Proud Parenting

LGBTQ Parents - Lesbian Moms & Gay Dads

California schools to include prominent gay history in curriculum

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California public schools approved new standards to include prominent gay people and gay rights’ milestones in the curriculum, adopting a set of classroom material guidelines that prohibit “pejorative descriptions” based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The changes adopted were made in part to implement a first-in-nation bill, passed by the California Legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2011, requiring schools to teach the contributions of gay, lesbian and disabled people in social studies lessons.

[via WashingtonExaminer.com]

Nonsense known as ‘gay conversion therapy’ banned in California

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California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill banning therapy aimed at turning gay kids straight, saying such efforts “will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery.” The ban will begin on January 1.

“This bill bans non-scientific ‘therapies’ that have driven young people to depression and suicide,” Brown tweeted.

The American Psychiatric Association says the potential risk of so-called “reparative therapy” is great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior. Therapists’ alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce the self-hatred already felt by patients, the association says.

“The longstanding consensus of the behavioral and social sciences and the health and mental health professions is that homosexuality per se is a normal and positive variation of human sexual orientation,” the association says.

[via CNN]

Proposed California law barring parents from ‘curing’ gay children

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A first-of-its-kind state law that would restrict parents from trying to “cure” their minor children’s same-sex attractions is going to the governor’s desk. If both state houses agree on the language, the legislation will be sent to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature in September. Sponsored by a coalition of gay rights groups led by California Equality the bill was introduced by State Sen. Ted W. Lieu (D-Redondo Beach).

Lieu cites studies like the American Psychological Association (APA) 2009 Task Force, which reported sexual orientation change effort (SOCE) therapy could lead to depression, feelings of shame, self-loathing, drug abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, anger, withdrawal and in some cases, even attempted suicide in minor children, if those same-sex attractions continue to persist.

[via Fox News]