Protest Therapy Used to “Pray Away the Gay”

PHOENIX, AZ – As the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) – an organization that promotes discredited therapies for “those who struggle with unwanted homosexuality” – prepares to hold its national convention this week in Phoenix, pro-equality organizations are planning a convention of their own to debunk the theory that you can “pray away the gay.”

Over the course of two days during the NARTH convention, a collective of organizations and individuals — including No Longer Silent: Clergy for Justice, Human & Equal Rights Organizers (H.E.R.O.), and Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) of Phoenix — will host press conferences, presentations, protests, and discussions during an “alternative convention” at the Phoenix Airport Marriott Hotel – the same venue as the NARTH convention.

The reparative therapies promoted by NARTH have been repudiated by numerous studies and deemed harmful by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Medical Association.

WHO: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations and individuals who refuse to give cover to the quack science and destructive practices of “ex-gay” therapy

WHAT: LGBT equal rights organizations confront the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) attendees with an “alternative convention” by sending a clear, strong message that hate will be met with relentless challenge and radically-inclusive love.

WHEN:

PRESS CONFERENCE

Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Phoenix Airport Marriott, 1101 N. 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Professionals from the psychological community will hold a press conference to refute misinformation taught at the conference.

SIGN MAKING PARTY

Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 at 6 p.m. at One Voice Community Center, 4442 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Participants create signs for Saturday’s protest. Food and beverages provided.

ALTERNATIVE CONVENTION

(All events take place at the Phoenix Airport Marriott, 1101 N. 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, unless otherwise indicated)

Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011

7:30 – 10:30 a.m.: No Longer Silent Presents: Psychology & Theology – Why Homosexuality is Neither a Sin nor a Sickness

10:15 a.m. – Noon: Survivors Testimonies: Surviving “Ex-Gay Therapy”

Noon – 1:30 p.m.: H.E.R.O. sponsors lunch inside the Marriott Hotel with Conference Guests

1:30 – 3 p.m.: Welcoming congregations share information on the blessings of including LGBT people and families

3:15 – 4:45 p.m.: PFLAG Hosts: Stories of loving your LGBT children unconditionally

5:00 – 6:15 p.m.: H.E.R.O. Hosts a Town Hall