By Tyler Stratman-
On Sept. 29th, 2010, news broke out that Rutgers University freshman, Tyler Clementi, jumped from the George Washington Bridge after being cyber bullied about his sexuality. Within three weeks following the death of Clementi, five more teenagers took their lives regarding concerns about their sexual preference. Over recent months the news media and celebrities, such as Ellen DeGeneres, have been on patrol to stop the hazing and bullying over being gay. But is there a way the public could have prevented these adolescents from being gay? Or is homosexuality in fact genetic?
After the death of Tyler Clementi, many researchers and scientists have been on a lookout to cure homosexuality. Some scientists even say that it is hereditary. The article “What makes someone gay or lesbian?” written by Kathy Belge, defines the line between inherited trait vs. environmental surroundings. Both religious organizations and some scientist agree that being gay is a choice no matter the genetics or environment.
Most gay people believe that their sexual preference is the same as being born straight, but some homosexuals believe it was a choice. Sheryl Swoopes received a lot of scorn from the gay community over her comments on Gay.com “I think there are a lot gays and lesbians who believe they are born that way.” She followed by, “For me, I believe it was a choice, I was in a point in my life where I had gone through a divorce…and I made the choice to fall in love with a woman.” However, Albany resident, Nate Smith said, “Over the years I have had multiple psychiatrists tell me I choose to be gay, which is total bullshit, why would anyone want to choose to go through this torture their whole lives.” Many people now believe that homosexuality is in fact genetic.
After not being able to provide evidence for a “gay gene” scientist are now testing twins. Their studies showed that for identical twins, both male and female, if one twin was gay than there was a 48% chance their twin would be as well. But, fraternal twins only carried a 16% likeability of being gay. This study shows that those who receive identical genetic make-up are more likely to be gay, than those who receive less. No new results have been obtained whether or not homosexuality is genetic. Without the results of a successful genetic study, many homosexuals are now turning their attention to a program called re-orientation.
Re-orientation is a process of extensive therapy tactics, with a long-term end result of simply changing your sexual orientation in another direction. National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) is one of the premier organizations offering re-orientation, however many activists from the gay community call NARTH a “Hate-based organization” and “Anti-gay.”
The founder, Julie Hamilton, calls these comments all lies, she says her goal is to embrace the homosexuality community, not hate them.
“My staff and I all have compassion for our clients in meeting their long-term goals. NARTH values the client’s right to choose…both those who are comfortable with their sexuality and those who want to change,” she said.
NARTH offers the following procedures: Research of homosexuals who have changed, lectures by professional mental-health specialist, publication and literature assigned reading, emphasis on teen attractions in relation to homosexuality and acknowledging that their goal is not quick or easy and some patients don’t make the change in the end.
According to Hamilton, no scientific studies have been proven to agree with those that say it’s methods are harmful. She believes that accusations come from clients being harmed through the process, overshadowing clients that have been helped.
In the book “Ex –gays?,” a sample of success stories are about NARTH’s clientele success rate. Many scholars have gone on to say that the book is “bogus” and that none of these stories show the true character of the individual. Hamilton immediately went on the defense saying, “Our stories are as real as they get, why would anyone want to lie about not being gay anymore, because in all reality they are lying to themselves.”
Other organizations trying, re-orientation includes Exodus International, a religious based organization.
Other forms of therapy include, One Eye Integration, a three step procedure.
The steps are:
1. Cover and uncover one eye at a time, while thinking of a disturbing thought or feeling.
2. Track stimuli across visual field while client is experiencing distressing thoughts.
3. Track process for painful signals throughout body.
The goal of OEI is to trick one side of your brain to match the other. By simultaneously switching eye to eye, your brain gets distracting allowing the positive sensation to reinforce both sides. Smith, who has tried OEI, has yet to see any positive trials.
Although no studies have been proven if homosexuality is in fact curable, through therapy or psychological techniques, some researchers and even homosexuals, are not giving up the fight.
Mr. Smith believes that eventually everybody is going to give up and accept it. Until that point comes, many gay Christians and parents are not losing their hope yet. Nate Smith ended with, “It’s sad to say, but now that Tyler Clementi and those other boys died, I think it had to happen in order to save others.”
Here’s hope for a better tomorrow.
The Monday After 
Posted on November 14, 2011
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