PFOX Fighting Heterophobia

Published Letters to the Editor

Curriculum ignores ex-gays
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007

Montgomery County’s new sex education lessons are entitled ‘‘Respect for Differences in Human Sexuality” and promote acceptance for homosexuals, transgenders and the intersexed. Yet the only sexual orientation in the school system that receives no respect are ex-gays.

The lessons also teach children about bisexuals, lesbians, ‘‘coming out” for gays, ‘‘gender identity,” ‘‘homophobia,” and intersexual, but nothing about the ex-gay community.

As one of the organizations serving on the curriculum committee, we requested the school board to include former homosexuals, but they refused. Evidently, the new curriculum favors homosexuals and cross-dressers over ex-gays.

Regina Griggs, Reedville, Va.
The writer is affiliated with Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/011707/montope164455_31991.shtml

Dear Editor,

Jim Kennedy’s phobic statements against the ex-gay community are proof of why the public school system must include former homosexuals in its sexual orientation and tolerance curriculum.

In the article, ‘‘Gay conversion conference criticized,” Mr. Kennedy, as president of Teach the Facts, states that the ex-gay community is a cruel hoax. The fact that he sits on the curriculum committee makes us question the school board’s judgment in appointing a biased and discriminatory group to draft school lessons on sexual orientation.

Contrary to Mr. Kennedy’s assertions that former homosexuals do not exist, the ex-gay community can attest to the fact that thousands of men and women with same sex attractions have made the personal decision to leave homosexuality.

Because people like Mr. Kennedy refuse to respect that decision, ex-gays are subject to an increasingly hostile environment where we are reviled simply because we dare to exist. This is exactly why the sex education curriculum must include ex-gays — to combat intolerance against people who are different from Mr. Kennedy.

Contempt of those who have resolved unwanted same sex attractions perpetuates misunderstanding and harm against the ex-gay community. It also demonstrates a disregard for diversity and a refusal to respect a basic human right to dignity and self-determination. Please remember that former homosexuals are also worthy of respect.

Regina Griggs, Reedville, Va.
The writer is executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/061406/montope174153_31944.shtml

PFOX explains reason for lawsuit
May 27, 2005

The May 11 article, "Residents lash sex Ed ruling, opposition group," alleges that Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) retained the services of Liberty Counsel to file the sex ed lawsuit against the Montgomery County school board and that much of the legal brief argued PFOX's side of the case.

We are guilty as charged.

PFOX was on the Curriculum Advisory Committee that drafted the sex ed program. The CAC approved teacher resources that recommended gay-affirming religions and organizations such as Rainbow Baptists, yet rejected one brochure PFOX submitted because it listed the Web sites of a few ex-gay ministries.

PFOX submitted ex-gay resources that were rejected in favor of gay resources.

The CAC approved materials published by gay advocacy groups that positively portray homosexuals while making negative references to ex-gays by attempting to discredit our experiences and choices. So where's the tolerance?

The CAC approved a Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) resource, but rejected our PFOX resources.

In the curriculum's explanation of sexual orientation, the CAC included the terms for homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersexed and coming out, but refused to insert ex-gay. So where's the diversity?

In a Nov. 1 letter to Superintendent Jerry Weast and the school board, we detailed our objections to the proposed sex-ed program and warned that its implementation could trigger a lawsuit. The board approved the program over PFOX's objections. Consequently, PFOX obtained the services of Liberty Counsel to preserve our constitutional rights. The judge rightly ruled in our favor and against a biased and one-sided presentation of sexual orientation.

Regina Griggs, Reedville, Va.
The writer is executive director of PFOX
http://www.gazette.net/gazette_archive/2005b/200521/montgomerycty/letters/276387-1.html

Debate surrounding gay lifestyles continues
Friday, April 14, 2006

In his letter (‘‘Accept each other,” April 7 Gazette of Business and Politics), Mike Bernard denigrates ex-gays while asking the public to accept people regardless of their sexual orientation. Perhaps he should heed his own advice and accept the ex-gay community.

Contrary to Mr. Bernard’s assertions that former homosexuals do not exist, the ex-gay community can attest to the fact that thousands of men and women with same-sex attractions have made the personal decision to leave homosexuality. Because people like Mr. Bernard refuse to respect that decision, ex-gays are subject to an increasingly hostile environment where we are reviled simply because we dare to exist.

Contempt of those who have resolved unwanted same-sex attractions perpetuates misunderstanding and harm against the ex-gay community. It also demonstrates a disregard for diversity and a refusal to respect a basic human right to dignity and self-determination. We now need to face the other side of sexual orientation — intolerance of ex-gays.

Regina Griggs, Reedville, Va.
The writer is executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/041406/policom153913_31945.shtml