GAY AFFIRMATIVE STATEMENT
The reality is that I’ve been around long enough to remember when homosexuality was unspeakable, and now we can be married. A therapist can’t fake that life knowledge. From it I know what it is to gain power in yourself, whatever the state of the world, or your family, or your background, and use that personal power for a rewarding life. I affirm as a therapist and gay man the right of all people to determine for themselves the personal and professional lives they want.
LGBT people want to live our lives in peace. We want personal and career fulfillment. LGBT people want the support of our families. We want more than to be tolerated or to settle for the crumbs from others. LGBT people don’t want to be someone’s joke. We don’t want to be someone’s target. LGBT people don’t want to be someone’s secret. We don’t want to put ourselves down.
People sometimes ask: Since it’s gotten better, what’s the matter with me? Why aren’t I part of this new day for the community? My practice is dependent upon the belief that each of us can be the best possible version of himself, herself, themselves. Time and again I’ve seen people find their answers.
LGBT people don’t want to spend the rest of our lives figuring ourselves out. We do want to grow throughout life. LGBT people don’t want obsession. We do want reflection. No one will do that for us. LGBT people have to do it for ourselves.
You wouldn’t expect it to be otherwise, would you? There are life experiences exclusive to the populations experiencing them. There is a level of understanding only to be reached by other members of a community. There’s a knowledge only to be found in those who have lived it. From the crisis of the toxic and negative comes the opportunity for strength and health. LGBT affirmation is meaningful when it comes from a deep, strong, and personal place.
