Setting the Record Straight
You know, there is some pretty bad information and some fairly common misconceptions kicking around out there in the public square. The born that way myth and the "change is impossible" propaganda are just two common examples. Sadly, these and other unscientific concepts discourage individuals from seeking counseling help and fuel legislative and legal efforts that seek to limit the right of individuals and families to work with a therapist that will honor the values they hold dear.
The Alliance and our member Partners are working to get accurate information about sexual self-determination and homosexual attractions into colleges, universities, public discussions, online forums, and reported in the popular media. We firmly believe that if people have access to accurate information they can make informed decisions.
Americans' trust and confidence in the mass media "to report the news fully, accurately and fairly" has dropped to its lowest level in Gallup polling history, with 32% saying they have a great deal or fair amount of trust in the media.
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Since the public cannot depend on the media to accurately report on issues related to human sexuality organizations like the Alliance must act as "watchdogs" for these issues
Media misrepresentations certainly skew public perceptions. Current statistic show the share of adults in the United States who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is around 4.1% (total) while public estimates range closer to 20%.
In the United Kingdom the latest report from the Office for National Statisticsjust over 1 million (2.0%) of the UK population aged 16 and over identified themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB).