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To the Editors: Re: “Evangelicals at a crossroads as Dobson resigns” (news, March 6)
It was recently announced that James Dobson has resigned his role as chair of Focus on the Family, but we haven’t heard the last of him yet; he’ll continue as the voice of the right-wing evangelical organization by retaining his radio show and newsletter.
Dobson made a 32-year career of demonizing the lives of gay and lesbian people from the bully pulpit of Focus on the Family. He spearheaded America’s anti-gay industry, which has caused untold harm not only to gay and lesbian people, but fostered deep divisions in our society, based on lies, myths and distortions. The anti-gay industry, comprised of a coalition of evangelical and Roman Catholic leaders, Christian right advocacy groups and right-wing politicians, has worked tirelessly to restrict the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It has done so through orchestrated efforts to promote anti-LGBT legislation.
From 2003 through 2007, the Policy Institute of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, under the direction of Sean Cahill and research director Jason Cianciotto, published several incisive research and analyses exposing the work of Dobson and the impact of the anti-gay industry.
Upon the news of Dobson’s change of status Sean Cahill had this to say:
“In the more than three decades that James Dobson has led Focus on the Family’s campaign against gay equality, millions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have come out, served in the military, created families and contributed to the American dream. The heterosexual majority in America has overwhelmingly embraced fairness and equal treatment for gay people, despite Dobson’s best efforts.
“Conversely, Dobson has raised more than $1 billion and built an industry through demonizing gays and trying to divide the American people. His ex-gay ‘Love Won Out’ conferences have caused thousands of gay and gender-variant youth to be subjected to harmful conversion therapy. His anti-gay family referenda have restricted the ability of same-sex couples to protect their family ties, save money, provide for their children, buy a house or prepare for retirement. Dobson’s so-called ‘family values’ are narrow, sectarian and exclusionary. His legacy is one of great harm and divisiveness to the American body politic.”
Jason Cianciotto, an author of the study “Youth In the Crosshairs: The Third Wave of Ex-gay Activism,” and a frequent spokesperson on ex-gay issues, added perspective on youth and ex-gay ministries:
“Dobson’s resignation as chairman of Focus on the Family’s board hopefully brings us one step closer to the end of his harmful advice to parents of LGBT youth — advice that breaks families apart rather than bringing them together.
“For decades, Dobson has used his media empire to scare parents into sending their kids to so-called ‘ex-gay’ or ‘conversion therapies,’ despite scientifically backed directives from every major psychological and medical professional association supporting the contrary.
“As shared in more detail in ‘Youth in the Crosshairs: The Third Wave of Ex-Gay Activism,’ the ex-gay focus on youth even prompted some parents to force their children to attend ex-gay boot camps.
“In light of recent research showing that LGBT youth from rejecting families are 8.4 times more likely to attempt suicide than those who come from more accepting families, I wonder how many lives have been irreparably damaged, or perhaps even lost, directly because of James Dobson’s contributions to the anti-gay industry.
“Sadly, Dobson intends to continue hosting his radio program. Our community and our youth will not be safe until he no longer uses his media power as a platform to condone harmful, unscientific parenting advice.”
With the Republican Party currently flailing in the wind and Rush Limbaugh grabbing the loudspeaker at every possible opportunity, one can only hope Dobson will not join him in a hate-filled duet.
What’s next? Focus on the Family now has the opportunity to find a successor to Dobson, who will address the real issues the American family faces today. Will they take up that challenge? Not likely, but hope springs eternal.
ROBERTA SKLAR
Washington
Editors’ note: The writer is a communications specialist and former communications director for the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Empire State Pride Agenda.
To the Editors: Re: “2 transgender men assaulted at local bar” (news, March 13)
I read the article about the attack on two trans patrons of the Fab Lounge. We, the Fab Lounge management and staff, found out about this attack through the article and were not aware of the incident.
No one brought it to our attention ...
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