3 thoughts on “Video clip of Dr. Robert Spitzer discussing sexual orientation research”

  1. I suggest that you examine the comments about Dr. Spitzer in Dr. Paula Caplan’s book, “How the World’s Most Powerful Psychiatrists Decide Who’s Crazy.”

    N.S. Lehrman, M.D.

  2. Here is an email from Bob after I read Gareth Fenley’s remarks:

    Warren,

    I vaguely remember talkiing to someone who I assume is Gareth Fenley. I don’t recall what I said but I probably did say that I regretted participating in the documentary. My position has always been – no matter who is interviewing me and no matter what their purpose – I will just say that I believe. However, I am uncomfortable giving aid to a movement that seeks to prevent gays from having leadership roles in Chrisian churches. Hence, my regret.

    Bob

    Robert L. Spitzer, M.D.
    Professor of Psychiatry
    New York State Psychiatric Institute
    Unit 60
    1051 Riverside Drive
    New York City, NY, 10533

    I replied:

    Warren,

    Well put,

    Bob

    Robert L. Spitzer, M.D.
    Professor of Psychiatry
    New York State Psychiatric Institute
    Unit 60
    1051 Riverside Drive
    New York City, NY, 10533

    Tel: 212-543-5524
    Email: RLS8@Columbia.edu
    —– Original Message —–
    From: Throckmorton, Warren
    To: Robert Spitzer
    Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 7:43 PM
    Subject: RE: Documentary

    Bob:

    While I have my beliefs about sexuality, my prime purpose in making the video was to demonstrate how described their sense of change. As you have documented, many if not most, people seek change due to religious conviction that homosexuality is wrong morally. I am not sure how any effort that tells that story would not be offensive to people who believe there is no need to change. As I see it, all you did was validate the experience of people who have been systematically denied a voice in the mental health world. I hope you do not regret that. Naturally, some will use the facts as wedges to address public policy objectives. The same will be true of the video that the Gay & Lesbian Psychiatric Association is making now. They will use your words and the words of those who have indeed been harmed by unethical conversion approaches to suggest that ex-gays do not exist and that their view of morality is the correct one.

    I have the great admiration and respect for you and the work you have done in psychiatry and I am sorry if the project has caused you any difficulties.

    Warren

  3. While the clip from your commercial film is, as always, fascinating…

    perhaps a few comments from a Spitzer about his displeasure about the way he and his study has been presented would be appropriate.

    I can provide those links, if you wish not to. But I assume you would 🙂

Comments are closed.