Impact of Leelah Alcorn's death: President calls for ban on "conversion therapy" скачать в хорошем качестве

Impact of Leelah Alcorn's death: President calls for ban on "conversion therapy"

CINCINNATI (Larry Davis) -- President Obama throws his support behind a cause aimed at honoring a local transgender teen.Leelah Alcorn committed suicide in December, citing her parents' rejection and attempts to convert her sexual orientation. The President now wants a ban on such therapy for gay or transgender minors.Since her death, nearly 350,000 people signed an online petition to enact a law named for Leelah Alcorn. Supporters say the president's acknowledgment is an important step down the road to inclusion.In her suicide note, Leelah Alcorn touched on the conversion therapy she received. She said her being transgender attacked her parents' image, that they wanted her to be their perfect Christian boy. President Obamas call to ban conversion therapy is welcome news to the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community."I would categorize it as a milestone, another marker on our journey as a community for love and affirmation and inclusion, said Lindsay Deaton. Lindsey Deaton founded the transgender community of Greater Cincinnati. She questions the whole practice of conversion therapy through the church."Jesus was about unconditional love and thats the whole issue here, said Deaton. Its about loving someone living their truth unconditionally so reparative therapy doesnt even provide for that""Conversion therapy is based upon a wish, said Dr. Stuart Bassman. Its based on magic and Im a psychologist, not a magician" Dr. Stuart Bassman says attempts to "reprogram" people can be harmful. He cites one example where conversion therapy did more harm than good."They spoke about how painful it was, how difficult it was, how instead of feeling their self-esteem was increased it was demeaned, said Dr. Bassman.Advocates point to the high suicide and homeless rates among transgender teens who felt rejection similar to Leelah Alcorn."We can't live for other people as humans and to deny a child's humanity isn't parenting, said Deaton. Dr. Bassman suggests an alternative therapy for parents to consider."Instead of changing the kind of person you are change with kindness, said Dr. Bassman.Larry Davis reached out on Thursday to the minister of the Alcorn family's church for comment about the president's proposal to ban such therapy. His phone call was not returned.The president did not propose any federal legislation. He did encourage states to develop their own bans. So far, only California, New Jersey and the District of Columbia have them. Similar legislation is working through the Ohio Statehouse.Follow Larry Davis on Twitter @larrydaviswkrc, and LIKE him on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!