Coming Out… in the name of God

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Coming Out… in the name of God

Throughout history, many individuals who identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community have been facing discrimination, hatred, and bigotry. In the 1950-60s, as an example, some therapists focused on malicious practices to “cure” male homosexuality, such as forcing patients to see pictures of naked men while giving them electric shocks or drugs until they vomit, to then making them go on a date with a young female nurse. In the same way in 1968, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) listed homosexuality as a mental disorder, and it was not until 1987 that this concept was removed from APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community is ‘one thing,’ but being a religious person and ‘gay’ would bring even more disapprovals and hate to the table. Some people not only have an ‘issue’ with these community but also with the [heterosexual] religious leaders who preach love regardless sexual orientation. Although our first amendment states that we all have the right to freedom of religion and speech, it seems like this not necessarily applies to gays or any other gender aside from heterosexual. But, what are the values of a person who chooses to come out in the name of God?

Community Psychologists and LGBTQ+

Psychologists Nelson and Prilleltensky (2010) claim that the three ‘core values’ for community psychologists are: values for personal, relational, and collective well-being. The authors of Community Psychology: In Pursuit of Liberation and Well-Being promote a series of values such as caring and compassion, respect for diversity, and social justice, as well as questions that community psychologists should ask to themselves to better aid communities, including the LGBTQ+ one. Nelson and Prilleltensky (2010) state that, “When collective factors such as social justice and access to valued resources combine with a sense of community and personal empowerment, chances are that psychological and political well-being will ensure” (2010, p. 65). In the “Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force: Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation,” the APA reports that although some religious values, beliefs and practices have changed over time, “reflecting evolving scientific and civil rights perspectives on homosexuality and sexual orientation… [some other religious groups including some religious-based colleges] perceive their religion and their sexual orientation as incompatible, because in some faiths homosexuality is perceived as sinful and immoral” (American Psychological Association 2009, p. 20).

As community psychologists, it is our responsibility to continue aiding and defending disadvantaged people and promoting social justice. It is equally important to recognize that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual, Questioning/Queer, Intersex, and so forth also form part of these groups who have been so marginalized and oppressed throughout history and across the world. Working towards inclusion and providing a sense of community, are some of the values and principles that community psychologist should keep on mind to address the LGBTQ+ community; particularly, to keep on deconstructing the idea that a person cannot describe him/herself as gay and religious because it is widely considerate as a contradiction to many religious people’s beliefs. Why is so difficult to show respect and being ethical towards a person whose chose to follow God’s amendment of loving our neighbors like ourselves (Mark 12:31)?

References:

Geoffrey Nelson, Isaac Prilleltensky. (2010). Community Pasychology: In Pursuit of Liberation and Well-Being (2nd ed.). New York: Palgrave MacMillian.

American Psychological Association. (2009). Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force: Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation. Washington, DC.

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