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PATH is a non-profit coalition of organizations that help people
with unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA) realize their personal
goals for change -- whether by developing their innate heterosexual
potential or by embracing a lifestyle as a single, non-sexually
active man or woman.
Collectively,
our organizations have worked with thousands of men, women and youth
who are finding peace and fulfillment by resolving their SSA feelings
in ways that are emotionally healing, gender-affirming, congruent
with their deeply held values and beliefs, and supportive of their
individual life goals.
Some have transitioned
out of a homosexual identity and lifestyle, while others have avoided
ever fully going into it. Some have married and had children of
their own. Some have saved their existing marriages and families.
Some have found fulfillment in living as a single man or woman,
with no homosexual involvement.
Whatever their
individual circumstances and life goals, they have found from personal
experience that there are, indeed, positive alternatives that are
right for them rather than living a homosexual life.
What we
stand for:
Many people who experience same-sex attractions (SSA) choose not
to act on those feelings and not to embrace a homosexual identity.
In many cases, they also choose to affirm and develop their heterosexual
desires and pursue their dream of raising a family. We respect and
affirm their choice.
We do not seek to force our viewpoint on anyone, to tell others
what they "should" do, or to shut down others' voices. We do work
to raise awareness of alternatives to living a homosexual life --
alternatives that many have found to be positive, life-affirming
and congruent with their values, morals and beliefs. We support
freedom of information.
Individuals conflicted over their same-sex attractions have the
right to decide whether to seek counseling or therapy; what kind
of counseling to seek; to be made aware of all alternatives; and
to determine the desired direction of their own therapy program.
Professional organizations should enhance rather than inhibit the
client's right of self-determination.
Individuals who have transitioned out of a former homosexual identity
and lifestyle, or who choose to pursue alternatives to homosexuality,
deserve compassion and respect. Their choices should not subject
them to discrimination, ridicule, marginalization, or make them
the target of hate speech or accusations of homophobia. Demands
for tolerance by one group can never justify intolerance or ridicule
of another.
All branches of government should avoid actions or decisions that
would inhibit free speech about, or the practice of, freely chosen
alternatives to homosexuality. Of particular concern are laws regarding
hate crimes and sexual orientation that may be construed to make
it illegal to promote or even speak about alternatives to homosexuality.
We claim equal access to public forums to state our viewpoint, share
our experience, and to raise awareness of alternative responses
to a homosexual identity and lifestyle. This is particularly vital
in cases where public schools address the issue of sexual orientation.
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