I identified as lesbian, experiencing same sex attraction, for years before discovering that my sexuality could be fluid and that my attractions could be related to trauma. Today, after considerable emotional healing I am healthy and married to a man.

There are thousands of women who experience same sex attraction as a result of sexual abuse and childhood trauma like I once did. Withholding professional counseling to women who recognize their preference for intimacy with other women is born out of trauma is inhumane and sexist. The gay (male) community steadfastly refuses to acknowledge the women and girls who have turned to lesbian relationships for safety either subconsciously or consciously. Similarly, those of us who once were tomboys and refused female stereotypes are being pressured to embrace transgender identity. Therapy bans will further deepen this pressure.

Please protect the rights of women of all ages to explore and understand their gender and sexual fluidity (the APA acknowledges that women have higher rates of sexual fluidity--see Lisa Diamond etc) under professional care. Therapy bans like this declare there is only one route for a person's sexuality with no room for dissent. Sexuality is complex and we need the APAs to step up to the challenge of helping us better understand ourselves rather than simply shut down personal inquiry with options for change. Women should have the right to shape their own sexuality under the care of a professional counselor.  

Find other stories like mine at changedmovement.com