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Evergreen
International is the most complete resource for Latter-day Saints on same-sex attraction. |
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Why Gender-Affirmative Therapy?A Latter-day Perspective |
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What is Gender-Affirmative Therapy?Gender-affirmative therapy is the process of helping individuals understand their gender development and assisting them in making choices in accordance with their freely-chosen value systems. The basic premise is that social and emotional variables affect gender identity, which, in turn, determines sexual orientation. The focus of therapy is to help individuals fully develop their masculine or feminine gender identity. Gender is an essential characteristic of our existence that is both a physical and spiritual designation that we are required and expected to develop. Clinical and scientific resources must be made available to assist individuals in reaching their full potential. A Latter-day PerspectiveClinical experts often note that homosexuality isn't about sex–it is about relationships. In much the same way, the Latter-day Saint view of homosexuality has far less to do with sexual orientation than it does with a theological view concerning the meaning of gender. In the 1999 document The Family: A Proclamation to the World, the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stated, "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." The use of the term gender is intended to have implications far beyond the physical characteristics that designate an individual as biologically male or female. Gender is an eternal role with specific responsibilities and characteristics. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that every individual born into mortality is the literal spiritual child of a Heavenly Father and Mother, with the potential to become like their heavenly parents. In fact, it is not only a potential, but also a responsibility to grow and to learn the attributes of Godhood. To a Latter-day Saint, gender is a spiritual designation, and within that designation, regardless of the mortal circumstances, are the characteristics of fatherhood and motherhood. Weekly classes for men, called priesthood
meeting, and corresponding classes for women, called Relief Society, include
instruction on what are the eternal attributes of gender. Several times each
year, the General Authorities and the President of the Church give their
direct edification to the members of the Church in a general priesthood
meeting and women's conference on their specific gender responsibilities.
Members seldom think of these meetings as being related to gender, but the
differences in the characteristics the men and the women of the Church are
asked to cultivate make the intention of the leaders clear. It is therefore obvious that any thoughts or behaviors that would detract from the cultivation of eternal responsibilities as they apply to gender would be discouraged. Philosophies that lessen the emphasis on marriage as being sacred, fatherhood and motherhood being inseparable, or the suggestion that gender responsibilities are less than eternal in nature could not receive the endorsement of the Church or its leaders.
Ecclesiastical leaders, professional therapists, and counselors should
understand that they have an opportunity to assist individuals in their
journey toward an eternal destiny. All too often, the counseling emphasis is
placed on stopping behaviors that are wrong or controlling thoughts that are
sinful. While this may be the easiest suggestion to offer or even the most
important priority, unless seeking individuals are taught how to replace
these distracting impulses with an appreciation of their value as a child of
God, we will in all likelihood fail. |
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Return to the Resources for Therapists page. Return to the Family, Friends, and Church Leaders page.Return to the FAQ page. |
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