Cured (film)

On National Coming Out Day, PBS broadcast a special titled “Cured” that was an indictment of the entire profession of psychiatry on the issues regarding homosexuality. The documentary traced the long history of the classification of homosexuality as a mental illness and the acceptable methods of treatments at that time. Fortunately, in 1973 the American Psychological Association issued an apology.

While watching that film, I was surprised how much of the cruel, draconian treatments and misinformation were perpetrated based on faux science. I lived through that period. Although I never sought treatment, I suffered much of the discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. It particularly was a major threat to me while serving in the military. I hid in the closet for a decade, and then I was public only in some circles.

We are facing a similar ethical dilemma today regarding vaccinations for COVID-19. Confidence in Public Health, even the entire medical profession, has been undermined by those seeking political gain. To posit the issue as a question of religious liberty is a gross miscarriage of justice. It is pointless to blame some for the death of 700,000+ people, but the consequences of being wrong have been devastating.

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