Supporters of Leelah Alcorn, the transgender teen who committed suicide after therapy, protest to honor her memory. Courtesy of Wikimedia
By John Schebece
American culture is overall heteronormative and people whose gender identity and sexuality do not conform are often marginalized.
The discussion of sexuality in America has often been stifled by the pervasive belief that this is a nation founded on “Christian ideology.”
While there is nothing wrong with believing this, we must respect one another’s rights and decisions. This means that we must respect the opinions of both sides.
We must create and sustain a culture of acceptance while simultaneously valuing traditional opinions.
Of course, the dialogue should be is much broader than talking about homosexuality on Fordham’s campus. We must facilitate conversations about sexuality in the United States in order to resolve the issues we have with it.
An online White House petition caught the eye of the president, one which gathered electronic signatures to raise awareness of the suicide of seventeen-year-old Leelah Alcorn.
The transgender teen left an online suicide note saying how therapists attempted to change her back to a boy and the traumatic psychological effects their actions had on her.
The note garnered a lot of attention thanks to Tumblr, where Leelah had a large number of followers and the support of many. However, even this support was not enough to soothe the trauma caused by the therapists.
Unfortunately, the tale of Leelah Alcorn is all-too-common in our world.
According to Healthy Place, a mental health website, 30 to 45 percent of transgender people report that they have attempted suicide, and many are too afraid to even discuss this matter.
President Obama, while not explicitly outlining any plans for a law, called for a ban of these hurtful methods of “therapy” like the ones Leelah suffered. The White House praised the 18 states that passed legislation this year banning gay conversion therapy. They joined New Jersey, Washington D.C., and California, which previously passed legislation banning the practices.
Dominic Brancato, FCRH ’18 and a political science major, said, “I think Obama is doing all that he can do in that he is condemning them, but I don’t think he can take it much further than that, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
A step indeed, as Obama has further solidified the stance of the White House in LGBT matters. While there may not be much Obama can do legally for now, he has helped raise awareness by taking a stance. These gay conversion methods, camps, and therapists are toxic to LGBT youths who are attempting to figure out their identities.
The discussion of sexuality must be more open in America as sexuality seems to affect the nation now more than ever. Many have said that this is a period of civil revolution in the country for the LGBT community, but the truth is, while we have made strides over the past few decades for LGBT awareness and rights, we are sadly behind the curve in this respect.
The word “belief” is entangled in the discussion of sexuality, both gender and sexual orientation. Nobody wants to go near it and people become easily caught up in it.
If we could somehow get past these beliefs, the discussion would be much easier and much safer. In addition, Fordham should continue to encourage these changes in legislature, in society, and around campus.
As of now, the United States is not a safe place for the discussion of sexuality for many, and will remain so unless we raise awareness of the damage institutions, such as gay therapy camps, cause.
John Schebece, FCRH ’18, is undecided in his major from Dix Hills, New York.
The Fordham Ram 
