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from Theological Issues
STATEMENT ON
"GAY AFFIRMATIVE THERAPY"
MARANATHA COMMUNITY
1. Initial remarks
1.1. All therapy should start from the position that the therapy should be in the best interests of the client, helping to restore health, where possible. Any therapist needs to be aware that therapy - however well intentioned - can cause harm. Therefore one of the most important principles of medicine which also applies to psychotherapy is the "first, do no harm."
1.2. Health is not just the absence of disease, but a more positive concept where the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of a person are in balance.
1.3. Fundamentally, health is expressed by and related to right relationships: the right relationship to me, to others, to the environment and to God.
1.4. Our approach to those in the homosexual lifestyle should be above all one of love and empathy. As Christians we are called to love, but also to speak the truth in love. Among one of the key tenets of the Christian teaching are the words of Jesus that the truth will set us free.
2. Homosexuality - some of the myths challenged.
2.1. We are very concerned, that there are many half-truths or even untruths being propagated by the "gay lobby." If those, who are struggling with a homosexual lifestyle, are being told wrong concepts about homosexuality -- for example that all homosexuals are born that way and that they cannot change -- they remain bonded to homosexuality.
2.2. It is frequently claimed that 10% of the population are homosexuals. The 10% figure is derived from Kinsey's "research"1. His "research" has been heavily criticized, because he chose for his investigations into sexuality a non-representative sample, drawn heavily from sex offenders and from prison inmates.2 Some of his "research" would be considered to be pedophilia, for example investigating the sexual orgiastic response in over 300 boys, between the ages of 2 months (!) to 15 years to "sexual stimulation" by an adult "examiner."3 Kinsey claims that children are sexual beings, even from infancy and that they could and should have pleasurable and beneficial sexual interaction with adult "partners" who could lead them into the proper techniques of fulfilling sexual activity. It is obvious, that this view paves the way to the acceptance of pedophilia. (please see section on homosexuality and pedophilia)
2.3. More realistic estimates of the prevalence of homosexuality in the adult population are usually below 3%.4 Even authors sympathetic to the gay movement challenge the myth that 10% of the population are gay, for example by questioning Kinsey's methodology and refer to more realistic figures of around 4% or less.5
2.4. The homosexual lobby wants us to believe that gays are "born that way." However, there is no evidence to support this assumption. A "gay gene" has never been found. Indeed, a "gay gene" would render the carrier of this gene at a significant disadvantage, since homosexuals have fewer offspring (on average only _ of the heterosexual population) and no offspring if he/she engages entirely in the homosexual lifestyle.6
2.5. Authors sympathetic to the gay movement admit that environmental factors play a significant role in gender development. Even among identical twins (who obviously have exactly the same genetic material) there is only a concordance of about 25-50% regarding homosexuality. In other words, only in _ to _ of all pairs of identical twins, where one twin is homosexual, is the other twin homosexual as well.7
3. Homosexual lifestyle and promiscuity.
3.1. The homosexual lobby wants us to believe that homosexual relationships are fulfilling and stable. However, the truth is that homosexual relationships are of short duration and even those homosexuals who are in a "committed" relationship have a significant number of outside sexual partners. In a Dutch study, the average range of duration of a male homosexual relationship was between 9 months to just over 2 years. On average, these relationships lasted only 17 months. Even though the homosexual men claimed to be in a stable relationship, they had on average 7 outside sexual partners (95% confidence interval 5-10 partners). Those who were not in a "committed" relationship had, on average, 22 sexual partners per year (95% confidence interval 17-28 partners).8
3.2. Earlier studies (before the AIDS epidemic) investigating homosexual promiscuity found 75% of homosexuals had more than 100 lifetime sexual partners. 28% had more than 1,000 sexual partners.9 One gay author admits that "gay liberation was founded on a sexual brotherhood of promiscuity."10
3.3. The short duration of even "committed" homosexual relationships together with the large number of outside sexual partners shows to us that homosexual relationships and homosexual sex are not fulfilling and satisfying to the individual. Furthermore, the most important risk factor for contracting a STD is the number of sexual partners a person has.
4. Serious health risks of homosexual lifestyle - medical risks.
4.1. The homosexual lifestyle is associated with serious health risks. The majority (60% or more) of homosexuals engages in anal intercourse.11 However, the anus is not intended for sexual intercourse and therefore significant health risks are associated with this sexual practice. Anal sex is associated with a large number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), many of which are treatable but not curable: anal cancer, Chlamydia trachomatis, Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, Herpes simplex virus, HIV, Human papilloma virus, Isospora belli, Microsporidia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C and others. Many of those are rare among the heterosexual population.
4.2. Among young adults aged 15-22, ever having had anal sex increases the risk of contracting HIV by a factor of five.12 Over the past few years, there has been a worrying trend with increasingly risky sexual behavior among homosexuals. The large majority (over 80%) of homosexuals who are HIV positive engage in intentional unsafe anal sex, therefore putting their sexual partners (and indirectly their partners as well) at risk of contracting HIV.13
4.3. The majority of AIDS cases are among homosexuals and even the majority of new HIV diagnoses are in homosexuals. Despite advances in therapy, AIDS is still incurable. It is estimated that the homosexual/bisexual lifestyle is associated with a shortened life span of 8-20 years for homosexual and bisexual men at the age of 20.14 A smoker has a reduced life expectancy of on average 10 years.15 The reduction in life expectancy for homosexuals therefore is at least equivalent and more likely exceeds the shortening of life expectancy that smokers suffer.
4.4. There have been dramatic increases in syphilis over the past few years, the numbers of which have increased by more than 1,200% over the past eight years.16 These cases have been almost exclusively limited to the "gay community" and outbreaks of syphilis have been limited to areas, where there is a large gay community, for example in the UK London and Manchester. Syphilis is difficult to treat and there are increasing rates of resistance to antibiotics. Syphilis affects many parts of the body but perhaps the potentially most damaging effect is on the brain.
5. Homosexual lifestyle - the psychological and emotional risks.
5.1. The "gay" lifestyle is by no means as happy as the "gay lobby" wants us to believe. Among homosexuals, there are increased rates of suicide attempts. In one study, young homosexuals were six times as likely to have attempted suicide as their heterosexual young adults. This study also found a twofold increase in substance abuse/addiction17. There is a three to fourfold increased risk of major depression, and a threefold increase in the need for psychiatric treatment among homosexuals.18
5.2. It is claimed by the "gay lobby" that the psychological problems observed in homosexuals are due to prejudices, "homophobia" and discrimination. However, even among Dutch homosexuals - and Holland has been very tolerant of homosexual relationships, having recently legalized same-sex marriages as one of only two countries in the world - there are high rates of psychological distress and drug addiction.19
5.3. Furthermore, if prejudices and discrimination were the cause for the high rates of homosexual psychological distress and suicide attempts, one would also expect high number of suicide attempts among ethnic minorities subject to racism and discrimination. However, this is not usually the case. The psychological distress in homosexuals is an internal conflict and not simply the result of prejudice.
6. Homosexuality and pedophilia
6.1. Any discussion of the issue of homosexuality and its therapy should be aware of the link between homosexuality and pedophilia. One well known historic example on the link between homosexuality and pedophilia is found in ancient Greece. Greek mythology is saturated with stories of pedophilia and ancient Greek literature praises pedophilia. The age group of boys that were used for "sexual pleasure" was probably in the range of 12-17. Male prostitution was very common with brothels in which boys and young men were available.20
6.2. There are many studies that show that a large proportion of men who later engage in a homosexual lifestyle have been subject to pedophilic sexual abuse. One study examining self-reported childhood sexual abuse among homosexual and bisexual men found very high rates of sexual abuse. Among 1,001 homosexual or bisexual men 37% reported coercive sexual contact with an older or more powerful partner (almost always a man) before age 19. In one-third of the cases anal sex was involved.21
6.3. A recent study of 942 adults compares rates of childhood sexual abuse between heterosexuals and non-heterosexuals. 46% of homosexuals and 22% of lesbian women reported homosexual molestation in childhood. This compared to childhood homosexual molestation rates of only 7% of heterosexual men and 1% of heterosexual women. The female victims had a mean age of 13 at the time of the same-sex abuse, while the comparable group of abused boys had a mean age of 11. This sample did not focus on dissatisfied homosexuals, in fact, 97% of the men were participating in a gay pride celebration at the time they participated in the survey interview. It is likely that childhood abuse caused or at least contributed to the development of homosexuality, as 68% of men and 38% of women did not identify as homosexual until after the molestation.22
6.4. Furthermore, there are links between organisations promoting pedophilia and the gay movement. The political scientist Prof. Mirkin - who appears to be sympathetic towards pedophilia - wrote in a paper that: "pedophile organizations were originally a part of the gay/lesbian coalition...." He anticipates furthermore that the social acceptance of pedophilia will follow a similar pattern as homosexuality: Homosexuality was initially illegal but then became legalized. Some years later, homosexuality was no longer considered an illness and now is becoming increasingly accepted.23
6.5. Of grave concern is that there exists an overlap between the gay movement and the movement to make pedophilia acceptable through organizations such as the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). This overlap is admitted by David Thorstad, Co-founder of NAMBLA writing in the Journal of Homosexuality.24
6.6. There is a disproportionately high number of homosexuals among pedophile offenders. While the number of homosexuals in essentially all surveys is in the region of 1-3%, the percentage of homosexuals among pedophiles is 25%.25 Therefore, the prevalence of pedophilia among homosexuals is about 10-25 times higher than one would expect if the proportion of pedophiles were evenly distributed within the (hetero- and homosexual) populations.
6.7. Homosexual pedophile molestation contributes to the development of homosexual behaviour and homosexual behaviour is associated with a significant increase in (usually) same sex pedophile child abuse, therefore perpetuating the cycle of homosexuality.
7. "Gay affirmative therapy" - the assumptions
7.1. Gay affirmative therapy starts essentially from the assumption that homosexuality is unchangeable, that sexual orientation does not change through therapy and that therefore, the therapist should "affirm" the homosexual lifestyle. Another aspect of this therapy is to help the client identify and help to cope with prejudices and negative societal attitudes towards homosexuality. [In this context, we would like to question whether it can ever be the purpose of psychotherapy to sensitize the client to real or imagined prejudices in others, therefore increasing the sense of being ostracized by society.]
7.2. This approach is described as follows: "The affirmative model in psychology focuses on helping gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals to cope adaptively with the impact of stigma, minority status and difference from the heterosexual mainstream. This...[therapy model] assisted gay men, lesbians and bisexuals in understanding and accepting their sexual orientation as a natural part of themselves, helped them to develop strategies for coping and forming a positive sense of identity, and taught them the effect of negative social attitudes, prejudice, discrimination and heterosexism on psychological functioning"26
7.3. A key assumption of "gay affirmative therapy" is that the therapist should be neither judgmental regarding the homosexual lifestyle nor criticize it, but rather affirm it. However, in view of the above mentioned multiple health problems of homosexuals (significant increased risk of contracting incurable illnesses and with high levels of emotional distress) we consider it to be irresponsible not to inform homosexuals of the high risks associated with their lifestyle.
7.4. A doctor who is treating a smoker for lung and heart diseases would be considered irresponsible if he/she did not strongly emphasize to the patient the adverse effect of smoking and encourage him/her to quit. To advise a smoker to change his lifestyle and to quit smoking is considered to be good medical practice. However, to point out the dangers of homosexual lifestyle to a homosexual one risks being labelled as being "homophobic."
7.5. (In this context, we need to challenge the term and concept of "homophobia." To many in the gay lobby, "homophobia" is essentially anything that does not totally support the homosexual lifestyle.27 Essentially, anyone who raises genuine concerns based on medical evidence for example about the health implications of the homosexual lifestyle is at risk of being labelled as "homophobic." If one challenges some of the (incorrect) assumptions of the "gay lobby," for example "that gays are born that way" and "that homosexuality is unchangeable" one immediately is labelled as "homophobic." The use of this term aims to squash all genuine critical debate. Furthermore, we consider the use of this term insulting, as it suggests an association with genuine phobias, considered to be irrational, such as agoraphobia or arachnophobia (fear of spiders). These terms are used as psychiatric diagnoses. Implicit in the use of the term "homophobia" is therefore the suggestion that anyone who is "homophobic" is mentally ill.
8. Gay affirmative therapy - the assumptions challenged.
8.1. The main assumption of gay affirmative therapy is the assumption that homosexuality is unchangeable and that it therefore does not respond to therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation. This stems in part from the assumption that "gays are born that way." In section homosexuality - some of the myths challenged, we briefly explained why this assumption is incorrect. Furthermore, those propagating gay affirmative therapy claim that therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation is damaging to the individual.
8.2. There are however a large number of studies that show both of these assumptions to be incorrect. There is clear evidence, that homosexual orientation can be changed through therapy.28
8.3. Recently, a study was published by Professor Spitzer, a prominent psychiatrist.29 He is viewed as a historic champion of gay activism by playing a key role in removing homosexuality from the psychiatric manual of mental disorders in 1973. In his study, he examined whether a predominantly homosexual orientation will, in some individuals, respond to therapy. He examined 200 respondents of both genders who reported changes from homosexual to heterosexual orientation lasting five years or more. He writes: "Although initially skeptical, in the course of the study, the author became convinced of the possibility of change in some gay men and lesbians." Although examples of "complete" change in orientation were not common, the majority of participants did report change from a predominantly or exclusively homosexual orientation before therapy to a predominantly or exclusively heterosexual orientation in the past year as a result of reparative therapy. These results would seem to contradict the position statements of the major mental health organizations in the United States, which claim there is no scientific basis for believing psychotherapy is effective in addressing same-sex attraction.
8.4. In a study of psychoanalytic oriented psychotherapy offered by a several psychotherapists, 106 homosexuals were treated. Of the 106 homosexual patients treated, 29 (27%) were reported cured.30 Additionally, there are other approaches such as cognitive behavioral approaches or religious (mostly Christian based) approaches that led to change. Prof. Spitzer, who is described as an atheist, specifically noted in his paper that a large proportion of the 200 clients who changed their sexual orientation had been in touch with Christian ministries such as Exodus (www.exodusglobalalliance.org). A significant proportion of those individuals who changed their sexual orientation described that faith has played a significant role in helping them change.
8.5. There is an association of over 1,000 therapists, mainly in the US, who have experience in the psychotherapeutic treatment of homosexuals: National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. (www.narth.com)
9. Transience of homosexual feelings in adolescents and the potential risk of gay affirmative therapy.
9.1. A fairly comprehensive, study of sexuality, the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS), was completed in 1994. This study shows that between 7 and 9% of men have ever had some form of sexual encounter with another man at some time in their life. By age 18, half of them will never again have a male sexual partner. Furthermore, by age twenty-five, the percentage of gay identified men drops to 2.8%. This means that without any intervention whatsoever, three out of four boys who may have had some homosexual encounter and who possibly therefore think they are gay at age l6, are no longer gay by age 25.31
9.2. A large study of nearly 35,000 Minnesota junior and senior high school students aged 12-18 found that more than 88% described themselves as predominantly heterosexual. 1% said they were either bisexual or predominantly homosexual. On average, (among all age groups) more than 10% were unsure of their sexual orientation. Uncertainty declined with age, from 26% of 12 year olds to 5% of 18 year olds. Far more high school students described homosexual attractions (4.5%) or homosexual fantasies (2.6%) than those who actually engaged in homosexual acts. (1%)32
9.3. We therefore consider "gay affirmative therapy" to be potentially damaging especially for adolescents, who are in a volatile stage of their physical and emotional development. We see the grave danger that "gay affirmative therapy" actually encourages what in many young people is only a transient phase of fleeting homosexual attraction by falsely affirming in young people that, because they have some homosexual feelings, that, in fact, they must be gay. We are concerned that heterosexual young people at a vulnerable phase in their development are being encouraged to develop a homosexual lifestyle, with all the adverse physical and emotional consequences this entails.
9.4. Furthermore, to our knowledge, no systematic scientific assessment of the benefits and harm of "gay affirmative therapy" has ever been published. With the current emphasis on evidence based medicine, only treatments that have an evidence base should be endorsed by public bodies.
10. Conclusion
10.1. Gay affirmative therapy starts from the false assumptions that "gays are born that way" and that homosexual orientation is unchangeable. Recent biological research -- even by those sympathetic to the gay movement -- shows very clearly that homosexuality is not an innate condition and that environmental factors play a major role in gender development. Recent studies and much anecdotal evidence show clearly that homosexuals can change their sexual orientation following therapy.
10.2. The homosexual lifestyle is associated with a large number of very serious consequences for physical and mental health. Due to high rates of promiscuity coupled with high risk sexual activity, especially (often unprotected) anal sex, there are high rates of often incurable STDs among homosexuals. For example, the majority of AIDS cases are among homosexuals and the majority of recent outbreaks of syphilis are observed among the homosexual population. Furthermore, homosexuality is associated with significantly increases risk of major emotional ill health such as major depression, suicide, and drug addiction. It is therefore not surprising that the homosexual lifestyle is associated with a shortened life expectancy of up to two decades. This is equivalent to or even exceeds the shortening of life span that is observed in smokers.
10.3. Among adolescents, temporary homosexual feelings are not uncommon. These are usually fleeting and decrease significantly with increasing age. We consider the danger of gay affirmative therapy in that this therapy affirms rather than questions fleeting homosexual emotions. We therefore consider that this therapy could encourage young people to embark on a homosexual lifestyle, which is associated with many serious and adverse health outcomes.
10.4. We are aware that young people struggle with problems of sexual identity, and sexual orientation as part of their sexual development. We consider it to be unethical to only offer young people "gay affirmative therapy" without informing them fully:
a) of the many serious adverse health consequences of the homosexual lifestyle and
b) that it is possible for homosexuality to be changed and that many homosexuals indeed have changed their sexual orientation and now live fulfilled heterosexual lives.
Further suggested reading:
Overview on homosexuality:
Homosexuality, the medical, social and religious implications. Maranatha Community 1998.
Healing, wholeness and homosexuality - A Christian perspective. Maranatha Community 1997.
(These documents can be ordered from the office of the Maranatha Community.
Email office@maranathacommunity.freeserve.co.uk)
Health risks of gay sex:
www.corporateresourcecouncil.org/white_papers/Health_Risks.pdf
Therapy of homosexual orientation:
The web site of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality has a very balanced view of homosexuality and therapy of homosexuality (www.narth.com)
Overview of the homosexual agenda with many of the assumptions challenged:
Jeffrey Satinover. Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth. 1996.
The Maranatha Community is a Christian interdenominational community which consists of over 11,000 members mainly across the United Kingdom, but has also members worldwide. Many Maranatha members are engaged in the care of children, young people and adults professionally or in a voluntary capacity. They are deeply involved in issues affecting young people and adults, not only regarding sexual health but also matters such as drug abuse, family breakdown, and relationship problems. The Maranatha membership includes Christians from all denominations including Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Free Churches and Orthodox Churches.
The Maranatha Community UK Office
102 Irlam Road, Flixton, Manchester M41 6JT, UK
Tel: ++44 (0)161 748 4858; Fax: ++44 (0)161 747 7379
Email: office@maranathacommunity.freeserve.co.uk
Web site: www.maranathacommunity.org.uk
(Maranatha Community - February 2005
Sources of information
1Kinsey, A., Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. 1948.
2Judith Reisman et al, Kinsey, Sex and Fraud. Lafayette LA: Huntington House, 1990;
3This is admitted on the website of the Kinsey Institute by John Bancroft, research fellow of the Kinsey Institute. www.indiana.edu/~kinsey/about/cont-akchild.html (accessed 29.10.05).
4In a US study, the prevalence of homosexuality was estimated to be 2.1% of men and 1.5% of women. (Gilman SE. Am J Public Health. 2001; 91: 933-9.) Another US study estimated the prevalence of the adult lesbian population to be 1.87% (Aaron DJ et al. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2003; 57: 207-9.) In a recent British survey, 2.8% of men were classified as homosexuals (Mercer CH et al. AIDS. 2004; 18: 1453-8). In a recent Dutch study 2.8% of men and 1.4% women had had same-sex partners. (Sandfort TG et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001; 58: 85-91.) In a New Zealand study, 2.8% of young adults were classified as homosexual or bisexual. (Fergusson DM et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1999; 56: 876-80). These data are usually based on assessment of sexual behaviour through the investigators. In general population surveys, when people are asked as what their sexual orientation is, one finds even lower figures: In Canada, which is very open to homosexuality, having recently legalized same-sex marriage in several provinces, only 1.3% of men and 0.7% of women considered themselves to be homosexual. (www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/040615/d040615b.htm)
5Bailey, JM. "Biological perspectives on sexual orientation." In: Garnets LD and Kimmel DC: Psychological perspectives on lesbian, gay, and bisexual experiences. Columbia University Press, New York. 2nd Edition. 2003. pp. 50-85.
6A researcher sympathetic to the gay movement writes: "If there was a "gay gene" this gene would cause a significant problem: homosexuality is associated with low fertility, indeed if a homosexual has only sex with same-sex persons he will have no offspring." (Bailey JM., "Biological perspectives on sexual orientation." 2003 - see previous footnote)
7Pillard, RC & Weinrich, JD. "Evidence of familial nature of male homosexuality." Archives of General Psychiatry. 1986: 42; 808-12. And: King M & McDonald E. "Homosexuals who are twins." "A study of 46 probands." British Journal of Psychiatry. 1992; 160: 407-9.
8Xiridou, M, et al. "The contribution of steady and casual partnerships to the incidence of HIV infection among homosexual men in Amsterdam." AIDS. 2003; 17: 1029-38.
9Bell, AP, Weinberg, MS. Homosexualities. New York 1978.
10Rotello, G., Sexual Ecology. New York 1998
11Mercer, CH et al., "Increasing prevalence of male homosexual partnerships and practices in Britain 1990-2000." AIDS. 2004; 18: 1453-8.
12Valleroy, L, et al., "HIV prevalence and associated risks in young men who have sex with men." JAMA. 2000; 284: 198-204.
13Halkitis, PN., "Intentional unsafe sex (barebacking) among HIV-positive gay men who seek sexual partners on the Internet." AIDS Care. 2003; 15: 367-78.
14Hogg, RS et al., "Modelling the impact of HIV disease on mortality in gay and bisexual men." International Journal of Epidemiology. 1997; 26: 657-61.
15Doll, R et al., "Mortality in relation to smoking: 50 years' observations on male British doctors." BMJ 2004; 328: 1519.
16www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/hiv_and_sti/epidemiology/sti_data_1995-2003.pdf
17Fergusson, DM et al., "Is sexual orientation related to mental health problems and suicidality in young people?" Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1999; 56: 876-80.
18Cochran, S. et al., "Prevalence of mental disorders, psychological distress, and mental health services use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States." J Consult Clin Psychol. 2003; 71: 53-61.
19Sandfort, TG, et al., "Same-sex sexual behavior and psychiatric disorders: findings from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS)." Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001; 58 :85-91.
20Churchill, W., Homosexual Behavior among Males. Hawthorn. New York. 1967
21Doll, LS et al., "Self-reported childhood and adolescent sexual abuse among adult homosexual bisexual men." Child Abuse Negl. 1992; 16: 855-64.
22Tomeo, M et al., "Comparative Data of Childhood and Adolescence Molestation in Heterosexual and Homosexual Persons." Archives of Sexual Behavior. 2001: 30: 535-54.
23Mirkin, H. The pattern of sexual politics: feminism, homosexuality and pedophilia. Journal of Homosexuality 1999; 37: 1-24.
It is of great concern that there is a discussion in some scientific journals seeking to normalise pedophilia, for example by claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as generally perceived or that it is actually beneficial for a young boy to have sexual experiences with an older male. For example in "The Dilemma of the Male Pedophile," Gunter Schmidt, makes a sympathetic case for the pedophile who, Schmidt says, must "remain abstinent for significant periods of time" and "lead a life of self-denial at significant emotional cost." Schmidt calls for a new, "enlightened discourse on morality" with the recognition that "in view of the pedophile's burden, the necessity of denying himself the experience of love and sexuality," he deserves society's respect. (Schmidt G. "The dilemma of the male pedophile," Arch Sex Behav. 2002; 31: 473-77.)
Similarly, there is a discussion within the American Psychiatric Association of whether pedophilia should be removed from the manual of psychiatric diseases (as happened with homosexuality in 1973). For example: Moser, C and Kleinplatz P, "DSM-IV-TR and the Paraphilias: An Argument for Removal," paper presented at the American Psychiatric Association annual conference, San Francisco, California, May 19, 2003.
24Thorstad, D., "Man/boy love and the American gay movement." Journal of Homosexuality. 1990; 20: 251-74.
25Blanchard, R et al., "Fraternal birth order and sexual orientation in pedophiles." Archives of Sexual Behavior 2000; 29: 463-78.
26Garnets, LD and Kimmel, and Kimmel, DC: Psychological perspectives on lesbian, gay, and bisexual experiences. Columbia University Press, New York. 2nd Edition. 2003. p.14.
27The workshop by "Cool to serve": "Homophobia, recognizing and countering it," states: "Examples of homophobia include hate crimes, derogatory comments, and any other negative action, belief, or opinion towards homosexuality."
28For an overview see for example: www.narth.com/docs/attemptstomodify.html
29Spitzer, RL, "Can some gay men and lesbians change their sexual orientation? 200 participants reporting a change from homosexual to heterosexual orientation." Arch Sex Behav. 2003; 32: 403-17; discussion 419-72.
30Bieber, I, ed. Homosexuality. A psychoanalytic study. New York, 1962.
31Dr. Jeffrey Satinover Testimony Before Massachusetts Senate Committee Studying Gay Marriage. 28 April 2003.
32Remafedi, G. et al., "Demography of Sexual Orientation in Adolescents." Pediatrics 1992; 89: 714-21.
Updated: 3 September 2008
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