***NEWS RELEASE*** For Immediate Release
October 8, 2015
CONTACT:
Deborah Hamilton, Hamilton Strategies, 215.815.7716, 610.584.1096, ext. 102, or Beth Harrison, 610.584.1096, ext. 104, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com Healing Weekend for Fathers of Gay Children Helps Dads Navigate Complex Parenting Issues Counselor Christopher Doyle Points to Headlines as Evidence of Complicated Gender and Sexual Issues Parents Must Face WASHINGTON, D.C.—Imagine
being a father whose 15-year-old son reveals that he wants gender
reassignment surgery. At 15, in the state of Oregon, that boy is able to
have the surgery—with monetary help from the state and without parental
consent—thanks to a controversial new law passed in Oregon earlier this
year.
Or,
imagine that a daughter comes home from school with the news that a boy
who is identifying as a girl has permission to use the girls’ restroom
and locker room—just like what happened in a Missouri town last month.
Christopher Doyle, a licensed professional counselor and a leader in the #TherapyEquality campaign of Equality And Justice For All (www.equalityandjusticeforall.org), says that these are real issues that fathers face today.
“In
the state of Oregon, a 15-year-old can’t drive, smoke, donate blood,
get a tattoo or even visit a tanning bed,” Doyle said. “Yet they can
have a sex-change operation without their parents ever knowing about it,
and the state will pay for it. These are real issues parents are facing
today—issues of gender confusion, sexual identity, unwanted same-sex
attractions and living in, and perhaps leaving, a homosexual lifestyle.
Years ago, when I, too, identified as homosexual, I never imagined
someday being a father. But today, my beautiful wife and I have five
amazing kids. And it was because help and healing were available to me.
“Now,”
Doyle continued, “I can help others in the same situation, reminding
them that change and a new life is possible for them and their kids,
too—like it was for me. When it comes to sexual identity therapy, our
clients believe there are specific causes for their unwanted same-sex
attractions. We help them resolve those issues, affirm their sexual
identity, and work with them to achieve their goals. And counseling can
make a huge difference in the lives of fathers, mothers and families as
well.”
To
help fathers navigate some of the complex parenting issues that include
unwanted same-sex attractions and gender identity confusion, Doyle is
hosting a “Key to Your Child’s Heart Father’s Healing Weekend” on Nov.
6-8 in Hagerstown, Md., which will give fathers the opportunity to
connect with other fathers who are facing the same issues, so they can
learn together, rise up and tackle the challenges that affect their
families and children. Doyle will help fathers gain insight into their
children’s needs by learning, growing and taking part in group
activities during the interactive weekend. To register, or for more
information, visit www.comingoutloved.com/healing-weekends.
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To interview Christopher Doyle, contact Deborah Hamilton at 215-815-7716 or 610-584-1096, ext. 102, or Beth Harrison at 610-584-1096, ext. 104, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com.
International Healing Foundation (IHF),
founded in 1990, believes some live a heterosexual, homosexual,
bisexual, transgender or transsexual life, while others are unsure about
their sexuality and seek to explore alternatives. IHF upholds the
rights to self-determination and values the right of autonomy, and is
committed to helping people on their journey of self-discovery. IHF’s
goal is to promote healthy individuals and relationships, while
assisting in the healing of families, communities and places of worship. |
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