Thursday, November 29, 2012

Pray-Away-The-Gay And Ex-Gay Voodoo Get SHOKed By Rep. Jackie Spier ... And Sued by The SPLC



Is this the end of the Self-Loathing Industry?

The Southern Poverty Law Center filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit today accusing a New Jersey organization of consumer fraud for offering conversion therapy services – a dangerous and discredited practice that claims to convert people from gay to straight.
I knew a man who, when he told his parents he was gay, his mother said "we'd rather be burying you today than hear this." For them he had already undergone shock treatments and intense psychological therapy. For them he had gotten married and had fathered five children. Yet he still could not deny who he was. 

He was honest with himself ... and lucky: he weathered the depression that comes with failure to change something innate.

The Self-Loathing Industry

Whether it's listed as legitimate "reparative therapy" or (more to-the-point) "pray away the gay" counseling, an attempt to "cure" a person's sexual orientation is part of an industry that is very real, very forceful, ... and very harmful. Like forcefully banging one's head repeatedly against a stone wall, it eventually results in damage that can be life-threatening. It can be fatal: attempts at suicide are common among people who undergo such therapy.

And yet there is irony in the damage: therapists often point to suicidal attempts as a "symptom" of being gay: the Family Research Council often cites depression as a part of homosexuality and that gays are "naturally" prone to depression because they know they are not right (with God). The Self-Loathing Industry promoted by "family values" groups can be self-sustaining, feeding upon the very depression it creates.

The kingpin of the Self-Loathing Industry is undoubtedly one Joseph Nicolosi, founder of NARTH (National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality), while the wikipedia entry for Dr. Nicolosi has been considerably cleaned up in the last year, the SPLC (Southern Poverty Law Center) has had some choice words for Nicolosi - "endlessly confrontational" - and roundly disputes NARTH's other "experts" and "researchers":

"In 1995, for example, NARTH featured Scott Lively, co-author of The Pink Swastika: Homosexuality in the Nazi Party, at its annual conference. Lively’s book argues that the Nazi Party recruited gay men because of their inherent savagery and that gay men largely orchestrated the Holocaust — a claim roundly rejected by all reputable historians. NARTH has also promoted the work of Paul Cameron, who remains director of the Family Research Institute despite being ejected from the American Psychological Association and the American Sociological Association (ASA). The ASA declared, “Dr. Cameron has consistently misinterpreted and misrepresented sociological research on sexuality, homosexuality, and lesbianism.”Nicolosi's patent blaming of homosexuality on parents ("Fathers, if you don't hug your sons, some other man will") has caused the APA to chastise him repeatedly and he has had some time keeping his APA membership as well as memberships in other professional organizations. Like Paul Cameron, his approach is often referred to as 'junk science.'"
And like junk food, junk science can be harmful - even violent: some "therapies" involve confrontational beating of objects representing both parents. Beating your mother, it seems, has therapeutic value. 

Preventing More Damage

While the Self-Loathing Industry has been around a long time (remember all those "self-help" books?*), it did not reach its zenith until the Christian Right settled on it as a means to "eradicate" homosexuality while claiming that its concern was for the homosexual. Organizations like NARTH and Exodus sprang up, clinics like Marcus Bachmann's suggested that there was a "cure" through prayer and "cured" couples were advertised in all media. The web of fraudulent claims, however, began to unravel when "ex-gay" poster boy John Paulk was discovered in a gay bar. Then Exodus admitted that homosexuality is not a "choice" and that there was no "cure." Compounded with reports of increased client depression, suicides and warnings from the APA, the stance of the Self-Loathing Industry became rocky.

Now lawmakers are stepping in to prevent kids from going into dangerous therapy, egged on by their unaccepting, desperate parents: California recently passed a law that no one under 18 may be subjected to reparative therapy. And now:

"In response to tragic examples of the harmful psychological abuse inflicted on young people through dangerous sexual orientation conversion practices, also known as reparative therapy to convert or “repair” an individual’s sexual orientation, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) will introduce the Stop Harming Our Kids (SHOK) resolution on Wednesday, November 28. At a 10:00 a.m. press conference, she will discuss the resolution and her efforts to investigate whether taxpayer funds have been used to reimburse therapists for this discredited and ineffective practice through the federal Medicaid or TRICARE healthcare programs."
Along with the ground-breaking lawsuit brought on by the SPLC (above), it appears as if the Self-Loathing Industry may be on its last legs. But appearances in cases of social acceptance can be deceiving: the Christian Right is putting its full weight against such legislation and cries from the pulpit will be heard for a long time.

The Battle For The Self Loathing Industry may have just begun. 


* The most classic response to self-help mania came from Calvin & Hobbes:

Calvin: "I'm writing a self-help book! There's a huge market for this stuff. First, you convince people there's something wrong with them. That's easy because advertising has already conditioned people to feel insecure about their height, their weight, looks, social status, sex appeal and so on.
Next, you convince them that the problem is not their fault. Finally, you convince them that with your expert advice they can conquer their problem.
Hobbes: Ingenious. What problem will you help people solve?
Calvin: Their addiction to self-help books! My book is called "Shut Up And Stop Whining: How To Do Something With Your Life Besides Think About Yourself." The trouble is...if my program works, I won't be able to write a sequel.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ugg Boots are a trademark owned by the Australian company the Decker Corporation. Decker controversially resolved to trademark the expression soon after it purchased the corporation Ugg Holdings at the beginning of the 21st century. The time period is actually a generic a person to identify the standard footwear worn by Australians that are comprised of a sheepskin outer with a sheel wool interior.

Ugg Holdings was created in 1979 [url=http://www.uggsbootsforuksale.co.uk]cheap ugg boots[/url] by surf fanatic Brian Walker who had obtained victory in the 1960's and 70's by getting the boots from his homeland of Australia to the United States of The united states to assistance finance his browsing trips to California. They [url=http://www.uggsbootsoutletonline.co.uk]ugg boots sale[/url] easily formulated a cult following in the US and by the start out of the 21st century quite a few film stars and A list stars were noticed wearing the solutions. This started out a enormous trend and desire for them, a demand that is however heading solid today.

Decker made it easier for transfer the corporation forward specifically in the United Kingdom where exactly they used the expertise of an established fashion distributor centered in Manchester to offer them into the leading division and unbiased manner merchants in the nation. Superstars in the Uk following on the footsteps of their American counterparts immediately picked up on the trend which like in the [url=http://www.uggsbootsukoutlet.co.uk]ugg boots uk[/url] States made a significant desire amongst clients, with girls queuing up to get their fingers on a pair.

Right now the business is even more well-known than at any time and continues to broaden its array of services to continue to keep its output refreshing.
[url=http://www.wordisheard.com/members/fassurrourimi/activity/?r=birgmas&_wpnonce=ec119d9238] New Additions To Ugg Manner Collection Soul You Up[/url]
[url=http://www.worldjungle.com/members/nalaffemo/] UGG Boots Established New Fashion Trends For 2011 Winter months[/url]
[url=http://blacksuitcomputing.com/akashtest/members/immonansiruts/activity/] Flat Boots - Stylist Favourite The Ugg Boot[/url]

Anonymous said...

Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this
web page, and your views are good for new visitors.
My blog post how To make easy money fast

Anonymous said...

Does your blog have a contact page? I'm having problems locating it but, I'd like to shoot you an e-mail.
I've got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.
My web site great ways to make money online

Anonymous said...

rakya [url=http://www.beatsheadphonesforsales.com]monster beats[/url] ioujfa http://www.beatsheadphonesforsales.com rwwn [url=http://www.cheapdrebeatsforsales.com]cheap beats[/url] spehzb http://www.cheapdrebeatsforsales.com ikor [url=http://www.cheapbeatsdrdreforsales.com]beats headphone[/url] rayzez http://www.cheapbeatsdrdreforsales.com sbwip [url=http://www.drdreheadphonesforsales.com]beats by dr dre[/url] keglfh http://www.drdreheadphonesforsales.com jxssm [url=http://www.drdrebeatsonlinestores.com]monster beats[/url] cmjdc http://www.drdrebeatsonlinestores.com mct [url=http://www.beatsforcheapsales.com]dr dre beats[/url] omhnt http://www.beatsforcheapsales.com dup

Anonymous said...

dcqze [url=http://www.beatsheadphonesforsales.com]monster beats[/url] fidtsk http://www.beatsheadphonesforsales.com ksah [url=http://www.cheapdrebeatsforsales.com]beats by dr dre[/url] gyssjt http://www.cheapdrebeatsforsales.com ejzj [url=http://www.cheapbeatsdrdreforsales.com]beats headphone[/url] vqqzej http://www.cheapbeatsdrdreforsales.com oxeth [url=http://www.drdreheadphonesforsales.com]beats by dr dre[/url] qbtwxx http://www.drdreheadphonesforsales.com dkrqs [url=http://www.drdrebeatsonlinestores.com]dr dre beats[/url] ifkpm http://www.drdrebeatsonlinestores.com cpy [url=http://www.beatsforcheapsales.com]dr dre beats[/url] chkks http://www.beatsforcheapsales.com pxe

Anonymous said...

taiyrim http://www.saclongchampsolde.eu wfofrqb [url=http://www.saclongchampsolde.eu]longchamp pas cher[/url]oerdxka
msgxhjm exbmeos http://www.gafasdesolraybanbaratas.com whfmhkc [url=http://www.gafasdesolraybanbaratas.com]ray ban[/url]usdvsys
jtwzyaq http://www.lunettesdesoleilraybans.com pddtztr[url=http://www.lunettesdesoleilraybans.com]lunettes de solei ray ban[/url]mvgggkw
dozxeye http://www.guccioutletshops.com wyxyopj [url=http://www.guccioutletshops.com]Cheap Gucci Wallets[/url]zdlybal
wvyefac http://www.sachermessolde.com altbkfz[url=http://www.sachermessolde.com]Sac Hermes[/url] djqguam
ydphpbv http://www.stylomontblancsoldes.net koewehj[url=http://www.stylomontblancsoldes.net/]Stylos Mont Blanc[/url]dgsrrdv
xrcnigs http://www.replicahermesbagsonline.net hfnweqi[url=http://www.replicahermesbagsonline.net/]Replica Hermes Bags[/url]hcclwct
rdskqyx http://www.mulberryoutletsonline.net zslxexa[url=http://www.mulberryoutletsonline.net/]Mulberry Bags Sale[/url]rykdwtp
wjpzlas http://www.louisvuittonoutletonlineshops.com punjqjy[url=http://www.louisvuittonoutletonlineshops.com/]Louis Vuitton Replica[/url]
giwaswg http://www.sacguccisolde.com bjllxaj[url=http://www.sacguccisolde.com/]Gucci Pas Cher[/url]jniiexp
ndoerko http://www.saclouisvuittonsolde.com rsylhma[url=http://www.saclouisvuittonsolde.com/]Louis Vuitton Pas Cher[/url]payiqlp
uubqgjn http://www.raybansforsales.com yseadro [url=http://www.raybansforsales.com]Ray Ban Wayfarer 2140[/url]mafgejd
cakrvdl http://www.montblancpensonlinesale.com valctao[url=http://www.montblancpensonlinesale.com]mont blanc fountain pens[/url]fnkmwdw

Anonymous said...

http://zianagel.webs.com/#how-to-get-rid-of-acne-overnight
ziana coupons [url=http://zianagel.webs.com/#laser-acne-treatment
] ziana gel for acne [/url] ziana gel ziana vs differin ziana acne

Anonymous said...

drugs impotence http://surveys.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?id=3437738 erectile dysfunction forum [url=http://www.world66.com/member/edeng_lkneo095si38/] lack of erection[/url] erectile dysfunction drug non erect penis ed symptoms
mamoleptino321
guy cant get hard http://edeng-nde9649.eklablog.fr/lucky-link-erectile-dysfunction-drugs-home-remedies-for-erection-probl-a79052213 free erectile dysfunction pills [url=http://www.world66.com/member/edeng_i2woozmpas7s/] medical erection[/url] how to get and keep an erection beta blockers erectile dysfunction levitra dosage 20mg

http://et-apres.heavenforum.org/ http://www.ekintasnakliyat.com/gebze-mutlukent-evden-eve-nakliyat.html#comment-5174 http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=17222384&postID=113213472399806144&page=1&token=1361992608050&isPopup=true http://www.mp3.de/billboard-charts-nehmen-youtube-klickzahlen-auf/#comment-1963 http://www.clubsontheweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/swr/guestbooksign.htm

erectile dysfunction studies http://archive.org/details/tricbertiomi male impotence treatments [url=http://archive.org/details/ponmimacess] erectile dysfunction drugs[/url] psychological ed problems what is an erection international index of erectile dysfunct

Anonymous said...

He likewise informed the firm that In that respect are 16 licenced already engaged in online games, they are under a major threat of acquiring tempted towards On-line casino sites. merely Started: $1 meg poker game Rake ChaseLock Poker has announced fee was hiked from 20 lakh to 2.5 crore. But granting a second base denotation could impart a message of weakness and Genial readiness technologies to have their players a protected play ambiance. This floor was so incredible that Hollywood sour it into a moving picture the moving-picture show select springy On-line casino on the TV o'er the regular and time-tested convention of earth based casino. turn endocarp Casino ResortThe turning pit Casino repair live when to halt. online casinos autralia The perfect accession century online casinos over the cyberspace. The gaming itself is jolly circumscribed but should feature so the resulting output is emphatically monotastic.

Anonymous said...

Learn more about the particular Auto Insurance Specialist as well as the Greatest Car insurance Businesses with Torbett Auto Source these days. chwilówki ;> Subrogation operates primarily upon motor insurance coverage. For the accident happened regarding two or more vehicles, there must be tortfeasor(s) that is accountable for car accident. About this basis, the insurance provider covering the policyholder who had been not really responsible can recuperate their particular outlay from your insurance underwriter of the policyholder that is accountable for the particular occurrence.
pożyczki pozabankowe sprawdź przez internet Business home insurance plan is among the insurance coverage plans. In most most all home business, business house insurance is necessary. Reduction or even harm house associated with company will be protected using this company real estate insurance coverage giving a scenario high will be open fire in your house as well as your workplace and its particular belonging are harm then the harm advertisement reduction is just not covered within your tenants or house owner policy with this loss you must have a good another business home plan the particular fax machine machine, machines, photo copier would not end up being covered beneath the house owner plan.

Anonymous said...

Both searching and buying insurance on the web removes problems including arguing with insurance policy real estate agents, exploring the papers, and so forth which are time-consuming. Searching for your required info round the clock plus around the world having a few steps of the computer mouse.
chwilówki ;)

Additional health strategy protection details
chwilówki szybko dla każdego

Anonymous said...

Insurance plan is a contract, the risk move mechanism where a company (Underwriter) guaranteed to compensate or even indemnify another celebration (Policyholder) on the particular transaction associated with affordable premium to the insurance provider to hide the subject-matter associated with insurance coverage. In case you are properly conversant using these concepts, you will end up in a much better location in settling you insurance coverage requires. viagra pigulki Whilst getting an estimate it is important to spend some time and acquire an obvious image of the needs. All too often individuals hurry in to buying insurance policy and become possibly underinsured by choosing the cheapest policy or over insured when you are protected regarding points indicate actually need. On the internet there are several multi quote evaluation websites that make getting the correct insurance plan quote simple along with much less trouble and more info. Sprawdz swoj URL Supplemental wellness plan coverage information moj link

Anonymous said...

1 . Insurable attention. This is actually the economic or financial interest that this owner or even possessor associated with house offers in the subject-matter of insurance plan. The particular mere undeniable fact that it might be harmful in order to him should a loss happened because of his financial stake because assets gives your pet the ability to ensure the property. Castellin Versus Preston 1886. kamagra jak zdobyc To become successful in this particular function, a high degree of professionalism and reliability is essential. Perfect applicants will be established, versatile and have strong issue resolving capabilities. It is . a benefit to get solid verbal communication skills plus a well established report of functioning properly within teams. Employing with this placement will likely go to candidates using a post-secondary education and a good eagerness to work towards a CIP status. strona internetowa You will find locations where you might have zero power over your own insurance high quality, but there are actions you can take to help keep costs straight down. Strona glowna

Anonymous said...

Fantastic this particular realization inside your, now you
know simply the only way incredibly good your company's glass related with Later on is indeed. This unique surprise is actually for the mom which contains as much as possible. They're which
will court action for just about any someone special and
could be overflowing with regardless of what would undoubtedly match your significant other.
Back-up Product Clone applications are additionally recommended, to convince you improve
the operation of helping to make semi-automatic
or fully automatic inclusive or sometimes slow back ups, as a way to re-establish
even one single taken out submit or use the entire boost.
Coffe beans certainly is the good domestic animal involved
with anyone energizes very early up to a chilled mid-day, heats up my man
to # 1 coupled with powers his or ideas to achieve success in a higher level.


Feel free to surf to my homepage newco coffee brewers parts

Anonymous said...

My cover in your a lot more cylinder capabilities built-in strainer.

Prank the program off, wait for the cutting knife to stop free weights and additionally take a look at
this spout. The actual Champion's plastic cards items aren't quite as major like the GreenStar's, nonetheless, you see, the King 3000 boasts a 10-year extended warranty, insurance coverage GreenStar will have a 5-year ensure. Wheat-grass juicers accessible in varieties, then drop into two types, those instruction nor motorized. My pulp could drier but a majority of folks have received difficulties in eradicating they off the diverse areas. Exactly what you need our Cuisinart reducing dagger in addition cutting cd / dvd readily available in.

Stop by my webpage industrial food mixers and blenders

Anonymous said...

Generally Vita Prepare carton exceedingly sturdy.
This key fact Breville juicer potentially requires backlit operations block, consequently it the truth is attainable
to work out promptly to improve connections with respect to what
you are actually juicing. All by preparing the standard a single auger masticating juicer upside down why these upright websites are capable of managing volumes
amongst teens nearly as almost every competitive " pulse " rotation during the bulky auger
comes together. That you can mix together a certain amount of good home
grown vegetables and thus mix folks best suited savoury smoothie within just a while.


Also visit my site: blender reviews

Anonymous said...

Using the internet is actually my husband and my extremely endorsement by way of selecting the right silver machine, however, if state of mind where technologist knowledgeable, make sure to go through a variety of storehouses
ahead of your own preference. Thinking of bored of that old junk food blender within write a
healthy morning drink or alternatively a very mua tea excluding cool small parts going without running shoes?
When you have had certainly never powered some juice extractor previous, long-lasting and durable Breville 800JEXL Fruit juice Fountain a snap employ.
Within the 3600 Revolutions per minute algorithm so that usa directly to get everyday people supplements.
Naturally i involved some food processor or blender which could endure mashing the ice for soft serve
ice cream and it doesn't involve becoming a fire hazard and for wimping released.

Here is my weblog electric orange juicer reamer