Changes

*Dr. Nicolosi notes that, at its root, [[homosexuality]] is not a sexual problem – it is a gender-identity problem. Normal stages of emotional development have been interrupted, and this can lead to same sex bonding in order to attain affirmation. These relationships tend to implode, leaving the homosexual hurt and confused.

Reparative therapy is the idea that, at its root, [[homosexuality]] is not a sexual problem – it is a gender-identity problem. Normal stages of emotional development have been interrupted, and this can lead to same sex bonding in order to attain affirmation. These relationships tend to implode, leaving the homosexual hurt and confused. One proponent of the therapy, Dr. Nicolosi, states that there is no such thing as a homosexual, but only heterosexuals that have a homosexual problem. As such, the theory maintains, homosexuality can be "cured" or remedied.<ref>http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=282</ref>

 

*Furthermore, Nicolosi states that there is no such thing as a homosexual, but only heterosexuals that have a homosexual problem. This may sound like splitting hairs, but it actually opens the door for the dissatisfied homosexual oriented person to change, because such people can begin viewing themselves as fundamentally heterosexual. This approach has had a great deal of success. [http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=282]

 

Reparative therapy is not accepted as a mainline "treatment."  Instead, the [[American Psychological Association]] flatly rejects the theory as insulting, degrading, and potentially damaging.<ref>American Psychological Association Association, "Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth," http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html</ref>  Some psychiatrists have lost their licenses for practicing the "therapy," and children have sued their parents successfully for attempting to force them to undergo the treatment.<ref>http://www.washblade.com/2005/7-1/news/national/tenopen.cfm</ref>  It is argued that the ideas surrounding reparative therapy are simply attempts to color the "culture war," and score points at the expense of mental health and well-being, as the therapy inforces the idea that homosexuality can be, and should be, cured.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/12/nyregion/12group.html?ex=1177732800&en=9d531cb626af7ac6&ei=5070</ref>  In short, the medical consensus is that the therapy is wrong-headed, produces no beneficial results, and is damaging.

 

In 2007, the television drama "[[Boston Legal]]" mocked reparative therapy relentlessly.<ref>Boston Legal, "Selling Sickness," season 3, episode 14.  Produced by David E. Kelley.</ref>  The satirical cartoon comedy, "[[South Park]]," also mocked the therapy, and blamed it for causing suicide in confused and vulnerable young men.<ref>South Park, "Cartman Blows," season 10, episode 2.  Produced by Trey Parker & Matt Stone.</ref>