APA attempts to keep members abreast of the latest developments in scientific knowledge and understanding of human behavior, mental illness, and treatments through articles, textbooks, workshops, symposia, and so on. This includes our current understanding of homosexuality, which is understood to be a normal variation in the continuum of human sexual behaviors. In the last 50 years, our understanding of human behavior, especially sexual behavior, has increased exponentially. We now understand much about the human sexual response and have treatments for various dysfunctions. We understand the process of conception and have developed precise methods of birth control. We have discovered the range of normal human sexual behavior. Even the psychoanalytic community has come to accept homosexuality as a normal human sexual response and developed new theories of development for men and women.
Despite this incredible burst in scientific knowledge and understanding, some clinicians hold to old theories about pathology and sexuality, seeking to change what is seen as normal human behavior through conversion or reparative therapy. Over the years, many methods have been tried to change a person’s sexual orientation, including aversive therapy and electroshock therapy, but there is no documented, scientifically valid proof that any of these methods can change a person’s basic sexual orientation. In fact, there is mounting evidence that attempts to change sexual orientation through reparative therapy frequently lead to emotional distress, depression, and suicidality. That is why APA took a position on reparative therapy—to protect those who might be injured in an unproven and unsupported treatment.
The main remaining argument against homosexuality is a moral and religious one, based on a handful of Biblical scriptures and promulgated by mostly fundamentalist religions. These same scriptures have been used to justify slavery, racial discrimination, and oppression of women, as well as prohibitions on masturbation, birth control, and divorce. As human understanding of and knowledge about sexuality have increased, we have changed our attitudes about most of these issues, but still uphold prohibitions against homosexuality. Most of you must have colleagues, friends, family, and patients who are homosexual and know that we are as religious, spiritual, ethical, and compassionate as everyone else. This knowledge and personal experience should help us rethink ideas that are often based on outdated beliefs and misunderstandings, just as psychoanalysis was.
APA should reflect the current state of scientific knowledge and understanding of normal human behavior, as well as its pathology, and be a beacon for enlightenment, tolerance, advocacy, and fair treatment for all. That is why the position statement on reparative therapy was passed, and we ask for all of our members to be open to new ways of understanding and acceptance.
