November 2, 2017
Introduction:
In October 2017, the AATA adopted the following statement supporting the affirmation and healthy development across the lifespan of individuals within LGBTQIA communities. In response to sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE), The American Art Therapy Association unequivocally affirms LGBTQIA orientations are natural, positive, and moral variations of human sexual expression. This introduction and statement are intentionally strengths-based to clarify and confirm The Association and members affirm and embrace the LGBTQIA community. The Association unequivocally opposes SOCE as unethical.
Statement:
As asserted in our Association Values Statement (2017), the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) embraces and affirms individuals within the LGBTQIA spectrums of sexual orientation and gender-expansive and transgender individuals. The AATA supports therapeutic interventions that foster healthy development across the lifespan of LGBTQIA individuals, and equally admonishes treatment purported to cure or curb natural variations of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This decisive stance is in alignment with major medical and mental health associations including the American Counseling Association, The American Psychological Association, The American Psychoanalytic Association, and the American School Counselor Association, The National Association of Social Workers:
- Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change Efforts (SOCE) : http://www.apa.org/about/policy/sexual-orientation.pdf
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA) promotes support and respect for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression- The School Counselor and LBGTQ Youth: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/PositionStatements/PS_LGBTQ.pdf
- The American Psychoanalytic Association (APSA): Position Statement on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression http://www.apsa.org/content/2012-position-statement-attempts-change-sexual-orientation-gender-identity-or-gender
- The American Counseling Association (ACA) officially opposes conversion or reparative therapies:https://www.counseling.org/news/updates/2013/01/16/ethical-issues-related-to-conversion-or-reparative-therapy
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Change Efforts (SOCE) and Conversion Therapy with Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, and Transgender Persons https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=IQYALknHU6s%3D&portalid=0
Adopted October 29, 2017, Introduction added September 20, 2018