peer-reviewed journal literature on sexual orientation change
efforts and issued a report in 2009. The task force concluded
that sexual orientation change efforts can pose critical
health risks to lesbian, gay and bisexual people, including
confusion, depression, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness,
shame, social withdrawal, suicidality, substance abuse,
stress, disappointment, self-blame, decreased self-esteem and
authenticity to others, increased self-hatred, hostility and
blame toward parents, feelings of anger and betrayal, loss of
friends and potential romantic partners, problems in sexual
and emotional intimacy, sexual dysfunction, high-risk sexual
behaviors, a feeling of being dehumanized and untrue to self,
a loss of faith and a sense of having wasted time and
resources.
(3) The American Psychological Association issued a
resolution on Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual
Orientation Distress and Change Efforts in 2009, which
advises "parents, guardians, young people, and their families
to avoid sexual orientation change efforts that portray
homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder
and to seek psychotherapy, social support, and educational
services that provide accurate information on sexual
orientation and sexuality, increase family and school
support, and reduce rejection of sexual minority youth."
(4) The American Psychiatric Association published a
position statement in March 2000 in which it stated:
(i) "Psychotherapeutic modalities to convert or
'repair' homosexuality are based on developmental
theories whose scientific validity is questionable.
Furthermore, anecdotal reports of 'cures' are
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