The Washington Post
Ex-Gays Have Rights, Too
Saturday, October 18, 2008; page A14David S. Fishback of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays advocates keeping books that challenge homosexuality out of Fairfax County Public Schools libraries because he doesn't like what the books say about such issues as reparative therapy for homosexuality [letter, Oct. 15]. Yet ex-gay men and women are a fact of life, and trying to keep them out of sight won't work anymore.
Contrary to Mr. Fishback's claims, no medical or mental health association prohibits therapy for unwanted same-sex attractions. Indeed, the associations adhere to a code of ethics that calls for client self-determination of therapy, whether it be gay-affirming therapy or change therapy.
The ex-gay movement is a civil rights movement to ensure the safety and inclusion of former homosexuals in all realms of society and to support ex-gay people's equal access to schools and other public venues.
Let's move forward toward diversity and not backward into narrow-minded thinking.
REGINA GRIGGS
Executive Director
Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays
Reedville, Va.