Friedman and Downey's article dismissed the psychoanalytic explanation for homosexuality, and rejected much of the classic research, saying, "Modern psychodynamic therapists have abandoned inaccurate early formulations..."

The authors write: "... Reckless, impulsive, and compulsive sexual behavior is sometimes blamed on homosexuality when the real cause of the behavior is a psychiatric disorder, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality...Research since World War II has proved that the picture of homosexuality as pathological does not fit the facts...Homosexuals in general have no more psychopathology than heterosexuals...we know now that homosexual orientation itself is not a psychiatric disorder."

The authors said that "Some gay and lesbian patients, however, may mistakenly attribute psychiatric symptoms to their homosexuality, and therapists must not collude with them in this area."

They warned that parents who consult a mental-health professional to prevent homosexuality in their child, may be fulfilling some pathological function in their own family dynamics--deceiving themselves about what may in reality be the parents' own emotional conflicts or sexual problems.

The authors describe the alternative treatment plan of accepting one's gay or lesbian identity. Therapy should consist of addressing self- esteem issues and internalized homophobia, with the therapist supporting the coming-out process. In this process, "a false identity is discarded and a newer, more authentic one is adopted as a member of the gay or lesbian community." Negative self-images are treated by "...affirming that a homosexual orientation is healthy and acceptable."

NARTH addressed a letter to Newsletter editor Dr. Lester Grinspoon, protesting that the article did not fully represent the spectrum of professional opinion.

We asked the editor to consider an article representing an alternative viewpoint, but he refused to publish an opposing opinion.

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