I am happy to share that in June 2023, the American Psychological Association Board of Directors voted unanimously for APA to sign on to the United States Joint Statement Against Conversion Efforts (USJS)opens in new window, as revised based on feedback from the APA Ethics Committee. APA signed on with more than 23 other associations.
Over approximately eight years, many individuals and groups have contributed to this process, with Division 44 and CSOGD advocating that APA sign on.
A great deal of gratitude is shared for many contributions:
- Many thanks to CSOGD leaders for their partnership including Tania Israel, David Rivera, Brandon Hoeflein, Aakash Kishore, and Taymy Caso.
- Deep appreciation for the expertise and committed advocacy from Resolution writing group members including David Rivera, Seth Pardo, Avy Skolnik, Maggie Price, Doug Haldeman, Darren Freeman-Coppadge, and Tania Israel.
- Thanks to many Division 44 Board Members who engaged this item on many agendas and moved sticky institutional levers, especially Arlene Noriega and Michael Hendricks.
- Appreciation is also shared specifically with the Division 44 Public Policy Committee – especially co-chairs Kim Skerven, PhD, ABPP, and Katy Trotta, PsyD, and past co-chairs including Michele Schlehofer, PhD, and Nick Grant, PhD, ABPP, – for strategizing, supporting, and reviewing; and to the cadres of PPC members for their collaboration even in the midst of turbulent policy times.
- Thank you also to each of at least seven Division 44 Presidents who also supported Division 44’s significant role including Gary Howell, PsyD, Kimberly Balsam,PhD, Margie Rosario, PhD, David Pantalone, PhD, Richard Sprott, PhD, Mira Jourdan, PhD, ABPP, and Christina Patterson, PhD.
- It would not surprise many 44 members that we also credit assistance and wisdom from Ron Schlittler and Clinton Anderson, PhD, at APA.
- Last but certainly not least many thanks to Jim Walker and Guy Albert for their persistence and advocacy as well as for their vision.
It takes many hands to move a project along, and rarely do we get to share appreciation for everyone's efforts. There were many consultations with colleagues throughout this process, and I am sure to have missed more than one important person. Please add their name if you know who I missed!
I personally find value in multiple dimensions of the USJS including its reflection of professional consensus and a clear message to help cut through the misinformation that attempts to sell conversion as an alternative to affirmation. Many thanks for everyone's contributions to the protection, well-being, and liberation of LGBTQ+ communities.
Sincerely, Melissa – Division 44 PPC Liaison to the USJS (2015–2023)