Focus of American Fork forum worries gay-rights activist

By Deborah Bulkeley and Ethan Thomas
Deseret Morning News
Published: Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:29 a.m. MDT
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AMERICAN FORK — Along with pornography, same-gender attraction falls under the category of "serious social problems," according to the Parent Teacher Student Association at American Fork High School.

Both topics are to be discussed at 6 p.m. today at a PTSA forum titled "Protecting Our Youth From Serious Social Problems," said Belinda Jensen, the organization's president.

"I think sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS are an important reason to look at this," Jensen said. "I also believe that it is a lifestyle that is not conducive to families."

Valerie Larabee, executive director of the Utah Pride Center, a gay and lesbian advocacy group, said if the concern is sexually transmitted diseases, the forum should focus on preventing unprotected sex, not on sexual orientation.

The focus, she said, can have harmful impacts on youths.

"When youth are questioning their sexual orientation ... and they are in an environment filled with misinformation and hate, that can be conducive to depression and suicidal thoughts," she said.

However, Jensen said the forum will focus on same-sex attraction "because it is more blatant in our society and it is becoming more popular among activist groups that are pushing issues like clubs in schools."

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Jensen was referring to gay-straight alliances, student groups that often focus on service. Larabee said she's not aware of an effort to start such a club at American Fork High School.

Jensen turned down an offer Wednesday afternoon from Larabee to also participate in the panel, citing time limits for the hour-long panel.

"The speaker we have is going to be very positive," Jensen said. "We're trying to help kids avoid this problem (same-gender attraction) and also overcome it."

That reasoning is troubling to Larabee, who sees it as singling out students as abnormal.

"Within their ranks, they have youth who are identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, and they deserve the same kind of support as any other youth in that school," Larabee said. "These conversations come from fear and people being uneducated about the issues."

E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com; ethomas@desnews.com

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