‘Ex-gays’ and sexual politics

Re “ ‘Ex-Gays’ Seek a Say in Schools,” May 28

Your article on activist ex-gays fails to present a significant fact. Although some people present themselves to mental health professionals or religious leaders believing they are depressed because of their homosexuality, a deeper understanding reveals that they are more likely depressed because societal acceptance remains elusive.

It is the ethical responsibility of any professional, whether secular or religious, to attempt to address the underlying cause for a client’s depression. Anything less is a great disservice to the individual and only continues to foster the misconceptions that abound in our society about homosexuality.

It is also important to note that none of the professional organizations representing the mental health disciplines consider homosexuality to be a mental disorder.

TOM STANSBURY

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Palm Springs

*

Alan Chambers, president of the ex-gay group Exodus, said of his same-sex attractions, “I hadn’t chosen it.” Exactly. None of us did. So what in the world makes him think he can “choose” heterosexuality?

The very existence of these groups implies that there is something wrong with being gay, that it needs “changing.” Millions of people, including myself, feel we were born this way. The difference between me and Chambers is that I was taught to love myself for who I am, rather than feel ashamed. I would hope we would want to send a different message to kids in our schools who may already be struggling with their sexuality and may be scared of who they are. That message should be: You’re great just the way you are.

RAY LANCON

Los Angeles

*

Maybe religious conservatives should stop worrying so much about curing gays and spend more time worrying about curing their own “disorder”: religious brainwashing. I don’t know how many people are born gay, but I do know that no one is born with religious intolerance of gays. That is taught, and that definitely can be cured.

P.J. GENDELL

Beverly Hills