2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference: Nov 20-22, West Palm Beach, Florida

[Emproph]

I thought I’d share this for anyone else who might be interested.

The following is a simple copy and paste from the home page and the links should all be working.

I registered and am planning on being there since it’s just a two and a half hour hop skip and flip-flop from where I’m at.

~~~~~

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference
Building Community to End the Harm Caused By Heterosexism & Reparative Therapy

Submit Workshop Proposal
Sponsored by
Soulforce, Truth Wins Out, the National Black Justice Coalition, Beyond Ex-Gay, Box Turtle Bulletin, and Equality Florida
November 20-22, 2009
West Palm Beach, Florida

FEATURING
Dr. Sylvia Rhue, Dr. Jack Drescher, and Rev. Deborah Johnson

Early Registration begins August 20 and ends October 5, 2009
ABOUT THE ANTI-HETEROSEXISM CONFERENCE:
Why in the world would we put "Anti" in the title of our conference?

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference is open to everyone who cares about the welfare of LGBTQ people and wants to help stop the harm caused by heterosexism, reparative therapy, ex-gay ministries and other sexual orientation change efforts. Conference attendees come from all walks of life and many professional backgrounds, including LGBTQ people, clergy, educators, mental health professionals, and allies. By attending this conference you will learn to:

• challenge heterosexist attitudes that exist on personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels.
• speak out publicly against the dangers of reparative therapy, ex-gay ministries, and other "conversion" efforts.
• build community to advocate for LGBTQ people and support them in leading successful, happy, and productive lives.

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference also serves as a counter to the misinformation and harm perpetuated by the national antigay group NARTH (National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality) which will be holding it's annual conference in West Palm Beach on the same weekend.

WHAT IS HETEROSEXISM AND ANTI-HETEROSEXISM?

Heterosexism is the presumption that others are heterosexual and that opposite sex attractions and relationships are preferable and superior to those of the same sex. Heterosexism has been encoded into nearly every major social, religious, cultural, and economic institution in our society and it leads directly to discrimination and the harmful efforts by some health care providers and religious groups to change or repress the sexual orientation of those under their care.

Anti-heterosexism involves recognizing and questioning the power and privileges society confers on heterosexual people because of their sexual orientation. It involves respecting and fostering the inclusivity and diversity of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

HOW ARE HETEROSEXISM AND "REPARATIVE THERAPY" RELATED?

One of the most destructive forms of heterosexism is the practice of "ex-gay" ministries and "reparative" or "sexual orientation conversion" therapies. Based on the false presumption that heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality, these treatments use scientifically unsound and outdated understandings of sexual and gender identity and offer false hope to vulnerable and distressed people, especially those from conservative religious backgrounds. The harm caused by such programs can be immense, with troubling ethical violations that may include breaches in patient/client confidentiality, and outcomes that increase the risk for depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior. Paid spokespersons from ex-gay ministries speak in courtrooms, school board meetings, and directly to legislators in Congress in order to deny LGBTQ people full civil equality.

Upon completing a careful scientific review of the published literature on conversion therapy, and having undergone a rigorous American Psychological Association peer review process, the Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Response to Sexual Orientation concluded that sexual orientation is unlikely to change due to "therapeutic" efforts and issued a resolution calling on mental health professionals to avoid telling clients they can change from gay to straight through therapy or other treatments. The full APA press release can be read at http://www.apa.org/releases/therapeutic.html.

The weather in West Palm Beach in November is beautiful - join us!






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[Emproph]

The centerpiece of our opposition will be The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference (Nov. 20-22), created by SoulForce and sponsored by a host of other organizations.

Ex-gay conference in SoFla
Quack attack is back in West Palm Beach
By WAYNE BESEN
OCT. 22, 2009

Most heartbreaking, NARTH preys on parents and encourages them to send in children as young as three to be “fixed”. They tell parents that if a child is gay their life will be more difficult – even as NARTH is the one ensuring it will be so. There is a conflict of interest when those responsible for causing rejection and harassment claim they are there to only help those who want to change. They never seem to ask, “Why do people want to change?”

The answer, of course, is clearly the existence of NARTH.

NARTH is a backward organization run by fringe ideologues whose ideas have been soundly rejected by every respected medical and mental health association in America. It is crucial that we continue working to shine a light on its shenanigans, so people understand that NARTH is extreme, not the mainstream group it pretends to be.

http://www.floridablade.com/2009/10-...lumns/6400.cfm

[Emproph]

Hello from all of us at Soulforce!

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference begins next weekend (November 20, 2009) in West Palm Beach and we look forward to this unprecedented gathering of one hundred of our nation's finest mental health professionals, LGBT advocates, ex-gay survivors and religious leaders. Together, we plan to collaborate on ways to reduce the harm caused by heterosexism in society and the dangerous sexual orientation change efforts espoused by NARTH, Exodus and other such groups.

The cutoff for the $79 room rate was November 6, however you may be able to still get that rate if rooms are available in the hotel. Please call the Crowne Plaza West Palm Beach at 877-701-9250 and request the $79 rate under the group name SOULFORCE to make a reservation.

For guests flying in to Palm Beach International airport (PBI), the hotel offers free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. After collecting any checked baggage simply call the hotel and advise them that you are awaiting a ride to the hotel. The shuttle runs every half hour on the hour and half-hour, however, they need to be advised someone is waiting so as to be sure and pick them up. Just call 561 689 6400 and advise the front desk you are at the shuttle pickup stop and ready to be picked up.

Once you get to the hotel, just look for the signs to find us. We look forward to a fun and informative weekend together. Thank for joining us and see you soon!

Peace and Love – Bill

Bill Carpenter
SOULFORCE
Director of National Actions
bill@soulforce.org
727 687 1955
www.soulforce.org

People are empowered to work for justice by their love for others...and by the love they receive from others. The recognition that we cannot imagine how we will create change is the beginning point, not the end, of an ethic founded on love for oneself and for others!

Sharon Welch

As excellent stewards of your funds, the Board of Directors of SOULFORCE promises to use your contributions wisely, efficiently, and effectively to achieve our mission of ending religion-based discrimination of the LGBT community. Please help make a difference by joining the 365 Club! For more information go towww.soulforce.org/365club.

[Emproph]

we plan to collaborate on ways to reduce the harm caused by heterosexism in society and the dangerous sexual orientation change efforts espoused by NARTH, Exodus and other such groups.

Too many of we GLBT's and supporters are blissfully unaware of the threat these groups pose.

I was talking with a friend (who is gay) from HS a while back, and he expressed the notion that "all they really want is the 'name' marriage."

I did my best to enlighten him.

So, one solution might be to make at least one float---in as many Pride Parades as possible---an activist one.

They could hand out flyers (toys, dvd’s etc.), with information and links to online pro-gay / activist resources, while blaring songs about lying, like the Thompson Twins' song "Lies, lies, lies, yeah." Or "Pants on fire," by the Flaming Legs Clothes.

[Emproph]

He used to write for Ex-Gay Watch, and now writes for Box Turtle Bulletin.

This is from a few days prior to the conference, I'll update conference videos and pictures as I can.

From the YouTube info:

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference is open to everyone; including psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, educators, clergy, health care professionals, and others who provide services to, or care for, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The goal of the conference is to explore and begin undoing the heterosexist attitudes that exist on personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels. With information and strategies for building connection and community, health care professionals and educators can advocate for LGBT people and support them in leading successful, happy, and productive lives in the communities in which they work, live, and attend school.

[Emproph]

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference also serves as a counter to the misinformation and harm perpetuated by the national antigay group NARTH (National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality) which will be holding it's annual conference in West Palm Beach on the same weekend.

This protest occurred in tandem with the conference but was not necessarily a part of it.

I did have some insightful conversations with the organizers of the protest who were also part of the conference.

Videos are in order, 1-6.

Protest against NARTH convention in West Palm Beach, Florida on November 21, 2009. Protestors challenge the organizers and attendees of the convention that claims to be able to "pray away the...

I admit that I haven’t explored the websites of the those (whom I now know) who organized this protest, AND that major one in DC from a few weeks ago, but here are their links:

http://standupflorida.org/

http://metatthemall.blogspot.com/

They are passionate, like me, and many of us here, and deserve our attention.

The main message they conveyed to me and other conference members, was how much trouble they had in getting pro-gay organizations to sign on to these protests. And it was made clear that these pro-gay organizations were NOT just dismissive of the events, but that they were explicitly against the efforts.

And as productive as the conference was, that's really the message that I walked away with, that we have some SERIOUS work to do on the activism level.

[Rick336]

Originally Posted by Emproph

The main message they conveyed to me and other conference members, was how much trouble they had in getting pro-gay organizations to sign on to these protests. And it was made clear that these pro-gay organizations were NOT just dismissive of the events, but that they were explicitly against the efforts.

And as productive as the conference was, that's really the message that I walked away with, that we have some SERIOUS work to do on the activism level.

It seems to me that this was a much needed protest. What reasons did the other pro-gay organizations give for being against this protest?

Rick

[Emproph]

Originally Posted by Rick336

What reasons did the other pro-gay organizations give for being against this protest?

I don’t remember the specifics of this protest, but one of the reasons they were against the recent march on Washington (planned back in May) was because it supposedly would take attention away from the Maine initiative.

Equality Florida was mentioned in the conversation.

Many other examples were given, it was disgusting.

I’m still processing the whole thing, I’ll try to be more specific as I recollect.

[Emproph]

Also, Rick, to be clear, the guys who DID organize the protest, raised funding for about 100 people to participate.

Well beyond my expectations, and I didn't even know that there was going to be an official protest.
---
I realize that the following is well after the fact, but that's part of the point. It's electronic flyers like this that need to go out well before the fact.

Everyone here is officially allowed to blame me for facts.

[Emproph]

(The full size photos of these thumbnails revert back to the facebook page of one of the organizers of the event. So if you're not signed up with facebook, you may not be able to view them full size.)

Stand-Up Florida, (SUF) Was a Proud Sponsor of National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) Protest. Thanks to Generous Donors Who Responded to Our Fund Raising Efforts. It Allowed SUF to Supply Transportation, Accommodations, Food, Water/Beverages for Local, Statewide GSA Groups, GLBT Youth & Allies Who Participated in Protest.

Photos 21-40 can be found here. Again, that's a Facebook link.

[Emproph]

I asked Jeff (Lutes) if the speakers were being recorded and he said that just the keynote speakers were. So I'm still waiting on the videos for that.

Anyway, here's the text of the update. You can find photos at the link below.



Click here to see photos from the conference!
2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference Deemed Ground-Breaking

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference held November 20-22, 2009 in West Palm Beach, Florida, was deemed a huge success by those in attendance at the conference. Bloggers, activists and mental health professionals from across the United States, as well as Australia, Canada and Catalonia came together on November 20-22, 2009 in West Palm Beach, FL to learn more about the powerful impact that heterosexism, the belief that every human being is heterosexual...or that they should be! Ex-gay survivors, painfully impacted by heterosexism shared their stories and discussed ways in which they could continue to warn others about the harm caused by heterosexism, reparative therapy and ex-gay ministries. And, psychologists and other mental health professionals shared current research and understanding about heterosexism and how it creates a dangerous and unwelcoming climate for LGBTQ people. A press conference facilitated by Jeff Lutes on Friday was covered by a local television network affiliate with the report ending with survivor Daniel Gonzales warning viewers about the depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems related to sexual orientation change efforts.

That evening, Ex-Gay Survivors Christine Bakke, Jallen Rix, Anthony Venn-Brown (Australia), Darlene Bogle, Mark Orozko (Barcelona) Daniel Gonzales, and Jacob Wilson told their stories to the conference participants - demonstrating great courage and strength in the process. They shared the many ways in which heterosexism encourages harmful reparative therapies. After a brief welcoming reception, conference goers attended a special Transgender Day of Remembrance event by viewing two films and the names of the more than one hundred transgender people who have been murdered in the past year. Friday night was a sobering reminder of the damage and destruction caused by heterosexism, religion-based bigotry, and societal prejudice. Conference participants went to bed eager to begin collaborating over the next two days on ways they can make the world a safer place for LGBTQ people.

Saturday morning began with a keynote from Dr. Sylvia Rhue of the National Black Justice Coalition. Mixing facts and humor, Dr. Rhue set the tone for the day and whet appetites for more learning. Workshops throughout the day covered detailed information about sexual orientation change efforts, public policy and the ex-gay movement, media training, youth activism, and the psychological impact of childhood homophobia on adult development. Dr. Jack Drescher closed the afternoon with a history lesson on how homosexuality was removed from the DSM list of mental disorders in 1973 and the evolution of reparative therapy and ex-gay movements. His academic presentation was well received by all those in attendance. After dinner, the day closed with a powerful and moving dance performance by Ollum Movement Art which symbolically expressed the journey from self-hatred to self-acceptance and love.

Sunday morning was a treat. The Rev. Deborah Johnson talked about the importance of developing a vision within the LGBTQ movement and carefully unpacked the complexities of gender in our culture as she called on the crowd to demand equality in bold and unapologetic ways. After a series of workshops on faith, gender, and sexual orientation, Dr. Marsha McDonough and Dr. Paul Dodd led participants in an analysis of the weekend and helped everyone think about ways they could continue to affect change within the communities where they live, work, go to school, and worship.

Throughout this dynamic weekend, conference participants wrote thoughts, feelings, and ideas on a 40-foot piece of paper hung in the plenary room. Long after the end of the conference, participants were still writing on this paper - indicating their passion for the justice, their commitment to love, and their dedication to being agents of change in the world.