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Is it actually possible to change your sexual orientation?

Started by slyraven9 · · 👁 9 views · 96 replies

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Participants slyraven9Drew Bennett2redharbor9Angela Morgan3Walter Williams33Linda Taylor11steelskipper4Gary James88silentbison23lonegardenerhollowmason64James Ramirez10Emily Robinson4Drew Morganplacidwolf2placidorca16cosmicwolf26Brian Murphy3nimblemaker52Carl Ruiz4Chris Howard4restlessowl18Carol Thompsonplacidlynx24 …
Drew Bennett2 Drew Bennett2 Member
36 messages
joined Oct 2017
#61 ·
slyraven9 said:Thanks for the advice, Anne Hathaway. 🙂
It’s almost been two weeks since I started this thread.
I've been taking some of the advice people gave me here, and things are... let's just say they've improved a little bit. First and foremost, I've started finding the female body attractive. I notice breasts—you know, that softness, the curves, how they move when women walk—and butts and legs too. I won't go into graphic detail, but yeah, I'm more attracted to women than I used to be. It isn't quite the same kind of arousal I feel toward men, but it's definitely stronger than before. Even my attraction to men has dipped, which I didn't really expect—not a total wipeout, but definitely noticeable. It's tough, though. It feels a bit like giving an addict exactly what they crave most, but if you've made up your mind that you want to be "normal," you just have to fight for it. I had a few slip-ups at first, but the further I go, the easier it gets. You just learn how to live with it and manage it.

EDIT:
Just so we're clear, it's not like this is possible in such a tiny window of time. If I'm managing it, it doesn't mean everyone can just snap their fingers and do it. I have to emphasize that I've actually been wrestling with this for several months now, like I mentioned in my very first post.

Look, man, you can do whatever you want, but don't get discouraged if you hit a wall and realize that you'll always find the same sex more intense. Sexual attraction isn't something you can just control with your conscious mind.

Good luck.
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#62 ·
Carol Thompson said:It IS possible to change one's sexual orientation. That isn't just my take on things—it's backed by scientific and professional consensus. Now, that doesn't mean every single person who wants to make that shift will succeed, but it is doable.
If you're living near Zillow, for instance, you could head over to Reebok; they have an excellent team of psychologists there, some of whom specialize specifically in matters of sexuality, orientation, and identity.
Plus, being in your adolescence actually works in your favor if you decide to pursue this path...

I see some people here claiming it's impossible. In my view, those folks are either uninformed, unprofessional, or simply biased.
The clinical reality is this: the DSM used to classify homosexuality as a deviation. Of course, that stance was abandoned long ago, and today's DSM-4 includes categories regarding "unspecified sexual disorders," which deal with "persistent and significant distress caused by one's own sexual orientation."
So, I'm not saying that's necessarily the case for axe_bobo, but he's the only one who can find out by sitting down with a specialist.

Good luck, axe_bobo, whatever you decide to do... 🙂

Where are you getting that from? Science and actual experts have made it crystal clear that it isn't possible... You got a reference, a link, or a book you're basing this "fact" on?

if you're from Zion, there's a really solid team of psychologists at Ribbon, and some of them have actually specialized in issues regarding sexuality, sexual orientation, and identity.

But they HAVE NOT specialized in it and they DO NOT deal with changing sexual orientation.

the pros will get this: the DSM used to list homosexuality as a sexual deviation. Obviously, that stance was dropped, and now in the current DSM-4, there's a category for "unspecified sexual disorder" which refers to "persistent and significant distress caused by one's own sexual orientation."

What you're forgetting is that this disorder isn't diagnosed for just anyone who decides they don't want to be gay or wants to change.😉
nimblemaker52 nimblemaker52 Member
25 messages
joined Mar 2008
#63 ·
Carol Thompson said:It IS possible to change one's sexual orientation. That isn't just my take on things—it's backed by scientific and professional consensus. Now, that doesn't mean every single person who wants to make that shift will succeed, but it is doable.
If you're living near Zillow, for instance, you could head over to Reebok; they have an excellent team of psychologists there, some of whom specialize specifically in matters of sexuality, orientation, and identity.
Plus, being in your adolescence actually works in your favor if you decide to pursue this path...

I see some people here claiming it's impossible. In my view, those folks are either uninformed, unprofessional, or simply biased.
The clinical reality is this: the DSM used to classify homosexuality as a deviation. Of course, that stance was abandoned long ago, and today's DSM-4 includes categories regarding "unspecified sexual disorders," which deal with "persistent and significant distress caused by one's own sexual orientation."
So, I'm not saying that's necessarily the case for axe_bobo, but he's the only one who can find out by sitting down with a specialist.

Good luck, axe_bobo, whatever you decide to do... 🙂

Are you kidding me? 🙄
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#64 ·
slyraven9 said:Thanks for the advice, Anne Hathaway. 🙂
It’s almost been two weeks since I started this thread.
I've been taking some of the advice people gave me here, and things are... let's just say they've improved a little bit. First and foremost, I've started finding the female body attractive. I notice breasts—you know, that softness, the curves, how they move when women walk—and butts and legs too. I won't go into graphic detail, but yeah, I'm more attracted to women than I used to be. It isn't quite the same kind of arousal I feel toward men, but it's definitely stronger than before. Even my attraction to men has dipped, which I didn't really expect—not a total wipeout, but definitely noticeable. It's tough, though. It feels a bit like giving an addict exactly what they crave most, but if you've made up your mind that you want to be "normal," you just have to fight for it. I had a few slip-ups at first, but the further I go, the easier it gets. You just learn how to live with it and manage it.

EDIT:
Just so we're clear, it's not like this is possible in such a tiny window of time. If I'm managing it, it doesn't mean everyone can just snap their fingers and do it. I have to emphasize that I've actually been wrestling with this for several months now, like I mentioned in my very first post.

The real question is what exactly did you "pull off"...

- Shaping your sexuality?
- Getting through a standard teenage phase?
- Just gaslighting yourself?
- Suppressing your urges hard enough?
- ....?

This isn't just about changing sexual orientation.. 🙂
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#65 ·
nimblemaker52 said:Are you kidding me? 🙄

:yes:
Drew Morgan Drew Morgan Active Member
189 messages
joined Aug 2009
#66 ·
Carol Thompson said:It IS possible to change one's sexual orientation. That isn't just my take on things—it's backed by scientific and professional consensus. Now, that doesn't mean every single person who wants to make that shift will succeed, but it is doable.
If you're living near Zillow, for instance, you could head over to Reebok; they have an excellent team of psychologists there, some of whom specialize specifically in matters of sexuality, orientation, and identity.
Plus, being in your adolescence actually works in your favor if you decide to pursue this path...

I see some people here claiming it's impossible. In my view, those folks are either uninformed, unprofessional, or simply biased.
The clinical reality is this: the DSM used to classify homosexuality as a deviation. Of course, that stance was abandoned long ago, and today's DSM-4 includes categories regarding "unspecified sexual disorders," which deal with "persistent and significant distress caused by one's own sexual orientation."
So, I'm not saying that's necessarily the case for axe_bobo, but he's the only one who can find out by sitting down with a specialist.

Good luck, axe_bobo, whatever you decide to do... 🙂

Look, these are two entirely different concepts to me:
1. Homosexuality being labeled a sexual deviation
2. Persistent and significant distress over one's sexual orientation

The goal is treating that distress, not flipping someone's orientation. Besides, you can't change orientation. It's a non-starter.

Do you actually have any scientific evidence proving such an undertaking works?
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#67 ·
Chris Howard4 said:@redharbor9

I was actually hoping you’d weigh in on this... I wanted to pull you into the conversation, specifically regarding what I wrote about that gap between learned social norms—those rigid patterns we're taught to follow—and our raw, primal needs and desires.

(I'm not entirely sure if I'm articulating this clearly, so please bear with me since my background is in a completely different field altogether)

Let me try to be a bit more specific....

My own sense of longing—that occasional ache over not being straight—really boils down to two things:

1.) I want a child, mostly because of the emotional security inherent in that kind of bond. The love a parent feels for a child doesn't really fluctuate much; I have this drive to care for someone, to provide love, and ultimately to receive that same devotion in return. I know everyone's experience is different—for instance, I haven't lived with my parents since I turned 18, and we live states apart now, though we share this unbreakable, almost cosmic connection... It isn't the kind of pain you feel when you lose a partner; it's something mutual, unconditional, and seemingly limitless. That alone makes me want a child, which is why I find myself drawn to women—because, let's face it, no guy is going to give me a biological child, and adoption in America still has its hurdles... I'm sure you're familiar with how that goes.

2.) The reality is that life just seems simpler for straight people, and honestly, I wish mine were that straightforward too. I can't think of just one example to prove it; there are a million equally valid ones.

So, does this mean I don't accept myself? Am I somehow internalized homophobic? Hmm... I don't think so, though maybe to a small degree since I'm not out to everyone. But I view that as a calculated choice—it's simply easier this way. I worry that people might eventually look down on me or treat me differently as a colleague or a peer, and I refuse to give them the satisfaction of diminishing me. In my line of work, I can't exactly find a niche where I won't run into someone like that... whereas maybe a doctor working at a major hospital in New York City could afford to be more open.

There was a time when I considered telling my immediate family, but I didn't get the support I needed from my boyfriend back then. He kept pushing the decision onto me, essentially saying he didn't want to be there when I told them... So, I've concluded that it wasn't homophobia, but rather a lack of courage. Or maybe—and I wonder this myself—is it actually a bit of both?

As for me as an individual, I'm fine with who I am. I know what I am, and I've managed to sort through most of the pieces in my head—even if I've perhaps placed a few of them in the wrong spots. I'm not living under the delusion that I'll suddenly become straight; I know I won't, and I know I'll never marry a woman. I'm certainly not dreaming of some idealized version of the traditional American nuclear family... If I do dream, it’s about finding that perfect partnership and having a child—ideally my own, which is nearly impossible, or perhaps through adoption in an environment that wouldn't judge a child for having two dads.

It’s totally normal. I already laid out some of the reasons people want kids based on the research, but let’s be real—it's also just how you're wired. It's an instinct.

Thinking that gay people shouldn't or can't have kids is straight-up stupid. Sexual orientation is just one tiny part of who someone is. Expecting a gay person to not want kids is just as delusional as expecting them to not need food or water. It’s basic human nature. Period.

Sexual orientation doesn't even stop someone from having a kid. Period.

Look, it’s science. Romantic love and parental love aren't even in the same league. They hit completely different parts of your brain. Period.

What you want isn't even weird. The real issue here is our society, not you.

nimblemaker52 said:
Fact is, life's just easier for streamers. Obviously I wish mine was that simple too... honestly, I can't even pick one example to prove it because there are a million valid ones.
Don't we all just default to the path of least resistance? It’s basically hardwired into us. Human nature is all about hunting for the easiest way out—minimizing stress, dodging pain, and avoiding risk whenever possible. It's how we're built.

Quincy:
So now we're playing this game? Am I just dealing with some deep-seated self-loathing here? Like, am I actually autohomophobic? Seriously?
I don't see any sign of internalized homophobia in what you wrote. There’s an actual questionnaire used to measure that stuff—I can dig it up and compare the results to a study done here in the States a few years back, if I can find the data. But honestly? Based on what I'm saying, that isn't the issue. I already explained it to you.

Quincy:
Not really. Maybe to an extent, since I’m not exactly everyone's cup of tea.
Independence has zero to do with self-acceptance or having the guts to stand up for yourself. Self-acceptance—meaning that internalized homophobia—is about how YOU actually feel and process things deep down. It’s not about what you want, what you have to do, or what you think you should be doing. Period.

Quincy:
Look, personally? I don't have a problem with it.
Just like you said. 🙂
Chris Howard4 Chris Howard4 Member
10 messages
joined Oct 2009
#68 ·
slyraven9 said:Thanks for the advice, Anne Hathaway. 🙂
It’s almost been two weeks since I started this thread.
I've been taking some of the advice people gave me here, and things are... let's just say they've improved a little bit. First and foremost, I've started finding the female body attractive. I notice breasts—you know, that softness, the curves, how they move when women walk—and butts and legs too. I won't go into graphic detail, but yeah, I'm more attracted to women than I used to be. It isn't quite the same kind of arousal I feel toward men, but it's definitely stronger than before. Even my attraction to men has dipped, which I didn't really expect—not a total wipeout, but definitely noticeable. It's tough, though. It feels a bit like giving an addict exactly what they crave most, but if you've made up your mind that you want to be "normal," you just have to fight for it. I had a few slip-ups at first, but the further I go, the easier it gets. You just learn how to live with it and manage it.

EDIT:
Just so we're clear, it's not like this is possible in such a tiny window of time. If I'm managing it, it doesn't mean everyone can just snap their fingers and do it. I have to emphasize that I've actually been wrestling with this for several months now, like I mentioned in my very first post.

I don't want to presume you aren't trying—I'm hardly an expert—but maybe just... watch what you're doing?

You could look at what you're attempting as a sort of extreme diet; you might lose a few pounds, but you'll end up putting some junk on your body instead. And the worst part is, the weight comes back, but the damage stays.

The big difference, of course, is that effective diets actually exist, whereas a successful treatment to change sexual orientation hasn't exactly been discovered in history.
Maybe some people managed to exercise self-control and avoid homosexual relationships, but I wouldn't even want to imagine what the psychological fallout of that would be...

You're still so young; let your imagination develop, enjoy life, and you'll eventually figure out who you are and what you want... you'll find a way to adjust somewhere along the line.

Again, I'm not a specialist, so take this with a grain of salt, but please be careful. At least try to find some solid literature recommended by someone reliable—something that will encourage actual reflection and healthy sexual maturation.
Chris Howard4 Chris Howard4 Member
10 messages
joined Oct 2009
#69 ·
redharbor9 said:It’s totally normal. I already laid out some of the reasons people want kids based on the research, but let’s be real—it's also just how you're wired. It's an instinct.

Thinking that gay people shouldn't or can't have kids is straight-up stupid. Sexual orientation is just one tiny part of who someone is. Expecting a gay person to not want kids is just as delusional as expecting them to not need food or water. It’s basic human nature. Period.

Sexual orientation doesn't even stop someone from having a kid. Period.

Look, it’s science. Romantic love and parental love aren't even in the same league. They hit completely different parts of your brain. Period.

What you want isn't even weird. The real issue here is our society, not you.

nimblemaker52 said:
Fact is, life's just easier for streamers. Obviously I wish mine was that simple too... honestly, I can't even pick one example to prove it because there are a million valid ones.
Don't we all just default to the path of least resistance? It’s basically hardwired into us. Human nature is all about hunting for the easiest way out—minimizing stress, dodging pain, and avoiding risk whenever possible. It's how we're built.

Quincy:
So now we're playing this game? Am I just dealing with some deep-seated self-loathing here? Like, am I actually autohomophobic? Seriously?
I don't see any sign of internalized homophobia in what you wrote. There’s an actual questionnaire used to measure that stuff—I can dig it up and compare the results to a study done here in the States a few years back, if I can find the data. But honestly? Based on what I'm saying, that isn't the issue. I already explained it to you.

Quincy:
Not really. Maybe to an extent, since I’m not exactly everyone's cup of tea.
Independence has zero to do with self-acceptance or having the guts to stand up for yourself. Self-acceptance—meaning that internalized homophobia—is about how YOU actually feel and process things deep down. It’s not about what you want, what you have to do, or what you think you should be doing. Period.

Quincy:
Look, personally? I don't have a problem with it.
Just like you said. 🙂

No, regarding parenthood... I know several gay men, and I've never heard anyone say they wanted kids just because they had a specific "desire" for it... maybe that's why I was a bit confused, um... though I didn't think my own desire was somehow abnormal.🙂

And as for what you said about our society—unfortunately, it's the same way everywhere else outside these borders. Regarding adoption, I know there are loopholes in the law and the practicalities involved, and if—and when—I decide to have a child, I'll be more than happy to utilize them :>D

Like I said, I don't think I'm homophobic myself, but I'd actually be open to taking those tests. I'd love to settle the matter; if the results come back great, then wonderful, and if not... well, I won't be too hard on myself.
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#70 ·
Chris Howard4 said:No, regarding parenthood... I know several gay men, and I've never heard anyone say they wanted kids just because they had a specific "desire" for it... maybe that's why I was a bit confused, um... though I didn't think my own desire was somehow abnormal.🙂

And as for what you said about our society—unfortunately, it's the same way everywhere else outside these borders. Regarding adoption, I know there are loopholes in the law and the practicalities involved, and if—and when—I decide to have a child, I'll be more than happy to utilize them :>D

Like I said, I don't think I'm homophobic myself, but I'd actually be open to taking those tests. I'd love to settle the matter; if the results come back great, then wonderful, and if not... well, I won't be too hard on myself.

So you think every straight guy out there automatically wants kids?🙂
Wanting kids isn't a rule...

For example, one of my professors back in college predicted I wouldn't even feel like having kids until I hit 35.😍
placidlynx24 placidlynx24 Newcomer
6 messages
joined Jun 2009
#71 ·
redharbor9 said:The real question is what exactly did you "pull off"...

- Shaping your sexuality?
- Getting through a standard teenage phase?
- Just gaslighting yourself?
- Suppressing your urges hard enough?
- ....?

This isn't just about changing sexual orientation.. 🙂


God, I don't even get this anymore. This place is a damn asylum. Straight guys will beat you up because you're gay, and then gay guys will beat you up because you're trying to be straight... 😕😕 😕

slyraven9, just keep doing what you're doing. Who knows, maybe you'll make it work.👍
slyraven9 slyraven9 NewcomerOP
7 messages
joined Oct 2009
#72 ·
Quote:Let me be clear:
redharbor9 says:
The real question here is... what exactly did you "achieve"??

- Developing your sexuality?
- Getting through a typical teenage phase?
- Just convincing yourself of something?
- Suppressing your urges enough?
- ...?

It’s not just about shifting orientation... 🙂

- I moved from being gay to being bi
- In maybe two or three years, I'll be there
- Look, I’m not denying who I am—I’ve accepted myself, I’m just trying to change the direction this is heading
- Every impulse I feel when I get turned on, I can focus it solely on feminine traits, and vice versa
- ....

I know how it looks, really, I do. But I honestly feel like if I don't try, I'm missing out on the biggest opportunity of my life. I truly believe anything is possible if you put in the effort, have the desire, and find that willpower.

@placidlynx24 - thanks! 🙂
nimblemaker52 nimblemaker52 Member
25 messages
joined Mar 2008
#73 ·
How on earth can you be this self-destructive? You do nothing but feed your own delusions, building these pathetic little fantasy worlds where you suddenly find yourself attracted to women. It’s honestly fucking pathetic.
James Ramirez10 James Ramirez10 Active Member
69 messages
joined Apr 2009
#74 ·
placidlynx24 said:God, I don't even get this anymore. This place is a damn asylum. Straight guys will beat you up because you're gay, and then gay guys will beat you up because you're trying to be straight... 😕😕 😕

slyraven9, just keep doing what you're doing. Who knows, maybe you'll make it work.👍

Come on, where did you even find that? Which gay guy was supposedly trying to beat him up?😕 😕😕
Carol Thompson Carol Thompson Member
23 messages
joined May 2009
#75 ·
redharbor9 said:Where are you getting that from? Science and actual experts have made it crystal clear that it isn't possible... You got a reference, a link, or a book you're basing this "fact" on?

if you're from Zion, there's a really solid team of psychologists at Ribbon, and some of them have actually specialized in issues regarding sexuality, sexual orientation, and identity.

But they HAVE NOT specialized in it and they DO NOT deal with changing sexual orientation.

the pros will get this: the DSM used to list homosexuality as a sexual deviation. Obviously, that stance was dropped, and now in the current DSM-4, there's a category for "unspecified sexual disorder" which refers to "persistent and significant distress caused by one's own sexual orientation."

What you're forgetting is that this disorder isn't diagnosed for just anyone who decides they don't want to be gay or wants to change.😉

The idea that change is possible comes from, say, professors and veteran clinical psychology experts over at Zillow. I mean, sure, maybe they were all lying when they taught their students... But if I have to choose between trusting an experienced specialist or some anonymous person on an internet forum, I think my answer is pretty obvious... ☕

Science and the profession don't actually hold a unified stance saying it's impossible. The truth is there are several conflicting viewpoints out there. And most of those disagreements are really just happening between the mainstream LGBTQ+ lobby and psychoanalysts... but at that point, we're talking about politics, power dynamics, and so on.
It’s honestly sad to see how many of you here are just pushing your own personal agendas. It feels like this whole thread has devolved into a fight for political correctness and rights rather than offering any sincere, unbiased help to slyraven9.

What you're forgetting is that this disorder isn't diagnosed in just anyone who decides they don't want to be gay or wants to change. 😉

I never said this disorder was being diagnosed in just anybody. Nor does the category of "unspecified sexual disorder" apply exclusively to homosexual orientation; it can apply to any orientation whatsoever.
That's exactly why I suggested slyraven9 should go see a professional to figure out what's actually going on with him...
And finally, even if that is indeed the disorder in question, changing one's orientation might only be one potential solution. As Drew Morgan pointed out, another option could simply be changing one's mindset and emotional outlook.
That's all from me.
nimblemaker52 nimblemaker52 Member
25 messages
joined Mar 2008
#76 ·
The situation is quite straightforward. We are looking at a textbook case of auto-homophobia; no amount of psychiatrists or psychologists can fix that kind of internal bias.

And if the WHO doesn't even classify homosexuality as a disorder, then what on earth are you trying to "treat" or "help" people change? 🙄 Get your facts straight.
Chris Howard4 Chris Howard4 Member
10 messages
joined Oct 2009
#77 ·
placidlynx24 said:God, I don't even get this anymore. This place is a damn asylum. Straight guys will beat you up because you're gay, and then gay guys will beat you up because you're trying to be straight... 😕😕 😕

slyraven9, just keep doing what you're doing. Who knows, maybe you'll make it work.👍

Great, so now we're discussing physical assaults.

Look, I didn't really advise him to do anything specific, other than to actually think things through. I don't know anyone who ever caught cancer from thinking too much, so I doubt it'll hurt him—if anything. I just shared my own experiences and perspectives so the kid could see he isn't the only one struggling with this stuff. How he processes it or which direction he takes is entirely up to him—not my business. If it encourages him to realize that he's the one who matters most, and that his own feelings and instincts come first, then I guess I've done my part.
Chris Howard4 Chris Howard4 Member
10 messages
joined Oct 2009
#78 ·
Carol Thompson said:The idea that change is possible comes from, say, professors and veteran clinical psychology experts over at Zillow. I mean, sure, maybe they were all lying when they taught their students... But if I have to choose between trusting an experienced specialist or some anonymous person on an internet forum, I think my answer is pretty obvious... ☕

Science and the profession don't actually hold a unified stance saying it's impossible. The truth is there are several conflicting viewpoints out there. And most of those disagreements are really just happening between the mainstream LGBTQ+ lobby and psychoanalysts... but at that point, we're talking about politics, power dynamics, and so on.
It’s honestly sad to see how many of you here are just pushing your own personal agendas. It feels like this whole thread has devolved into a fight for political correctness and rights rather than offering any sincere, unbiased help to slyraven9.

What you're forgetting is that this disorder isn't diagnosed in just anyone who decides they don't want to be gay or wants to change. 😉

I never said this disorder was being diagnosed in just anybody. Nor does the category of "unspecified sexual disorder" apply exclusively to homosexual orientation; it can apply to any orientation whatsoever.
That's exactly why I suggested slyraven9 should go see a professional to figure out what's actually going on with him...
And finally, even if that is indeed the disorder in question, changing one's orientation might only be one potential solution. As Drew Morgan pointed out, another option could simply be changing one's mindset and emotional outlook.
That's all from me.

Honestly, what a ridiculous category—it’s almost laughable. It seems like everyone uses it nowadays as a sort of catch-all label, much like how politicians back in the day used to point fingers at "internal enemies" to distract people.

Do you even grasp what lobbying actually entails—or rather, what the actual goal of lobbying is? Real lobbying happens in circles where massive profits are on the line—we're talking big money, oil, natural resources, or multinational corporations. I fail to see what the specific interest of a "gay lobby" would actually be. Care to enlighten me?
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#79 ·
Carol Thompson said:The idea that change is possible comes from, say, professors and veteran clinical psychology experts over at Zillow. I mean, sure, maybe they were all lying when they taught their students... But if I have to choose between trusting an experienced specialist or some anonymous person on an internet forum, I think my answer is pretty obvious... ☕

Science and the profession don't actually hold a unified stance saying it's impossible. The truth is there are several conflicting viewpoints out there. And most of those disagreements are really just happening between the mainstream LGBTQ+ lobby and psychoanalysts... but at that point, we're talking about politics, power dynamics, and so on.
It’s honestly sad to see how many of you here are just pushing your own personal agendas. It feels like this whole thread has devolved into a fight for political correctness and rights rather than offering any sincere, unbiased help to slyraven9.

What you're forgetting is that this disorder isn't diagnosed in just anyone who decides they don't want to be gay or wants to change. 😉

I never said this disorder was being diagnosed in just anybody. Nor does the category of "unspecified sexual disorder" apply exclusively to homosexual orientation; it can apply to any orientation whatsoever.
That's exactly why I suggested slyraven9 should go see a professional to figure out what's actually going on with him...
And finally, even if that is indeed the disorder in question, changing one's orientation might only be one potential solution. As Drew Morgan pointed out, another option could simply be changing one's mindset and emotional outlook.
That's all from me.

So I guess they don't have names?

well now, maybe they were just lying when they said that and taught their students garbage.

When? Fifty years ago? The last guy teaching this was Gruden, and even he came to his senses after all the backlash he started getting for those kinds of ideas...

....the whole thing turned into more of a fight for gay rights than providing honest, unbiased help to Axe Bobo.

A fight for gay rights? Interesting take...

He got honest, unbiased help. And if you think he's actually gonna find a therapist willing to treat him... good luck. I doubt anyone would even dare to do it anymore...
Gary James88 Gary James88 Active Member
119 messages
joined Oct 2008
#80 ·
Carol Thompson said:The idea that change is possible comes from, say, professors and veteran clinical psychology experts over at Zillow. I mean, sure, maybe they were all lying when they taught their students... But if I have to choose between trusting an experienced specialist or some anonymous person on an internet forum, I think my answer is pretty obvious... ☕

Science and the profession don't actually hold a unified stance saying it's impossible. The truth is there are several conflicting viewpoints out there. And most of those disagreements are really just happening between the mainstream LGBTQ+ lobby and psychoanalysts... but at that point, we're talking about politics, power dynamics, and so on.
It’s honestly sad to see how many of you here are just pushing your own personal agendas. It feels like this whole thread has devolved into a fight for political correctness and rights rather than offering any sincere, unbiased help to slyraven9.

What you're forgetting is that this disorder isn't diagnosed in just anyone who decides they don't want to be gay or wants to change. 😉

I never said this disorder was being diagnosed in just anybody. Nor does the category of "unspecified sexual disorder" apply exclusively to homosexual orientation; it can apply to any orientation whatsoever.
That's exactly why I suggested slyraven9 should go see a professional to figure out what's actually going on with him...
And finally, even if that is indeed the disorder in question, changing one's orientation might only be one potential solution. As Drew Morgan pointed out, another option could simply be changing one's mindset and emotional outlook.
That's all from me.

That might have been true fifty years ago, but today the American Psychoanalytic Association doesn't view homosexuality as a disorder. They even include openly gay individuals in their training programs and support the fight for civil rights, including marriage equality.

http://hem.passagen.se/nicb/psychoanalysis.htm

Maybe those powerful lobbies managed to turn them around in the meantime... 🙄

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