To the Editor:
I read with sadness the lengthy letter by Nancy S. Ewing of Milton, printed in The Cape Gazettes August 1 issue. Her anti-gay rhetoric presented an objectively incorrect interpretation of current scientific research on the origins of homosexuality. This interpretation was used as scientific pretense to support her underlying argument that homosexuals not only can, but should change their sexual orientation. In Ms. Ewings view, the purpose of such a conversion is to "leave behind a lifestyle that left them empty and depressed."
Contrary to the highly selective and questionable few studies that Ms. Ewing cites, there is no general scientific consensus as to the "cause" of homosexuality. While genetic predisposition is probably a factor, it is by no means the only factora point made obvious by studies of monozygotic twins. Hormonal and other developmental influences during fetal gestation, as well as social and environmental situations during childhood, probably also contribute to whether a child grows up gay, bisexual, straight, or whatever. In all likelihood, the same factors that influence heterosexuality are those that influence homosexuality.
Several of Ms. Ewings cited studies are by no means scientific, impartial investigations. Their authors affiliations are highly revealing: "The National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality?" "Exodus International?" These are ultra-right-wing front organizations whose purpose is to spread hate and violence against gay men and lesbians under the guise of pseudo-science. Such organizations are typically tied to intolerant religious groups who profit financially and politically through the sale of such hate material, the fees they charge to "convert" people, and contributions solicited through sophisticated television, radio, and direct mail campaigns that exploit the hatred of gays. If we are to have an "intelligent and open discussion of the facts," as Ms. Ewing requests, lets cite studies with at least a modicum of scientific basisstudies published in reputable, peer-reviewed journals by authors affiliated with accredited universities and research institutions.
But regardless of the "cause" of homosexuality, and regardless of whether or not that "cause" can be reversed, why try? Homosexuality is not a disease any more than left-handedness is a disease. It was removed from the American Psychiatric Associations classification of mental diseases in 1973, and no reputable physician, psychologist, counselor, or social worker currently attempts to change a homosexual person into a heterosexual one. The reason this decision was made is that the mental health community realized more than 20 years ago that the vast majority of homosexual men and women lead totally normal, ordinary lives. They go to work, interact with friends and coworkers, build homes together, pay taxes, and are productive members of the community. Of course, there are some unhappy and even some mentally ill gay people. But to say that homosexuality is the root of mental illness is akin to saying that heterosexuality is the root of mental illness.
The problems suffered by gay men and lesbians are not due to an inherent mental illness that needs to be "cured," but are the result of the hatred, intolerance, and ignorance of people like Ms. Ewing. Its not hard to see how "emptiness and depression" can result from continuous harassment, violence, job and housing discrimination perpetrated by those who deny your very right to exist, attempt to profit from your "conversion," and complain against Hate Crime laws intended to provide you the same legal protections as everybody else.
The fact of the matter is, who you are and how you live is no ones business but your own, and no one has the right to force their beliefs on you. The "origins" and "therapy" of homosexuality are entirely moot issues which cunningly veil an underlying context: the hatred and elimination of gays. Having people like Ms. Ewing around, attempting to "convert" homosexuals into heterosexuals for political and financial gain, is the ultimate invasion of privacy. Every gay person I know just wants to be left alone to live as an ordinary, productive citizen, without this or other forms of harassment.
Sincerely,
David C. DeLuca
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8/8/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.