I’m thinking that we could learn some things about plasticity from the journey of the one brother but his experience may say more to self-identity and labelling than it does to sexual orientation plasticity. If, for the sake of argument, the lad was orienting straight and then got turned to a gay identity, his ‘going straight’ would be seen as a return to his norm–or perhaps an undoing of the damage caused. This would not be compelling to someone who never felt destined for heterosexuality or straightness but was considering the merits of plasticity. The possibility that a gay orientation is inborn or is God’s created intent for an individual would be a major brain factor to be reckoned with. 1) If it is inborn or is God’s intent for an individual, then plasticity would be a war against the created self. 2) If it isn’t actually inborn or God’s intent, if the individual believes that it is, this would impact any motivation towards plasticity. I’m assuming that in the case of this young man, it likely wasn’t difficult to convince him that he was the victim of bad influence, therefore he wouldn’t have either of those blocks to plasticity.

We can still learn from it, I’m sure, I’d simply cautious that we not we use it as a model for plasticity in general.

Do you happen to know where anyone can get articles(academic ones) on these two young men?

@Ann: In the Video the sentence

Before I met Rick, I was straight, but now I am gay.

don’t feel like many same sex attraction. And it is no new thing, but rare in this direction. How many say at this age: “I’m straight” and have then a coming out? At this time you must sort your thoughts about attraction, feelings, and the new hormone-throbbed sexuality.

Just a sudden inspiration with no meaning: Have he a girlfriend because he had no mother? Would he repair his brokenness with a sexualized relationship?

I am also curious as to the kind of counseling they got while incarcerated. I wonder what approach Alex’s therapist took in addressing the gay identity he had. Was he encouraged to accept it and told he did not have a choice in the matter or was he treated as a unique individual and given the opportunity to reason his feelings out and understand them or was he told he was too young to make any kind of determination about the rest of his life? I wonder if it would be a good case for theapists to study and learn from – just not sure. I know I found it interesting and in line with what I know about children and young adults in the foster care system.

I was intrigued by this news. Fascinating. I would like to see an update every two years or so. I wonder what will happen to the young men once they brother up again and share the same lving space. Will they be left to their own devices? Will the revert back to old behaviors? What trials face them that may not be ready for and will the adults in their lives today still regard them with the same grace and kindness?

I sure hope ewverything works out. I have apprehensions about the two of them living together.

Mary,

I thought exactly the same thing about them living together. It seems Alex has thrived living with his adopted family and Derek has done well too. I would think the loving and caring people who intervened in their lives will stay with them. I honestly think this intervention has made all the difference. Loved what Alex said about Depok Chopra too I am sure there will be hiccups along the way, however, like you, I sure hope their path continues the way it has and that they continue to look to the future instead of the past. I do think this story speaks to the human potential and how that should always be encouraged.

Got it. Nothing personal. Issues only. Subjects and things. I think I can do that.

Michael,

Right – remember, when you reference yourself, you direct the conversation toward you and that leaves open the possibility to be criticized. When you are referring to subject matter, even if it is personal to you, the conversation is about that subject and not YOU. Subject matter puts people on even ground – personal matters do not. Since we cannot ever control how others, it is best to control ourselves – we cannot set boundaries for others, only ourselves

This begs the question – why would you or anyone else listen to them when we have that small, still voice to listen to instead?

Wow. That stopped me cold. You are absolutely right. As usual. I will try to heed your good advice. Thanks for your kindness. Really, have a good night, Ann. I am glad we met. Peace to all who post here.