Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Gender Nonconformity, Homophobia, and Mental Distress in Latino Gay and Bisexual Men - JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2007, Vol. 44, No. 2, 181–189

Theo G. M. Sandfort
HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies,
New York State Psychiatric Institute
and Columbia University

Rita M. Melendez
Human Sexuality Studies and the Center for Research on Gender & Sexuality,
San Francisco State University

Rafael M. Diaz
Cesar Chavez Institute and Professor of Ethnic Studies,
San Francisco State University

This study explored whether gender nonconformity in gay and bisexual men is related to mental distress and if so, whether this relationship is mediated by negative experiences that are likely associated with gender nonconformity, including abuse and harassment. To study this question, data were analyzed from face-to face interviews with 912 self-identified gay and bisexual Latino men in three major U.S. cities collected by Diaz and colleagues (2001). Gay and bisexual Latino men who considered themselves to be effeminate had higher levels of mental distress and more frequently reported various negative experiences, compared with gay and bisexual Latino men who did not identify as effeminate. Higher levels of mental distress in effeminate men seemed to primarily result from more experiences of homophobia. Findings suggest the need for more attention to gender in research as well as counseling of sexual minority men.

Recent studies using large-scale population-based samples have shown convincingly that compared with heterosexual persons, homosexual men and women are at higher risk for mental health problems (Cochran & Mays, 2000; Cochran, Sullivan, & Mays, 2003; Fergusson, Horwood, & Beautrais, 1999; King et al., 2003; Sandfort, Bakker, Schellevis, & Vanwesembeeck, 2006; Sandfort, de Graaf, Bijl, & Schnabel, 2001; Skegg, Nada-Raja, Dickson, Paul, & Williams, 2003). For example, Cochran and colleagues (2003) found in a U.S. nationally representative survey a higher prevalence of depression, panic attacks, and psychological distress in gay and bisexual men compared to heterosexual men. In the same study, a higher prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder was found in lesbian and bisexual women compared with heterosexual women. These population-based studies, originally not designed to study mental health in relation to sexual orientation, are unable to provide evidence about the causes of the observed differences. The increased rates of mental health problems in homosexual persons are usually understood as a consequence of the stigma attached to homosexuality. This stigma can result in a range of stressful experiences, which have been labeled ‘‘minority stress.’’ Meyer (2003) conceptualizes minority stress as involving a distal-proximal dimension, with stress resulting from objective, external events and conditions, the expectations of such events and the vigilance this expectation requires, the internalization of negative social attitudes, and the concealment of one’s sexual orientation. Support for the minority stresshypothesis is found in studies that have demonstrated that gay men and lesbian women encounter varying levels of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination, and that levels of stress were indeed related to their mental health (Bradford, Ryan, & Rothblum, 1994; Brooks, 1981; Frable, Wortman, & Joseph, 1997; Meyer, 1995; Meyer & Dean, 1998; Ross, 1990; Waldo, Hesson-McInnis, & D’Augelli, 1998). For example, Herek and colleagues (1999), found that gay and bisexual men and women who had experienced victimization because of their sexual orientation (respectively 20% and 25%), manifested significantly more symptoms of depression, anger, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress.
Read more:
http://cci.sfsu.edu/files/Gender%20nonconformity.pdf

Internalized homophobia and health issues affecting lesbians and gay men – by Iain R. Williamson - Health Education Research - Oxford University Press

Health Education Research, Vol. 15, No. 1, 97-107, February 2000
© 2000 Oxford University Press

School of Behavioural Studies, Nene University College Northampton, Park Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton NN2 7AL, UK

Abstract

This paper investigates the concept of internalized homophobia in both theory and research relating to lesbian and gay health. It offers a contemporary and critical review of research in this area, and discusses a range of recent findings relating to a range of health issues including HIV and AIDS. Whilst the concept has a resonance for gay men and lesbians, and is widely used in `lesbian and gay-affirmative' interventions, the paper demonstrates that research findings have been equivocal and the term is often used without full consideration of its sociopolitical consequences. The paper concludes that the concept does have a valuable role to play in health promotion work with lesbians and gay men but invites further discussion and examination of the construct.

Introductory remarks

This paper aims to present both an overview and critical evaluation of the usefulness of the concept of internalized homophobia1 in explaining health difficulties affecting lesbians and gay men. It has been argued by a variety of lesbian and gay social scientists that internalized homophobia has a central role as a predisposing and perpetuating factor in various aspects of ill-health, and may affect both the progression of illness and health-related decision-making processes with significant effect on the prevention of illnesses such as HIV infection. However, a number of theorists have argued that internalized homophobia is both frequently used uncritically with regard to its conceptualization and operationalization, and without due concern for its sociopolitical consequences (i.e. to repathologize the `sick' lesbian or gay individual and focus attention away from the more salient issues of cultural and institutionalized heterosexism). My aim is to provide a synthesis which examines research suggesting an important relationship between health and internalized homophobia whilst deconstructing the concept and offering a discussion of the potential effects on gay and lesbian communities in contemporary British society.

Defining anti-gay and lesbian prejudice and its internalization

There has been considerable discussion within lesbian and gay academic circles about how best to conceptualize the nature of anti-gay and lesbian prejudice. Whilst the term `homophobia' is most widely used within British society, there appears to be a consensus amongst queer3 academics that the term is in many ways unhelpful and inaccurate for a variety of reasons. These include the emphasis on the affective (fear) component of prejudice at the expense of anti-gay and lesbian cognitions, and the contextualization of prejudice within the individual rather than in society and its structures.

What do you think the impact of homophobic/transphobic bullying is, and how does it affect the victim? – PACE – pacehealth.org.uk - London

Educational Psychology Interview

Marjorie Smith is an educational psychologist who works in London. She has a special interest in LGBT issues because her children are gay. She is a member of Families Together London which provides information and support to parents of LGBT people. Evidence to support the views she gives in this interview can be found on the website http://www.familiestogetherlondon.com./

What do you think the impact of homophobic/transphobic bullying is, and how does it affect the victim?
I think people used to think that bullying doesn’t do any harm, that it ‘toughens you up’. I don’t believe this is true at all. Victims of homophobic/transphobic bullying suffer many problems - isolation, mental health problems like depression and anxiety, an increased risk of self-harm and suicide – the list is shocking.

What do you think is the effect of the current levels of homophobic/transphobic bullying in schools? (bearing in mind that Stonewall's research suggests that 65% of LGB pupils experience bullying, and PACE's more recent research shows that 58% of LGBT pupils experience bullying)
I think bullying damages everyone involved – those who do it because they are learning to be cruel and those who look on and do nothing because they are learning to be cowards. This includes adults as well as young people.

The most serious hate crimes in recent years were committed by young people - so not challenging incidents at the school level leads to hate crime in our streets.

What do you think are the barriers to teachers challenging such behaviour?
Most teachers want to do something about homophobic/transphobic bullying, but they are uncertain as to how to deal with it and don’t feel confident that they know the right things to say. All teachers need training for this, but they also need to see good role models – senior staff talking about the issues and challenging young people on every instance of homophobic/transphobic behaviour.

PACE - is London’s leading charity promoting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Children of LGBT parents are redefining the traditional family - August 27, 2010 - Children of Gay Parents

Children of gay parents are just as likely to succeed as children of straight parents, a new study shows.

Editor’s note: SDGLN is putting human faces to key issues of our times. Today, we take a look at parenting in the LGBT community and how children with gay or lesbian parents feel about issues they must confront, including legal hurdles and outright discrimination.

What is a “normal” family?

For years, the mainstream media has defined a “normal” family as one that has a mother and a father. This belief was even part of the argument made by supporters of California’s Proposition 8 during the recent historical trial.

But, according to children of gay and lesbian parents, “normal” cannot be defined by the gender or sexuality of parents. Instead, a “normal” family is one that is rooted in love and respect.

These children are reclaiming the word “normal” for themselves -- and for generations to come. To do that, they want the world to hear what it is like to live with gay parents.

“I didn’t realize I was different.” - Christine Sheppard, daughter of a lesbian mother

Growing up with two mothers was normal to Christine. As a young child, she didn’t realize she was any different from the other kids in her neighborhood.

In fact, she felt lucky, because unlike many of her friends who were splitting time between divorced parents, she had two moms in her house. She had the undivided attention of both women, which meant she always had someone willing to help her with her problems and share in her happiness.
http://childrenofgayparents.com/news.php?id=9

Why anti-bullying programs fail to make school safer - by Elizabeth Meyer, Ph.D. - August 9, 2009 – Psychology Today

It is back-to-school time and many parents and educators are doing everything they can to ensure that their children and students have a safe, welcoming, and stimulating school environment to return to when classes begin. Many teachers and principals are already in full-time in-service meetings and workshops addressing issues related to gender and learning, bullying and school safety, as well as developing the curriculum for the first month of school. Unfortunately, most of these schools will fail in their efforts to reduce bullying because anti-bullying programs are overly generic and vague and do not directly address some of the most prevalent harmful and most ignored behaviors in schools: gendered harassment. Anti-bullying programs do not specifically talk about: sexual harassment, homophobic harassment, and harassment for gender non-conformity. So what can concerned parents and teachers do?

How is gendered harassment different from bullying?
The first step is to understand the differences in these behaviors and why schools tend to ignore them.

Gendered harassment is a term used to describe any unwanted behavior that acts to assert and police the boundaries of traditional gender norms: heterosexual masculinity and femininity. It is related to, but different from bullying. (Meyer, 2006)

Bullying is any behavior that repeatedly and over time intentionally inflicts injury on another individual (Olweus, 1993)

Harassment is any biased behavior that has a negative impact on the target or the environment and can include negative religious, racial, sexual, and homophobic behaviors (Land, 2003).

Elizabeth J. Meyer, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. She is the author of Gender, Bullying, and Harassment: Strategies to End Sexism and Homophobia in Schools. She also writes for the Freire Project for Critical Pedagogy. A former high school teacher and coach, she has published articles in: Gender and Education, McGill Journal of Education, The Journal of LGBT Youth, and the Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology.

AUSCHWITZ -- CHRISTMAS 2008 -- A flashback far more severe than in --- BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN – December 26, 2008 – Fr. Marty Kurylowicz

Updated: August 31, 2010
Read more:
http://thalamus-center-resources-msk.blogspot.com/2010/08/auschwitz-christmas-2008-flashback-far.html

Monday, August 30, 2010

Gay Marriage - “SEPARATION BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE” Does Not Give Churches Or Benedict XVI The Freedom To Abuse Children or Adults. July 2010 - By Fr. Marty Kurylowicz

My name is Fr. Marty Kurylowicz. I am writing you to inform you of what I have been doing to help protect LGBT children growing up from the harmful influence particularly from the Vatican’s unsubstantiated antigay teachings and the employment retaliation (Hostile Environment – explained below). I have experienced for doing so.

I come from a different perspective but I believe an important one, which is the early childhood psychological development growing up gay. Benedict XVI and the hierarchy of Catholic Church condemn homosexuality because they believe it to be choice made after the age of reason. It is the fact that sexual orientation is set very early in life either just before birth or very soon afterwards, which then according to Catholic Doctrine completely nullifies the Vatican’s reason for condemning homosexuality. Instead, it renders homosexual orientation as a normal part of human development to be nurtured and valued. I believe that Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna understood this point of distinction when he referred to the fact that lasting homosexual relationships deserve respect (as reported – the Church in the World by Christa Pongratz-Lippitt - 8 May 2010 – The Tablet). Cardinal Schönborn was responsible for the last updated addition of the Roman Catholic Catechism, Catechism of the Catholic Church. It may seem like a small point, but I assure it is not. Anyone who studies his or her Roman Catholic Catechism will understand this fact. And the bible can no more be used to condemn homosexuality than it could when the Vatican condemned Galileo, which Pope John Paul II apologized for in 1992, though Benedict XVI did not agree.
http://thalamus-center-resources-msk.blogspot.com/2010/08/separation-between-church-and-state.html

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Thalamus Center - Early Childhood Psychological Development Growing Up Gay – RESOURCES - M Kurylowicz

New!
Presently Under Construction:
http://thalamus-center-resources-msk.blogspot.com/

Roman Catholic - hierarchy child sexual abuse “cover-ups” ordered by Benedict XVI to avoid public outrage & criminal charges - falsely accused gay priests - WATERGATE?

Posted 12/17/09, Revised 1/15/10 and 3/16/10

Kids Are Being Hurt!!! WATERGATE (AGAIN)?

Nazi Persecutions of Homosexuals

90% population a degree Homosexual Orientation

Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
& Group Think

(1) Vatican's Cover-ups Child Sexual Abuse 30+years &
(2) punish informants

Galileo->Vatican Condemned

Fundamental Attribution Error
Blaming the Victim & Belief In A Just World
(why the majority of people remain silent, unaffected by other people's pain and suffering, even for children)

Belief In A Just World
 Separation of Church and State
Wrongly Condemning Homosexuals
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2010/04/belief-in-just-world-separation-of_21.html

"Watergate" (Again)? Woodward & Bernstein, Washington Post 1972

The research data
released at the US Catholic Bishops fall meeting November 2009
stating that gay priests were not the problem
of the child sexual abuse. At the same time the Ireland Murphy report
revealed the facts about the decades of cover-ups of the child sexual abuse cases by the Roman Catholic hierarchy globally. It also revealed that Benedict XVI had ordered these cover-ups and to punish anyone challenging the hierarchy.

The Ireland report also revealed that the civil government had colluded with the cover-ups of the child sexual abuse cases. This was likely aided by the overwhelming support of an unknowing public of the facts. According to the report, Benedict XVI
did this before he was made pope, as Cardinal Ratzinger, which went on for the past 30 some years.

The Ireland’s Murphy report was like the one domino that flipped backwards exposing the decades of criminal negligence by Benedict XVI and the hierarchy. It also raises the question whether Benedict XVI used the homosexual orientation to muster world attention to shift the blame off the hierarchy and place it onto homosexuals. Hitler used the same tactic when he first came into power blaming homosexuals for all societal illness, at that time, thus encouraging public intolerance and violence towards homosexuals. Is history repeating itself? Read more: Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945
http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/hsx/

Child Sexual Abuse Victims
&Watergate Burglaries

There appears to be similarities regarding Benedict XVI's child sexual abuse cover-ups and Nixon’s “Watergate” cover-ups. The strategic advice given by “Deep Throat” to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, reporters for The Washington Post in the “Watergate” cover-ups to follow the “money” the same may be true with Benedict XVI, to follow the “child sexual abuse cover-ups.” Unfortunately, it appears that Benedict XVI and the hierarchy’s child sexual abuse cover-ups would likely involve billions of dollars more than has already been spent. It has already been revealed in the Ireland report that people in the civil government had colluded in the cover-ups. Ongoing investigations would more than likely increase this number, as it did with Nixon and all his men 1974. Read more:
http://watergate.info/chronology/brief.shtml

Condemning Gay Marriage Maintaining Cover-up
ForBenedict XVI & the Hierarchy - Failing to Protect Children?

It is questionable whether Benedict XVI and the hierarchy continue to publicly condemn “gay marriage” in order to maintain their cover-ups and avoid doing time in jail. This is especially true when Benedict XVI and the hierarchy have not offered any substantiated evidence either from the bible or from science to support their objections to Marriage Equality. They have rejected all scientific research to the contrary and offer no explanations as to why. Is this what happened to Galileo?
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2010/02/galileo-condemned-as-heretic_10.html

Benedict XVI and the hierarchy openly began condemning of homosexuals, which began in 2002, when the child sexual abuse cases first became global news, which started in Boston. It is becomes very difficult to believe Benedict XVI and the hierarchy objections to sexual orientation, when major Christian denominations this summer 2009
http://www.blogger.com/Lutherans%20lift%20barrier%20on%20gay%20clergy%20-%20By%20Duke%20Helfand%20-%20August%2021,%202009%20–%20Los%20Angeles%20Times
joined the long established Christian precedence of accepting LGBT people (with their partners) in all forms of ordain ministries. These difficulties grow even stronger to believe because of all the research data that is compiled from all the major medical, psychiatric, psychological and social workers national and international professional associations regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity. (APA - repudiate gay-to-straight therapy)
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2009/08/psychologists-repudiate-gay-to-straight.html

The United Nations statement by the Vatican (Dec. 09)
http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/does_the_vatican_really_oppose_murdering_gay_people
though most appreciated is confusing because just one year before the Vatican refused to support protecting homosexuals. Unfortunately, it can be suspect whether or not it is meant more as a strategic form of distraction or is it based on truth? This kind of “lukewarm” support for homosexuals is unsettling and confusing, can it be trusted? No one wants to have doubts about their church leaders. However, unexplained inconsistencies naturally cause people to reluctantly question their church leaders intentions.

Unfortunately, the Vatican has a history of the misuse of time to avoid opposition. Pope John Paul II made a historical public apology in 2000 for the sins of the Church through the centuries. Because Benedict XVI and the hierarchy have not been forthcoming with any substantiated reasoning to explain their long opposition against homosexuals, and then with their sudden shift of support for homosexuals, again, with no explanation, it is only logical that questions are raised.

Proper explanations would dispel thoughts that the Vatican’s sudden shift of support for homosexuals at the United Nations was meant as tactic:(1) to appease their opposition from the LGBT associations and their allies(2) to allow more time to past for people to forget the Ireland Murphy report “December 09”(3) to forget the research data report
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=9108269
presented at the US bishops fall meeting “November 09” stating that “Homosexuality was the not the problem” of the child sexual abuse cases.

In addition, clarification has been asked about what is the meaning of “unjust discrimination” that was used in the Vatican’s statement. The meaning is not clear. Did the Vatican in reality say anything different regarding homosexuals?

In light of the devastating Ireland’s report regarding the intentional cover-ups of the child sexual abuse cases led by Benedict XVI and then shifting the blame by publicly wrongfully condemning homosexuals, which also increases the life time harm caused to children who grow up gay, all strikes at the very foundation of the credibility of Benedict XVI and the hierarchy. It is unsettling and frustrating for everyone. Because in both instances children are being harmed for life and in good conscience of all Catholics something must be done to protect children. It is like what Jesus said out of frustration about people who are lukewarm, preferring people to be either “hot” or “cold.” People want to believe Benedict XVI and the hierarchy, but transparency and constancy must be forthcoming first before people in good conscience can do so. And at all times it must be remembered that children are the victims of the actions of Benedict XVI and the hierarchy. How is justice to be upheld for everyone involved? From 2002 to 2009 these were the most revealing years of the decades of Benedict XVI and the hierarchy child sexual abuse cover-ups. We must all work together to protect children, immediately and harm no one.

There have been major world leaders (Tony Blair),
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2009/09/threats-silence-harm-and-disposal-of_25.html
celebrities standing up, and some “coming out” in support of LGBT adults and children. Barack Obama became President of the USA in 2008, it was clear that he valued knowledge from all sources, past and present and on all levels. President Obama has demonstrated that he is willing to debate important issues and clearly explain his strategies (Nobel Peace Prize).
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2009/12/president-obama-acceptance-of-nobel.html
With all due respect, in contrast, unfortunately Benedict XVI and the hierarchy clearly are not interested in obtaining knowledge from all sources regarding the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, therefore they lack the necessary logic and clarity to be able to understand their opposition to Marriage Equality.

Pope John Paul II had the right formula when looking for truth, which was by not separating science from religion. Pope John Paul II
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2008/10/pope-john-paul-ii-no-irreconcilable.html
warned us that there are "No irreconcilable differences between science and religion...Science can purify religion from error and superstition...”

Unfortunately, Benedict XVI dismissed this caution, immediately after he became pope, April 2005, by removing the scientists that Pope John Paul II had set up on all committees in the Vatican. And immediately, Benedict XVI, fell into error, just as Pope John Paul II warned would happen if science and religion are separated.

Advocates of Marriage Equality must not allow extremists (misled Christians) to separate science from their religion. This is also good advice for our people in government to find the line that separates church and state. It also helps us to know when the church has crossed the line and is harming innocent people, especially children, as was done by burning witches and hanging people because of their race.

Implicit Child AbuseVatican’s Unsubstantiated Antigay Teachings Galileo (Again)?

The harm caused to children growing up gay who are subjected to the Vatican’s unsubstantiated antigay teachings though it is a form of implicit child abuse that often leads to more explicit forms of violence, is in fact, far more deadly than witch burnings or hangings, because it becomes self perpetuating. It teaches a child how to treat people inhumanly, as adults. It fosters implicit and explicit forms violence. With all due respect, unfortunately Benedict XVI and the hierarchy appear to be prime examples of what happens to very young children who are taught to suppress, consider as evil their natural human feelings for bonding with other human beings, to feel one with another human being. Instead though not intentionally, they are taught to consider human life as unimportant and disposable, because in effect that is how they were treated as children. Repeatedly shamed, scolded or physical abused, as very young children, because of their natural innocent feelings and expressions to be close to another person of the same sex. More often than not they unknowingly repeat this same kind of inhuman behavior, as they experienced as children on others, when they are adults. This is because their natural feelings for human bonding, feeling one with another human being, have long been destroyed in their early childhood years growing up by being subjected to these unsubstantiated antigay teachings promulgated by the Vatican.

This is why it is imperative that we do not allow the publicity of the “child sexual abuse cases” in Ireland to die down without convictions and proper restitution made to the victims. Christ warned us about the importance of protecting children, which Benedict XVI and the hierarchy seem to have long forgotten. "Protect children and the entire world will be safe." If we forget the children we will lose just like Benedict XVI and the hierarchy are for not protecting the "little ones." They tried to maintain secrecy about this ongoing sexual abuse of children and continue to do so. However, now the fact that we, the world, have known about it for the past seven years (2002-2009), it is now our responsibility not to remain silent and begin protecting children. However, it is vitally important that we do not become vigilantes, self-appointed doers of justice, which would only compound the violence being done to children worldwide. No one is ever protected in this manner.

It is sad to state that the Vatican’s great defense in dealing with “cover-ups” is to allow time to past, lots of time, years and years, for people to forget. It took the Vatican 400 years to apologize to Galileo for condemning him because he said the earth revolves around the sun.

WATERGATE (AGAIN)?

BENEDICT XVI COVER-UPS 30 years+

We the public have been made aware of the global harm to children by Benedict XVI and the hierarchy, we are responsible to protect children. No harm or disrespect is intended to anyone, but when and how do we become responsible to protect children. As Catholics, we know in the end we all will be judged severely on how well we protected children. It is vital that each and every Catholic individually learns to facts about the child sexual abuse cases and about human sexuality and not collude with the harm being done by our silence or ignorance. Again, it cannot be stress enough that it is equality important that we must avoid at all cost not to become vigilantes, self-appointed doers of justice. This is where the necessary “checks and balances” are essential before any help protecting children can begin. We do not eliminated crimes against humanity by creating other crimes of against humanity. The harmful symptoms of “groupthink
http://www.stanford.edu/group/scie/Career/Wisdom/groupthink1.htm
can arise in any group of people, who are not cautious enough to learn about their devastating potential to unintentionally cause severe harm to innocent people including children. With the necessary "checks and balances" in place that remain constant, we must then remain strong in our protection of children. It is so very easy to slip into becoming worst than the aggressors.

No “Checks and Balances”

A major problem with the hierarchical structure of the Roman Catholic Church is that there are no “checks and balances.” When the necessary “checks and balances” are not in place to protect any organization, it leaves “not making waves” the rule that governs the hierarchy and opens the way to many devastating mistakes harmful to everyone and allows corruption to grow. The following statements are harsh statements, but unfortunately they are heavily documented. (1) Benedict XVI and his hierarchy failed to protect children from child sexual abuse for decades. (2) They mistreated and intimidated the victims and their families who came to report the child sexual abuse, in order to cover up publicity of any child sexual abuse. (3) They failed to protect children by repeatedly reassigning the child sexual abusers to assignments where children would be present. (4) When the hierarchy’s criminal negligence failing to protect children became public, globally, in 2002 they shifted the blame wrongfully onto gay priests. (5) By falsely, against known research to the contrary, blaming gay priests they implicated the entire LGBT community and how they are fighting against Marriage Equality. When the scientific facts known for decades about human sexuality have been discounted with no substantiated facts given to explain why, it causes many questions whether Benedict XVI and the hierarchy’s fight against Marriage Equality is more a fight to maintained the cover-up of the hierarchy’s criminal negligence failing to protect children? Benedict XVI and his hierarchy need to clearly offer substantiated reasons why they are against Marriage Equality. This statement needs to be spelled out in great detail and follow Pope John Paul II’s test of truth of not separating science and religion. (6) Benedict XVI and the hierarchy’s continuous public propaganda against homosexuality encourages public intolerance towards LGBTQ&I adults and children. They continue to do this even though this summer 2 major Christian denominations approved LGBT singled and partnered people for all forms of ordained ministries. (7) Benedict XVI and the hierarchy’s continuous promulgation of the Vatican’s unsubstantiated antigay teachings that are harmful to children in their early childhood psychological developmental years, harm that is crippling throughout their lives. They have continued this even after the beginning of the year, 2009, the Family Acceptance Project research studies had shown the negative effects caused to youths, when their sexual orientation is not accepted, having health problems, suicidal ideation, etc. They ignore all the major medical, psychiatric, psychological and social workers national and international professional associations regarding their findings regarding human sexuality and sexual orientation. WHEN DO WE START PROTECTING CHILDREN?!?!

Written by Fr. Marty Kurylowicz
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2010/03/rc-hierarchy-child-sexual-abuse-cover_21.html

Benedict XVI misuses the authority of his office to promote discrimination against LGBT children and adults - BritainAugust 28, 2010

Bush's Top Republican administration after 8 years left massive destruction, loss of human life in his wake - Ken Mehlman, President Bush's campaign manager announces he is gay on the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina 2005. Overwhelmingly confusing
August 28, 2010

Hate Crime Bill vs Attacks But No Facts -> Fear And Ignorance
OfThe Blind Leading The BlindOctober 27, 2009
Fr. Marty Kurylowicz

Roman Catholic - hierarchy child sexual abuse “cover-ups” ordered by Benedict XVI to avoid public outrage & criminal charges - falsely accused gay priests - WATERGATE?



Posted 12/17/09, Revised 1/15/10 and 3/16/10

WATERGATE (AGAIN)? 

Nazi Persecutions of Homosexuals

90% population a degree Homosexual Orientation




Fundamental Attribution Error 
 Blaming the Victim & Belief In A Just World 
(why the majority of people remain silent, unaffected by other people's pain and suffering, even for children) 


The research data 


of the child sexual abuse.  At the same time the Ireland Murphy report
revealed the facts about the decades of cover-ups of the child sexual abuse cases by the Roman Catholic hierarchy globally. It also revealed that Benedict XVI had ordered these cover-ups and to punish anyone challenging the hierarchy

Read more   

The Ireland report also revealed that the civil government had colluded with the cover-ups of the child sexual abuse cases. This was likely aided by the overwhelming support of an unknowing public of the facts. According to the report, Benedict XVI 

did this before he was made pope, as Cardinal Ratzinger, which went on for the past 30 some years.

The Ireland’s Murphy report was like the one domino that flipped backwards exposing the decades of criminal negligence by Benedict XVI and the hierarchy. It also raises the question whether Benedict XVI used the homosexual orientation to muster world attention to shift the blame off the hierarchy and place it onto homosexuals. Hitler used the same tactic when he first came into power blaming homosexuals for all societal illness, at that time, thus encouraging public intolerance and violence towards homosexuals. Is history repeating itself?  Read more Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945  

&

There appears to be similarities regarding Benedict XVI's child sexual abuse cover-ups and Nixon’s “Watergate” cover-ups. The strategic advice given by “Deep Throat” to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, reporters for The Washington Post in the Watergate cover-ups to follow the “money” the same may be true with Benedict XVI, to follow the “child sexual abuse cover-ups.” Unfortunately, it appears that Benedict XVI and the hierarchy’s child sexual abuse cover-ups would likely involve billions of dollars more than has already been spent. It has already been revealed in the Ireland report that people in the civil government had colluded in the cover-ups. Ongoing investigations would more than likely increase this number, as it did with Nixon and all his men 1974. Read more 

Condemning Gay Marriage 
Maintaining Cover-up
For
Benedict XVI & the Hierarchy - Failing to Protect Children? 

It is questionable whether Benedict XVI and the hierarchy continue to publicly condemn “gay marriage” in order to maintain their cover-ups and avoid doing time in jail. This is especially true when Benedict XVI and the hierarchy have not offered any substantiated evidence either from the bible or from science to support their objections to Marriage Equality. They have rejected all scientific research to the contrary and offer no explanations as to why. Is this what happened to Galileo?

Benedict XVI and the hierarchy openly began condemning of homosexuals, which began in 2002, when the child sexual abuse cases first became global news, which started in Boston. It is becomes very difficult to believe Benedict XVI and the hierarchy objections to sexual orientation, when major Christian denominations this summer 2009 
joined the long established Christian precedence of accepting LGBT people (with their partners) in all forms of ordain ministries. These difficulties grow even stronger to believe because of all the research data that is compiled from all the major medical, psychiatric, psychological and social workers national and international professional associations regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity. (APA - repudiate gay-to-straight therapy)

though most appreciated is confusing because just one year before the Vatican refused to support protecting homosexuals. Unfortunately, it can be suspect whether or not it is meant more as a strategic form of distraction or is it based on truth? This kind of “lukewarm” support for homosexuals is unsettling and confusing, can it be trusted? No one wants to have doubts about their church leaders. However, unexplained inconsistencies naturally cause people to reluctantly question their church leaders intentions.

Unfortunately, the Vatican has a history of the misuse of time to avoid opposition. Pope John Paul II made a historical public apology in 2000 for the sins of the Church through the centuries. Because Benedict XVI and the hierarchy have not been forthcoming with any substantiated reasoning to explain their long opposition against homosexuals, and then with their sudden shift of support for homosexuals, again, with no explanation, it is only logical that questions are raised.

Proper explanations would dispel thoughts that the Vatican’s sudden shift of support for homosexuals at the United Nations was meant as tactic:
(1) to appease their opposition from the LGBT associations and their allies
(2) to allow more time to past for people to forget the Ireland Murphy report “December 09”
(3) to forget the research data report
presented at the US bishops fall meeting “November 09” stating that “Homosexuality was the not the problem” of the child sexual abuse cases.

In addition, clarification has been asked about what is the meaning of “unjust discrimination” that was used in the Vatican’s statement. The meaning is not clear. Did the Vatican in reality say anything different regarding homosexuals?  

In light of the devastating Ireland’s report regarding the intentional cover-ups of the child sexual abuse cases led by Benedict XVI and then shifting the blame by publicly wrongfully condemning homosexuals, which also increases the life time harm caused to children who grow up gay, all strikes at the very foundation of the credibility of Benedict XVI and the hierarchy. It is unsettling and frustrating for everyone. Because in both instances children are being harmed for life and in good conscience of all Catholics something must be done to protect children. It is like what Jesus said out of frustration about people who are lukewarm, preferring people to be either “hot” or “cold.” People want to believe Benedict XVI and the hierarchy, but transparency and constancy must be forthcoming first before people in good conscience can do so. And at all times it must be remembered that children are the victims of the actions of Benedict XVI and the hierarchy. How is justice to be upheld for everyone involved?  From 2002 to 2009 these were the most revealing years of the decades of Benedict XVI and the hierarchy child sexual abuse cover-ups. We must all work together to protect children, immediately and harm no one.

There have been major world leaders (Tony Blair), 
celebrities standing up, and some “coming out” in support of LGBT adults and children. Barack Obama became President of the USA in 2008, it was clear that he valued knowledge from all sources, past and present and on all levels. President Obama has demonstrated that he is willing to debate important issues and clearly explain his strategies (Nobel Peace Prize). 
With all due respect, in contrast, unfortunately Benedict XVI and the hierarchy clearly are not interested in obtaining knowledge from all sources regarding the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, therefore they lack the necessary logic and clarity to be able to understand their opposition to Marriage Equality.  

Pope John Paul II had the right formula when looking for truth, which was by not separating science from religion. Pope John Paul II 

Unfortunately, Benedict XVI dismissed this caution, immediately after he became pope, April 2005, by removing the scientists that Pope John Paul II had set up on all committees in the Vatican. And immediately, Benedict XVI, fell into error, just as Pope John Paul II warned would happen if science and religion are separated. 

Advocates of Marriage Equality must not allow extremists (misled Christians) to separate science from their religion. This is also good advice for our people in government to find the line that separates church and state. It also helps us to know when the church has crossed the line and is harming innocent people, especially children, as was done by burning witches and hanging people because of their race.

Implicit Child Abuse
Vatican’s Unsubstantiated Antigay Teachings Galileo (Again)?

The harm caused to children growing up gay who are subjected to the Vatican’s unsubstantiated antigay teachings though it is a form of implicit child abuse that often leads to more explicit forms of violence, is in fact, far more deadly than witch burnings or hangings, because it becomes self perpetuating. It teaches a child how to treat people inhumanly, as adults. It fosters implicit and explicit forms violence. With all due respect, unfortunately Benedict XVI and the hierarchy appear to be prime examples of what happens to very young children who are taught to suppress, consider as evil their natural human feelings for bonding with other human beings, to feel one with another human being.  Instead though not intentionally, they are taught to consider human life as unimportant and disposable, because in effect that is how they were treated as children.  Repeatedly shamed, scolded or physical abused, as very young children, because of their natural innocent feelings and expressions to be close to another person of the same sex. More often than not they unknowingly repeat this same kind of inhuman behavior, as they experienced as children on others, when they are adults. This is because their natural feelings for human bonding, feeling one with another human being, have long been destroyed in their early childhood years growing up by being subjected to these unsubstantiated antigay teachings promulgated by the Vatican. 

This is why it is imperative that we do not allow the publicity of the “child sexual abuse cases” in Ireland to die down without convictions and proper restitution made to the victims. Christ warned us about the importance of protecting children, which Benedict XVI and the hierarchy seem to have long forgotten. "Protect children and the entire world will be safe." If we forget the children we will lose just like Benedict XVI and the hierarchy are for not protecting the "little ones." They tried to maintain secrecy about this ongoing sexual abuse of children and continue to do so. However, now the fact that we, the world, have known about it for the past seven years (2002-2009), it is now our responsibility not to remain silent and begin protecting children.  However, it is vitally important that we do not become vigilantes, self-appointed doers of justice, which would only compound the violence being done to children worldwide. No one is ever protected in this manner. 

It is sad to state that the Vatican’s great defense in dealing with “cover-ups” is to allow time to past, lots of time, years and years, for people to forget. It took the Vatican 400 years to apologize to Galileo for condemning him because he said the earth revolves around the sun.


WATERGATE (AGAIN)?

BENEDICT XVI COVER-UPS 30 years+

We the public have been made aware of the global harm to children by Benedict XVI and the hierarchy, we are responsible to protect children. No harm or disrespect is intended to anyone, but when and how do we become responsible to protect children. As Catholics, we know in the end we all will be judged severely on how well we protected children. It is vital that each and every Catholic individually learns to facts about the child sexual abuse cases and about human sexuality and not collude with the harm being done by our silence or ignorance. Again, it cannot be stress enough that it is equality important that we must avoid at all cost not to become vigilantes, self-appointed doers of justice. This is where the necessary “checks and balances” are essential before any help protecting children can begin. We do not eliminated crimes against humanity by creating other crimes of against humanity.  The harmful symptoms of “groupthink
can arise in any group of people, who are not cautious enough to learn about their devastating potential to unintentionally cause severe harm to innocent people including children. With the necessary "checks and balances" in place that remain constant, we must then remain strong in our protection of children. It is so very easy to slip into becoming worst than the aggressors.

No “Checks and Balances”

A major problem with the hierarchical structure of the Roman Catholic Church is that there are no “checks and balances.” When the necessary “checks and balances” are not in place to protect any organization, it leaves “not making waves” the rule that governs the hierarchy and opens the way to many devastating mistakes harmful to everyone and allows corruption to grow. The following statements are harsh statements, but unfortunately they are heavily documented. (1) Benedict XVI and his hierarchy failed to protect children from child sexual abuse for decades. (2) They mistreated and intimidated the victims and their families who came to report the child sexual abuse, in order to cover up publicity of any child sexual abuse. (3) They failed to protect children by repeatedly reassigning the child sexual abusers to assignments where children would be present. (4) When the hierarchy’s criminal negligence failing to protect children became public, globally, in 2002 they shifted the blame wrongfully onto gay priests. (5) By falsely, against known research to the contrary, blaming gay priests they implicated the entire LGBT community and how they are fighting against Marriage Equality. When the scientific facts known for decades about human sexuality have been discounted with no substantiated facts given to explain why, it causes many questions whether Benedict XVI and the hierarchy’s fight against Marriage Equality is more a fight to maintained the cover-up of the hierarchy’s criminal negligence failing to protect children? Benedict XVI and his hierarchy need to clearly offer substantiated reasons why they are against Marriage Equality. This statement needs to be spelled out in great detail and follow Pope John Paul II’s test of truth of not separating science and religion. (6) Benedict XVI and the hierarchy’s continuous public propaganda against homosexuality encourages public intolerance towards LGBTQ&I adults and children. They continue to do this even though this summer 2 major Christian denominations approved LGBT singled and partnered people for all forms of ordained ministries. (7) Benedict XVI and the hierarchy’s continuous promulgation of the Vatican’s unsubstantiated antigay teachings that are harmful to children in their early childhood psychological developmental years, harm that is crippling throughout their lives. They have continued this even after the beginning of the year, 2009, the Family Acceptance Project research studies had shown the negative effects caused to youths, when their sexual orientation is not accepted, having health problems, suicidal ideation, etc. They ignore all the major medical, psychiatric, psychological and social workers national and international professional associations regarding their findings regarding human sexuality and sexual orientation. WHEN DO WE START PROTECTING CHILDREN?!?!

Written by Fr. Marty Kurylowicz

Benedict XVI misuses the authority of his office to promote discrimination against LGBT children and adults - Britain
August 28, 2010

Bush's Top Republican administration after 8 years left massive destruction, loss of human life in his wake - Ken Mehlman, President Bush's campaign manager announces he is gay on the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina 2005. Overwhelmingly confusing
August 28, 2010

Hate Crime Bill vs Attacks But No Facts -> Fear And Ignorance Of
The Blind Leading The Blind
October 27, 2009 – Fr. Marty Kurylowicz

Is It Possible to Be Against Same-Sex Marriage
Without Being Homophobic?
Carlos A. Ball
Professor of Law at Rutgers University
August 24, 2010 – Huffington Post

The Closet: Psychological Issues of Being In and Coming Out
By Jack Drescher, M.D. - October 1, 2004

SEXUAL CONVERSION THERAPIES
Jack Drescher, M.D.

The Psychology of the Closet: Governor McGreevey's New Clothes
by Jack Drescher, M.D. – August 27, 2004

Vatican Asking For Male Prostitutes –
“Naturam expellas furca, tamen usque recurret.”
Though you drive Nature out with a pitchfork,
she will still find her way back.

The Pope Is Not Gay
Andrew Sullivan – The Daily Dish
The Atlantic

The Psychology of the Closeted Individual and Coming Out – 2007
by Jack Drescher, M.D.

The Significance of Brokeback Mountain
by Ralph Roughton
Self Psychology News – Fall 2007

Auschwitz - Christmas 2008 - A flashback far more severe than
in Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain

Benedict’s unsubstantiated antigay teachings
“The Pope Is Not Gay” by Angelo Quattrocch, 2010
Among the Flutterers - Colm Tóibín
London Review of Books

Church of Scotland admits institutional homophobia
April 25, 2007 - Ekklesia

"No sensible person can imagine that the
sexes differ
in matters of love as they do in matters of clothing.
The intelligent lover of beauty will be attracted to beauty in whichever gender he finds it."
Plutarch

The Quality Of Lasting Homosexual Relationships
Deserve Respect
Roman Catholic -->Cardinal Christoph Schönborn,
Vienna

Gramick: Equality is a Catholic value
by David Taffet – Dallas Voice

Gay Marriage -> Restores
“Hope of Love”
To Children In Early Childhood

Sexual orientation is less about sex and more about love,
being one with another human being - Attachment Theory
LOVE & RELIGION
Gay Marriage

Gay Marriage - Galileo Condemned As A Heretic -
Misinterpretations of The Bible
Homosexuality?
Natural Law?
Benedict XVI?
Kids Are Being Hurt!!!

Prop 8 judgment, August 4, 2010 - Gay marriage
“Religious beliefs that gay and lesbian relationships are sinful or inferior to heterosexual relationships harm gays and lesbians.”
Judge Vaughn Walker

California decision pulls mask off fears, prejudice
by Ron Eachus
August 10, 2010 - Statesman Journal.com

Prop 8 trial witness: Being gay not a choice –
Psychologist testifies in case challenging California’s gay marriage ban
AP - January 22, 2010 – msnbc.com -
and related links:

Prop 8 ruled unconstitutional as lacking rational basis
Nan Hunter - Professor, Georgetown Law,
Washington, DC

Gay Marriage Ruling A Matter of Simple Justice
by Geoffrey R. Stone
law professor at the University of Chicago
Chicago Tribune

Structural Violence
Section Introduction -
Peace, conflict, and violence: Peace psychology in the 21st century
Daniel Christie

GLOBALISM AND STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE
Marc Pilisuk
Peace, conflict, and violence: Peace psychology in the 21st century
Daniel Christie

Structural Violence
Dr.N.V.S.Suryanarayana – August 18, 3010
Psyspeak
Human Behavior on Social Media

Sexing political identities/ National as Heterosexism
V. Spike Peterson
University of Arizona
International Feminist Journal of Politics, 1:1 June 1999, 34–65

RELIGION AND CONFLICT
Luc Reychler
Introduction: Towards a Religion of World Politics?
The International Journal of Peace Studies

Institutional homophobia (or heterosexism)
Edith Cowan University Western Australia

HOMOPHOBIA
Edith Cowan University Western Australia

Peace Psychology Book
Daniel Christie

Peace Psychology 2009 - PowerPoint Presentation

Dan Christie,
Professor of Psychology at Ohio State University

Important note: I mean no disrespect to Pope Benedict XVI or the hierarchy, the one and only concern is the safety and well-being of children. Kids Are Being Hurt !!!
______________________

Someday, maybe,there will exist a well-informed,
well-considered, and yet fervent public conviction
that the most deadly of all possible sins
is the mutilation of a child's spirit.

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