Putting It Out There -- Day Four

I woke up with the worst headache of my life. I could barely focus on anything. My head was swimming with thoughts of how far this thing has reached, with confusion about my role, and with the thought of a teenager trapped in the jaws of someone else's opinion about what love is.

But I still got out of bed and went.

I went to the protest today to see what was happening first hand, to be with the people who have been demonstrating every day this week. I just needed to see for myself what I was dealing with, to find out in what way I could continue to help. I came to the realization that beyond my simply being there and updating this blog with links, there was not much else that needed to be done. Things were moving forward.

I recognize today that the extent of this debacle goes far beyond one center in Memphis, far beyond one group proselytizing to the unwilling in the hopes that some of it would stick. My conclusions remained the same:

The use of rehabilitative technique to achieve a change in a person who, in the opinion of the American Psychological Association, does not have a choice, is a form of torture and abuse. It is akin to hypochondria, it is ineffective, and it is wrong. If someone seeks out this type of treatment, it should always be their choice. When the element of choice is removed, it becomes a violation of civil and human rights.

In the days and weeks to come, I'm sure we will all be hearing more about this. But if I just do one thing every day to further the cause of cutting off the head of this great Hydra with which I've been presented, I've achieved a goal. I encourage everyone reading to do the same.

Below, please find links to all resource sites that you would need to continue to follow, and feel free to keep checking here.

To the demonstrators, bloggers, journalists, friends, parents, and others visiting, I say thank you for caring enough to take the time. If you've already done something, thank you.

If you're trying to figure out what to do, all you have to do in order to figure it out is to do what these kids are forced to do every day: show up and ask someone.

Queer Action Coalition Blog (OFFICAL SITE for the Love In Action/Refuge Protest)
The Flypaper Theory (Which Everyone Should Be Reading)
AMERICAblog - John Aravosis
Love In Action Protest Forum
River City Mud Company
Psych Central Info On Ex-Gay Movement
American Psychological Association Info On Sexuality