D.C. Mayor Awards Head of Ex-Gay Organization

Adrian Fenty, the mayor of Washington, D.C., was a strong proponent of legislation that recently led to the District extending marriage parity to gay and lesbian families. Fenty has now shown that he is capable of--in Washington, D.C. parlance--reaching across the aisle: the mayor signed a certificate of appreciation that the District bestowed upon PFOX leader Regina Griggs, a press release from the group reported on April 28.

PFOX, or Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays, is an organization dedicated to individuals who say that they used to be gay or lesbian, but are now heterosexual. Text at the group's web site says that "PFOX parents recognize our children for the wonderful young men and women they are. PFOX families do not label children based on who they are attracted to-feelings can and do change," the text continues, adding, "PFOX families allow for differences of opinion; we do not place requirements on our children nor do they place them on us."

The Fenty-signed certificate was given to Griggs in a ceremony that celebrated her decade of "dedication, commitment, and outstanding contributions as Executive Director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays," the release said.

"Regina's award is well-deserved," the group's president, Greg Quinlan, said. "Regina has served as executive director without pay. Instead, she prefers that donations be used to develop resources for families and teens, to promote unconditional love for all regardless of sexual orientation, and to seek equal access and protection for the ex-gay community." Added Quinlan, "Her dedication is unparalleled."

In 2008, Griggs brought suit against the District, saying that "ex-gays" face discrimination and should be protected under local anti-discrimination ordinances. "Former homosexuals and their friends have been fired from their jobs, repeatedly ridiculed, assaulted, and intimidated," Griggs claimed at the time. "This harassment is most often perpetrated by the same groups who demand protection under sexual orientation laws but work to deny ex-gays the same respect," Griggs added, going on to say, "Former homosexuals should have the right to be out, open and safe in society."

In 2009, the PFOX release said, the District did add "ex-gays" to the list of minorities covered by the local Human Rights Act.

Though some groups that promote the concept that gays and lesbians can be "cured" prescribe specific "treatments" to "cure" gays, PFOX does not make any claims to offering so-called "conversion therapy," which reputable mental health professionals warn could be more damaging than helpful. However, PFOX does make the claim that, "Each year thousands of men, women and teens with unwanted same-sex attractions make the personal decision to leave homosexuality," and says that such decisions ought to be respected.