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Local News
PhD Speaks About Same-Sex Attraction
by Jesse Dolcé
On Sept. 16, the health and wellness division of Salt Lake Community College sponsored a seminar called “Honoring the Gay Voice” where Dr. Lee Beckstead spoke to SLCC students about his personal struggle with integrating spiritual, sexual and social identities. The seminar was to raise awareness for group therapy for same-sex attraction for individuals in conflict and came one week after a seminar held by Eagle Forum Collegians of SLCC entitled “Silencing the Gay Voice.”
Beckstead is a group facilitator who works for Aspen Grove Counseling. He works with individuals to resolve their distress or concerns about their sexual orientation and religious and social conflicts. Beckstead said that discussion allows people to sort out their thoughts and feelings, enhance self-worth, develop relationships, consolidate a positive self-identity, and find comfort within their lives.
“I dealt with same-sex attractions for years,” said Beckstead, who grew up in Murray as a member of the LDS church. When he was a young man taking part in the passing of the sacrament at church, Beckstead says, he thought to himself how another boy passing the sacrament was cute. He dealt with his feelings and the conflict they created with his religion by suppressing them.
He calls the same-sex attraction only a “piece” of his life. He had a “gay piece” and a “spiritual piece.” As a young man he went on a mission and did everything within his faith to suppress the “gay piece.” At 21, after returning home, he went to Evergreen International to help him deal with the “gay piece.”
Evergreen is a group that uses conversion therapy for people to overcome same-sex attraction. They provide information and guidance in order to overcome homosexual desires and reduce same-sex attraction. Evergreen sustains the beliefs of the doctrines of the LDS church, but is not affiliated with the church.
From age 21–27, Beckstead tried to live the lifestyle that Evergreen outlined for him. He found that the longer he suppressed his same-sex attraction the harder it became for him to have any type of sexuality. He was not happy but felt like this was the only way for him to deal with the “gay piece” and his “spiritual piece” together.
“I was in a place where sissy boys could learn to play sports,” said Beckstead. At Evergreen, boys were taught how to play sports like basketball and baseball. Women were taught how to apply make-up and to cook.
“Many people feel suicide is their only option,” said Beckstead. He warned that harm can occur from conversion or reparative therapy due to being misinformed about realistic outcomes or being misled with unsubstantiated theories and treatments.
SLCC Students struggling with the process of sexual reorientation can contact Health and Wellness, in the Student Center, at 957-4268 or visit slcc.edu/hw
Dr. Beckstead can be reached at Aspen Grove Counseling, 1400 S. Foothill Drive, Suite 24, leebeckst@yahoo.com, or at 581-0422.
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