Question I

[Jonetta]

During the investigation into the lives of the victims, we find family members covering the full spectrum of attitudes about homosexuality. Were you able to understand, on any level, those who believe that a person could be trained to change their sexuality?

[Sharon]

To a point, I'm old enough to remember when homosexuality was considered a mental disorder and could be "cured" with the right psychologist. I guess that people used these theories to justify their thinking.

Back in the day, physicians were considered gods, and parents rarely argued with their recommendations.

[Jonetta]

Like you, I watched how attitudes towards homosexuality shifted based on changes in the medical community, public awareness and religious theology. But in this day and age, we know too much to be this misinformed in the face of overwhelming information to the otherwise. These beliefs have nothing to do with what’s best for the child…it’s all about the parents’ denial.

[Lynn]

I remember when it was thought that sexuality was determined by environment or by personal choice. Those are the beliefs that led to the idea that a person's sexuality could be changed. I hope we've moved past those archaic ideas.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Yes, attitudes have definitely changed compared to when I was growing up in the 60's and 70's. There is so much more information out there and if people want to be they can be informed and leave prejudices and misinformation behind. That is in our Western society though, there are many parts of the world where it is still a crime.