Podcast Summary
Exploring New Perks and Events: The Capital One Venture X Card offers 2X miles on every purchase and premium travel benefits, while using Kelly Blue Book My Wallet on AutoTrader can help determine car affordability. The Step You Should Know podcast is hosting a live show at the San Francisco Sketchfest and discussing the ethics of equal media coverage for conversion therapy.
The Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and comes with premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. Meanwhile, using Kelly Blue Book My Wallet on AutoTrader can help you determine the affordability of your dream car without needing advanced math skills. On a different note, the hosts of the Step You Should Know podcast are announcing their live show at the annual San Francisco Sketchfest, taking place at the Castro Theater and Piano Fight on January 18th and 19th, respectively. Furthermore, during their discussion on conversion therapy, the hosts touched upon the debate of whether the media should treat all sides of an issue equally or not. They acknowledged that in the past, the coverage of conversion therapy was relatively even-handed, but they argued that it could be perpetuating ignorance instead of challenging harmful practices. This topic warrants further exploration, and the hosts plan to delve deeper into it in future episodes.
Historical roots of conversion therapy: Despite lack of scientific evidence, conversion therapy continues to be a harmful practice, linking to negative health outcomes and promoting stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Conversion therapy, a practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual, has deep historical roots and has been a significant part of the culture war waged by the Christian right. Originating in the late 19th century, this practice was popularized by psychologists and hypnotists who claimed success in converting gay men. The idea that being gay is a condition that needs to be "cured" has persisted throughout history, gaining official recognition in the 2016 Republican Party platform. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, conversion therapy continues to be a contentious issue, with proponents insisting on the moral imperative to "convert" individuals to heterosexuality. The practice has been linked to negative health outcomes, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Ultimately, the belief that being gay is a condition that needs to be fixed is harmful and stigmatizing, and efforts should focus on promoting acceptance and understanding of all sexual orientations.
Early Attempts to Change LGBTQ+ Identities: Historically, unsuccessful and harmful methods like electroconvulsive therapy, lobotomies, testicular transplants, and aversive conditioning were used to try and change LGBTQ+ identities. These practices are now widely recognized as unethical and ineffective.
Throughout history, various attempts have been made to change or "cure" people perceived as LGBTQ+, often involving harmful and invasive techniques. These efforts, which were predominantly driven by psychology and medical communities in the late 1800s and early 1900s, included electroconvulsive therapy, lobotomies, testicular transplants, and aversive conditioning. The belief was that these methods could "convert" individuals into being heterosexual. However, there is no evidence that any of these techniques were effective or successful. In fact, they often caused shame, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy. The practice of trying to change someone's sexual orientation through medical or psychological interventions is now widely regarded as unethical. The American Psychological Association officially denounced the practice in 1973, recognizing that being LGBTQ+ is not a mental disorder.
The History of Controversial Conversion Therapy: Conversion therapy, an outdated practice aimed at changing individuals' sexual orientations or gender identities, persisted despite being abandoned by psychology in the 1970s and is still a subject of debate today, with some arguing for its validity and others condemning it as harmful and ineffective.
The concept of conversion therapy, which aims to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, was largely abandoned by psychology in the 1970s due to the consensus that being LGBTQ+ is not a disorder. However, the practice persisted, particularly in religious circles, and gained renewed attention and influence during the 1980s. Conversion therapy can take place in various settings, including licensed therapists' offices or in more informal contexts like basements or church rooms. The most well-known proponent of conversion therapy was Joseph Nicollosi, Sr., a psychologist who applied his therapeutic knowledge to try and change people's sexual orientations. Despite his background as a trained psychologist, his methods were considered controversial and harmful, and in 2021, Amazon stopped selling his works due to their promotion of conversion therapy as fraudulent. The debate around conversion therapy continues, with some arguing for its validity and others condemning it as harmful and ineffective.
Theories of psychotherapist Joseph Nicolosi on causes of homosexuality: Joseph Nicolosi's discredited theory suggested environmental factors and childhood traumas could cause homosexuality, but scientific evidence does not support this claim. Instead, research suggests a potential genetic basis for sexual orientation.
The theory of psychotherapist Joseph Nicolosi, who believed that environmental factors and childhood traumas could cause homosexuality, has been widely debated and criticized. Nicolosi believed that experiences such as desire for adventure, peer acceptance, loneliness, approval or affection for males, general rebellion, and sexual molestation could lead to same-sex attraction. However, his theory has been discredited, and the idea that sexual abuse leads to being gay is also a common but incorrect belief. A study from 1992, which Niccolosi referenced, found that younger teens were more likely to express sexual confusion about their orientation, but this does not mean that certain experiences can definitively cause homosexuality. The idea that a family triad of a domineering mother, passive detached father, and sensitive child would result in a gay child has also not been proven. Despite scientific progress toward understanding the potential genetic basis of homosexuality, the void in definitive answers has allowed controversial theories like Nicolosi's to persist. It's important to remember that all individuals have the right to seek therapy for their personal struggles, but forcing children into conversion therapy is not ethical.
Attempting to change sexual identity through conversion therapy: Conversion therapy, an outdated and harmful practice, aims to change an individual's sexual orientation, causing real harm and going against the acceptance of one's identity.
Conversion therapy, as advocated by Niccolosi, is fundamentally damaging and misguided. This approach, which aims to change an individual's sexual identity based on societal unacceptance, goes against the grain of accepting and embracing one's identity. Unlike gay affirmative therapy, conversion therapy does not focus on the positive aspects of being gay or straight, but rather, it attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation. This approach, which includes the therapist disclosing their personal views, encouraging inquiry, resolving past traumas, and educating about the supposed negative aspects of homosexuality, is not only damaging but also creates real harm. It's important to remember that every individual deserves to own their identity and be accepted for who they are.
The darker side of conversion therapy: Conversion therapy, popularized in the 1960s, aimed to change a person's sexual orientation, causing harm instead of comfort and acceptance.
Conversion therapy, despite the good intentions of some practitioners like Niccolosi, has a darker side rooted in societal fears and beliefs. The therapy gained popularity during the 1960s as homosexuality began to be more accepted, with the Christian right seeing it as a threat to traditional masculinity and societal values. They believed that strong masculine leadership in families could prevent homosexuality, leading to the belief that passive fathers and domineering mothers could produce gay children. While some therapists like Niccolosi may have provided comfort and acceptance, the overall goal of conversion therapy was to change a person's sexual orientation, causing emotional, social, and physical harm.
APA classifies homosexuality as normal variation, conversion therapy is fraudulent: APA recognizes homosexuality as normal, debunking conversion therapy's claim to change sexual orientation. Sadly, about 700,000 Americans have undergone conversion therapy, harming children with messages of wrongness and various methods.
The American Psychological Association (APA) classified homosexuality as a normal variation of human sexual orientation in 1972, meaning it can't be changed. Conversion therapy, which aims to do so, is therefore considered a fraud. Meanwhile, platforms like Zigazoo offer a safe social media experience for kids, while Airbnb provides an opportunity for homeowners to make extra money by renting out their properties. However, the discussion on conversion therapy was particularly challenging due to its sad and harmful impact on children, who are often told they're wrong and subjected to various methods to change their sexual orientation. Approximately 700,000 people in the US have undergone conversion therapy. It's important to note that promoting acceptance and love for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, is essential.
Conversion therapy: Harmful practices to change sexual orientation or gender identity: Conversion therapy, with techniques like aversion therapy, physical abuse, and psychological manipulation, can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicide. No scientific evidence supports its effectiveness.
Conversion therapy, the practice of attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, is still a prevalent issue, particularly in certain parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and South America. This practice, which can be carried out by licensed therapists or religious advisors in secretive settings, can involve harmful techniques such as aversion therapy, the use of noxious stimuli, and even exorcisms. Some reported experiences include physical abuse, forced isolation, and psychological manipulation. The long-term effects of conversion therapy can be devastating, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide. It's important to note that there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of conversion therapy, and it is widely condemned by medical and mental health organizations. The lack of transparency and regulation surrounding conversion therapy makes it difficult to understand the full extent of its harm.
The Harmful Effects of Conversion Therapy: Conversion therapy, which forces individuals to change their gender identity or sexual orientation, can cause significant harm and psychological distress, including identity crises and suicide.
Conversion therapy, which includes forcing individuals, especially children, to unlearn feminine behaviors and learn masculine ones, can cause significant harm. This practice, which was used to "cure" homosexuality, was based on the belief that masculine roles and behaviors were the ultimate goal for individuals, leading them to marriage and children. However, the methods used, such as punishment and reward systems, were damaging and could lead to identity crises and psychological distress. The tragic case of George Wreckers and his client, a four-and-a-half-year-old boy exhibiting cross-gender identity, illustrates the devastating consequences of this practice. Despite the short-term success of conditioning the child to behave in a more masculine way, the long-term damage to his identity and self-worth ultimately led to suicide at the age of 30. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using proven psychological techniques to manipulate someone's identity, as the harm outweighs any potential benefits.
Conversion therapy: Harmful practice discredited by medical and psychological associations: Conversion therapy, which aims to change sexual orientation, is harmful and lacks scientific support. It poses risks like depression, guilt, substance abuse, and suicidality.
Conversion therapy, which aims to change an individual's sexual orientation from homosexuality to heterosexuality, is discredited by various medical and psychological associations due to the critical health risks it poses. These risks include depression, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, shame, self-hatred, hostility, dehumanization, betrayal, social withdrawal, substance abuse, stress, sexual dysfunction, loss of faith, and suicidality. The APA, along with numerous other organizations, has condemned conversion therapy due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and the proven harm it causes. Some countries and states have even outlawed this practice. The Christian right has historically supported conversion therapy, but high-profile cases exposing its ineffectiveness and harm have helped shift public opinion. For instance, John Paulk, a prominent figure in the ex-gay movement, was exposed as gay just a few years after leading a successful ad campaign promoting conversion therapy.
Public figures' LGBTQ identities leading to scandals: Some public figures who opposed or denied their LGBTQ identities faced scandals and career downfall, while others apologized and shifted discourse
The lives of individuals who have publicly opposed or denied their LGBTQ identities have sometimes resulted in public scandals and controversies. For instance, John Park, a chef and former XK success story, was once married but is now living his best life as a gay man. However, there have been other high-profile figures, such as Michael Johnston and Ted Haggard, who were once anti-LGBTQ leaders but were later exposed for having hidden gay relationships and even engaging in illegal activities like buying crystal meth and having sex with underage boys. These scandals led to the downfall of their public careers and caused significant damage to their personal reputations. Contrastingly, Alan Chambers, the former leader of Exodus International, a prominent conversion therapy organization, publicly admitted that conversion therapy doesn't work and apologized to the LGBTQ community for the harm caused by the organization. This marked a significant shift in the discourse around conversion therapy and LGBTQ rights within the Christian community.
Legality of Conversion Therapy for Minors: As of 2019, 18 states and D.C. banned conversion therapy for minors among licensed professionals. However, religious organizations and non-licensed practitioners may still offer it. Bans face legal challenges based on free speech rights.
While conversion therapy is a controversial practice, particularly when it involves minors, the legality of it varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the profession of the practitioner. As of 2019, 18 states and Washington D.C. have banned conversion therapy for minors among licensed medical professionals. However, religious organizations and non-licensed practitioners may still be able to offer it. The courts generally uphold these bans, but challenges often center around free speech rights. For instance, New York City faced backlash for banning the practice among adults, leading to a lawsuit. The case was ultimately dropped as a strategy to avoid a potential Supreme Court challenge. Overall, the practice remains a contentious issue, with some arguing it infringes on free speech and others seeing it as harmful to individuals' mental health.
A debate on the use of 'a' before 'h' in 'an historic district': Language rules can be subjective and debated, with both prescriptivist and descriptivist approaches having validity.
Language rules can be subjective and debated, even among friends. In a recent email exchange, a listener expressed his frustration with the consistent use of the indefinite article "a" before the letter "h" in the phrase "an historic district." The listener felt strongly that this practice, which he believes comes from the heavy pronunciation of the vowel following the "h," should be discontinued. The hosts, Joe and Josh, engaged in a lively discussion about the origin and validity of this rule, ultimately concluding that both the prescriptivist (strict adherence to rules) and descriptivist (observation of language as it is used) approaches have merit. The listener, who initially came across as pedantic, was revealed to be a fan of the show and a thoughtful linguistic observer. The exchange underscores the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives on language use.
