Comments on: American Psychological Association report says “stop converting gays”

By: Mark Zamen

Mark Zamen — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:39:07 +0000

This is an excellent post that asks the right questions and nicely summarizes the absurdity of aversion/conversion therapies. The mindset that suggests such “treatments” are effective or even morally acceptable really just serves as yet another reminder that a large segment of society still regards gay men and women as second-class citizens – or worse. This is the salient point of my recently released biographical novel, Broken Saint. It is based on my forty-year friendship with a gay man, and chronicles his internal and external struggles as he battles for acceptance (of himself and by others, including fellow Mormons). There is a portion of the story that deals specifically with the Church’s effort to change the sexual orientation of the main character – and of course it failed miserably. More information on the book is available at http://www.eloquentbooks.com/BrokenSaint.html.

Mark Zamen, author

By: diasflec

diasflec — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:28:06 +0000

I have seen so much of this type of garbage therapy, Nicely done Mr. Good Atheist for bringing this type of fraud to public attention.

By: Angela Grace

Angela Grace — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:03:21 +0000

You’d think the church would realize that if sexuality was really a “choice”, there would be no pedophilia in the church. Who would CHOOSE to be attracted to children? Moreover, if religion was a cure, then pedophile priests should not exist. It seems that even threats of hell aren’t enough to stop some proclivities.

I think the it’s obvious that sexuality evolved to be stronger than attempts to control it. Bravo to the APA for pointing out what has been obvious to many for some time.

By: Lousy Canuck » APA: “stop trying to convert gays”

Lousy Canuck » APA: “stop trying to convert gays” — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:44:04 +0000

[...] tip to The Good Atheist, who also includes a portrait of a sexy black Jesus in bondage. No [...]

By: LB

LB — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:25:29 +0000

You didn’t mention the other recommendation that says it is perfectly acceptable for these same psychiatrists to promote celibacy.

By: Jacob Fortin

Jacob Fortin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:15:31 +0000

thanks Chuck. I guess I missed that one. All fixed.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:27:05 +0000

I think you used the word “preference” when you meant to use the word “orientation.” Second sentence in paragraph two.