it's about time

The American Psychological Association tells its members that there is no good evidence that efforts to change sexual orientation, from gay to straight, are effective - and evidence that it is harmful. It accepted a report from a task force formed a couple of years ago to address concerns that there was an increase in groups promoting "ex-gay" therapy.

Other encouraging items coming out of the APA convention (happening in Toronto at the moment):

-Researchers were encouraged to investigate "positive, unique traits" of gay teens as opposed to always focusing on messages of "anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and suicide risk", which "gives ammunition to the religious right, pathologizes gay youth and diverts mental health professionals from gay teens truly at risk. 'It also ignores all those good, incredibly healthy gay kids out there, who are leaders, football players, basketball players, dancers, artists, American Idols, all sorts of things. Why aren't they being portrayed?'"

- Psychologists were advised that MTF transsexuals score high on a feminine scale of gender role congruence, and were reminded that they are not just "men in dresses". 'These women really experience the world as women do... As clinicians... we need to honor and respect their sex role identities.'