs' the report was prepared by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. It says that groups such as Exodus International and Focus on the Family now recommend "prevention" and conversion therapy "treatments".
Such efforts have been discredited by medical experts including the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association.
In targeting teens the report says "ex-gay" groups are targeting parents.
"Whether through ex-gay teen programs or traveling ex-gay conferences like Focus on the Family's Love Won Out ex-gay programs are recommending that parents commit their children to treatment of 'prehomosexuality' even if it is against their children's wishes. Heterosexual youth are also being recruited in schools and churches to spread the message that homosexuality is a treatable mental illness," the report says.
"One of the most disturbing accounts in this report is a case involving a 5-year-old boy who was subjected to conversion therapy to address 'prehomosexuality.' The case involves a psychologist who claims that his theories and treatments are scientific," said study co-author Jason Cianciotto, the Policy Institute's research director. "To the contrary, conversion therapy is opposed by nearly every medical and mental health professional association, including the American Academy of Pediatrics."
A study of 202 former conversion therapy clients published in 2002 reported that 176 participants experienced significant harm, including depression, social isolation, low self-esteem, internalized homophobia and even attempted suicide. The study also found ethical concerns and violations, including the use of false and prejudicial information disguised as science to convince clients that they needed treatment.
"It is morally repugnant and downright dangerous the way these extremists demonize young people and prey on the fears of parents through their so-called ex-gay programs," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "This report exposes the extent to which these zealots will go, including reformulating their ex-gay snake oil at the expense of vulnerable children and young adults."
The report was released in Miami in conjunction with the Winter Party Festival which the NGLT sponsors.
©365Gay.com 2006
(\\__/) And if you don't believe The sun will rise
(='.'=) Stand alone and greet The coming night
(")_(") In the last remaining light. (C. Cornell)
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See???? This is why Im scared for my family to find out. Id probably wind up in some southern Baptist conversion camp.
I believe in Karma....what you give is what you get returned........
Affirmation........Savage Garden
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13796
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All people in your position can do, Brian, is to keep your orientation covered until the time you are legally able not to be subjected to inhumane treatment by the adults who currently comtrol your "health and welfare".
A child is very much the property of the parent or guardian. I am not sure at what age the ability for a prent to insist on a form of treatment ceases. Do we have anyone here who knows or can find out what the facts are inthe USA, please?
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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marc
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Needs to get a life! |
Registered: March 2003
Messages: 4729
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18
but like in all other things I am probably wrong
Life is great for me... Most of the time... But then I meet people online... Very few are real friends... Many say they are but know nothing of what it means... Some say they are, but are so shallow...
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As Marc said, 18 is a fairly safe bet although I believe there is some variation from state to state.
I know of a person in Georgia who legaly separated himself from his parents at 16.
(\\__/) And if you don't believe The sun will rise
(='.'=) Stand alone and greet The coming night
(")_(") In the last remaining light. (C. Cornell)
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marc
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Needs to get a life! |
Registered: March 2003
Messages: 4729
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One can petition for emancipation through family courts in all states.
For emancipation the petitioner has to prove they can perform at an adult level as reguards his/her livlihood in all aspects.
I do not have the time to research all the pertinant legislation in all 50 states.
But as usual, I am more than likely 100% wrong
Life is great for me... Most of the time... But then I meet people online... Very few are real friends... Many say they are but know nothing of what it means... Some say they are, but are so shallow...
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Brian, you have our complete and utter sympathy.
It's a pity factions like this can't be taken to court for underage mental molestation. Then the boot would be on the other foot.
Mike.g
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