UUA International
Posted by: Can people change their sexual orientation? How does the promise and pressure to change affect the lives and human rights of LGBT people worldwide?
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) rights have progressed into the UN framework of international human rights. The notion that people can or must change their orientation to conform with cultural or religious norms has risen to the forefront of the debate on this topic. Mental health, HIV/AIDS prevention, violence against women, religious and personal freedoms all play important roles in this analysis.
Join the UUA-UNO for the groundbreaking discussion on the legalities, ethics and science behind the movement promoting sexual orientation change efforts and its relationship to international human rights. A panel of experts will review the literature, policy and personal narratives relating to this issue. Q & A to follow.
Current Panelists Include:
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Toiko Kleppe - UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
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Dr Jack Drescher, MD - Author of the APA’s official position on sexual orientation conversion therapy.
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Sam Wolfe, Esq – Southern Poverty Law Center
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Chaim Levin – Survivor of ex-gay therapy and plaintiff in the landmark case against a conversion therapy organization
- Rebecca Jordan-Young, Ph.D – Women’s, Gender and Sexual Studies, Columbia University
- Pastor Jay Bakker – Revolution Church, Son of Televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker
We think the program will have a significant impact in framing SOGI issues with respect to human rights. With the recent Russian backed UN resolution to put the words “Traditional Values” as a qualifier for human rights, a values discussion about the rights of LGBT people is more necessary than ever. Discussing the concept of change efforts, religious pressures and psychological promises is an essential starting point to this conversation.
Funding in part by the NYU Social Justice and Diversity Grant
This event is free and open to everyone. Join us and spread the word! RSVP to UNintern@uua.org
