We are
What You Can Do
Standing up for your rights in the face of discrimination is always
an act of courage. You are not alone. We have each other and
we have allies; and rest assured we will prevail. Listed below are
steps you can take:
1- If you are a licensed or pre-licensed therapist, join Gaylesta
using our 'Join Now' link.
2- If you're not a therapist, you can contribute to our efforts in
this area by making a donation via Paypal to help support our efforts,
by clicking the donate button below. Your donations will help fund
our efforts to educate and end discrimination within the mental
health community.
3- Please write or call CAMFT and voice your concern. Be clear
and to the point. For a sample letter to send, please click here. If
you prefer to write your own letter, you may want to include the
following main points:
- CAMFT stands alone in organizations representing mental health
workers NOT standing up against discrimination.
- Taking a stand on legitimizing gay marriage is well within the scope
of an organization that represents marriage and family therapists, because it should be the expectation that therapists to not discriminate against minority marriages and families.
- As either a therapist, part of the LGBT community, or a supporter of LGBT rights, you urge CAMFT to do the right thing and stand up against discrimination.
4- Spread the word. Let others know that California's largest organization representing marriage and family therapists has refused to stand up for gay marriage. Tell others about Gaylesta and our work.
5- Stay Informed. To find out more about the positions various mental health
organizations have taken on marriage equality, check the following links:
American Psychological Association
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
National Association of Social Workers
For more information about the fight for marriage equality, check the following websites:
The Courage Campaign
Equality California
Human Rights Campaign
Lambda Legal
National Center for Lesbian Rights
Tell3
ACLU
a vital and growing organization. Since its begining in 1987, Gaylesta has grown to include over 200 mental health professionals.
Our membership collectively offers a range of services, experience, specializations, and expertise.
We work to promote awareness of the special skills our members have to offer the LGBTQ communities and the general public. We do this through outreach, advertising, and public speaking; also through an online and telephone referral service through which our members can market their practices.
Beyond serving as a resource for those seeking therapy, we see ourselves as having a role in fostering the well-being of the LGBTQ communities.
Gaylesta and Marriage Equality
