Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009
Gay is OK
Ongina
In the 19th Century people used surgical removal of the ovaries, castration and hypnosis to “cure” homosexuality. Sorry. I guess that’s not the most appealing way to start off my column, but read on.
Well, in the 20th Century, homosexuality was seen as a mental disorder and treated with mostly behavior modification therapies. It wasn't until Dec. 15, 1973, that the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders. The American Psychological Association followed with a similar resolution in January 1975.
However, even today groups such as the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality say that no biological or psychological factors “mean that homosexuality is normal and a part of human design, or that it is inevitable in such people, or that it is unchangeable.” NARTH is regarded as the main organization advocating secular forms of conversion therapy. Some organizations, even many who shockingly use religion as a basis for their therapies, use electro-shock methods and psychologically damaging treatments to help cure the so-called gay disease.
Well, now the American Psychological Association finally says no to all those ex-gay therapists out there. On Aug. 5, the APA, in a much-needed step forward, declared that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments. In a resolution adopted on a 125-4 vote by the APA’s governing council and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the association finally put itself on the record in opposition to these “reparative therapy” programs. Judith Glassgold, a Highland Park, N.J., psychologist who chaired the APA task force, told the Associated Press “she hoped the document could help calm the polarized debate between religious conservatives who believe in the possibility of changing sexual orientation and the many mental health professionals who reject that option.”
This whole thing reminds me of the 1961 educational film, “Boys Beware,” produced by Sid Davis. The film was aimed at teenage boys and told of the dangers of hitch-hiking and the dangers of homosexuality. I must warn you it is hard to believe that such a film was shown to children and the lessons in it are unfortunately still taught to many today. It portrays gay men as violent and deceptive pedophiles – the devils of the earth.
It amazes me that it’s 2009 and we’re still talking about this. It frightens me that many children will grow up and never hear this promising news, but only hear the so-called “lessons” that “Boys Beware” portrays. They will only hear how wrong their lives are and how they must change. Many will end up in ex-gay centers. Many will be tortured into denying their true selves. Many will never know what their life could be or ever hear that it's ok to be who you are.
Hopefully young gay people today will find this news and realize that it’s quite ok to be gay.
s.c. pride announces headliners
Last week I announced that the Richland County Council, which includes Columbia and Fort Jackson, voted to sponsor the S.C. Pride 2009 through an Accommodations Tax Grant. Last week, the city of Columbia’s council voted to award $7,500 of hospitality tax funds to the S.C. Pride Movement for this year's festival as well. This is the 20th anniversary of the S.C. Pride festival and with the help of these funds, organizers are promising “a celebration for the history books.”
Part of that celebration will include ’80s pop singer Tiffany and “American Idol” contestant and Broadway performer Frenchie Davis. The two entertainers are set to take the stage at Finlay Park in downtown Columbia on Sept. 12. Last year’s event featured RuPaul, and had approximately 7,000 to 8,000 attendees, according to police estimates. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Ongina will serve as the annual Pride Parade’s grand marshal this year.
For a complete list of events, visit www.scpride.org. You'll also want to hurry and book your hotel rooms. This year’s host hotel is the Columbia Marriott and a discounted rate of $99 per night is being offered through Aug. 28.
Out & About
Saturday, Aug. 15 – Rainbow Beach meets every Saturday at The Center Project (736 eigth Ave. N.) in downtown Myrtle Beach. The youth group offers a safe, supportive and confidential space in which teens and college-age students can explore their feelings, learn communication skills, gain a sense of self-identity and develop self-esteem. For more information, send an e-mail to youth@thecenterproject.com or call 626-4953.
Sunday, Aug. 16 – T-Time, Myrtle Beach's open transgender group, will meet at 7 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month at TCP. For more information, call 626-4953 or send e-mail to MyrtleBeachT-Time@yahoo.com.
Till next week, have fun and be safe.
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