It's OK to Stay Gay

Last week, the American Psychological Association (APA) adopted a resolution stating, "mental health professionals should avoid telling clients that they can change their sexual orientation through therapy or other treatments."

Some evidence has even suggested that such therapy could do harm to the patient. Instead, the APA suggested, "Practitioners can assist clients through therapies that do not attempt to change sexual orientation, but rather involve acceptance, support and identity exploration and development without imposing a specific identity outcome."

Happily, Colorado-based Focus on the Family is now divesting itself of its workshops that were intended to turn gay people straight. You might think that this was in response to the findings of the APA. Or maybe they're realizing that being gay is not outside of God's plan. But no, the reason is that they are not making money at it. According to Focus vice president Gary Schneeberger, "The economic challenges led us to this strategic decision..."

Focus on the Family is essentially admitting that adapting society to its viewpoint is secondary to making money, which leads one to question any tenet that they may proffer. Fortunately, as a result, we can hope to see less discrimination, less guilt, and less harm at the behest of such homophobic groups.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are not always simple issues. But most of us would say, if you're gay, be gay. If you're not, be straight. But if you're struggling, then there are other avenues to turn to, such as those accessible through Planned Parenthood health centers.