Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW

Lately, there has been a focus in the media on accepting cross-gendered behavior in boys. As a therapist, a gay man and former (and, at times current) sissy boy myself, I applaud this trend.

Sexual Orientation: Is It Unchangeable?

I have found that one of the things that helps parents come to terms with their children’s sexual orientation is the idea that being gay or lesbian is innate. This is how they’re born and that’s that!. I am happy this idea comforts parents, but is it true?

I have found that one of the things that helps parents come to terms with their children’s sexual orientation is the idea that being gay or lesbian is innate. This is how they’re born and that’s that!. I am happy this idea comforts parents, but is it true?

Your child has just come out to you as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. What should you do?

Should You Come Out to Your Parents?

Now more than ever, gays and lesbians are coming out to their parents. However, despite all the potential benefits, sometimes telling Mom and Dad might not be such a good idea.

Now more than ever, gays and lesbians are coming out to their parents. However, despite all the potential benefits, sometimes telling Mom and Dad might not be such a good idea.

Is Sexual Fidelity Possible…or Even Necessary?

In our society, sexual monogamy in a marriage or committed relationship is considered sine qua non and is therefore rarely questioned. But maybe now it is time for us to reconsider the supposedly irrefutable connection between love, commitment, and sexual exclusivity.  

In our society, sexual monogamy in a marriage or committed relationship is considered sine qua non and is therefore rarely questioned. But maybe now it is time for us to reconsider the supposedly irrefutable connection between love, commitment, and sexual exclusivity.  

Transgender Youth and Their Parents

If you thought it might be hard for a parent to hear that a child is gay or lesbian, imagine what it must be like to hear that your son feels he was born into the wrong body and is really a woman or that your daughter is certain she was meant to be a man.  

If you thought it might be hard for a parent to hear that a child is gay or lesbian, imagine what it must be like to hear that your son feels he was born into the wrong body and is really a woman or that your daughter is certain she was meant to be a man.  

Beyond Tolerance: Prizing Our Gay and Lesbian Children

Gay rights activists seek tolerance and social justice for gay and lesbian people. However, what would it be like if, as a society, we went beyond tolerance and fairness and actually recognized and prized the contributions of gay people?  

Gay rights activists seek tolerance and social justice for gay and lesbian people. However, what would it be like if, as a society, we went beyond tolerance and fairness and actually recognized and prized the contributions of gay people?  

Gay Youth, HIV Risk, and Parent Influence: The Power of Love

Adolescents and young adults, particularly males, are notorious risk-takers-so, it is no wonder that parents are terrified as they launch a gay young son into the world knowing he is exploring sexual relationships among a pool of people in which a sizeable proportion are believed to carry a dangerous, sexually transmitted virus.

Adolescents and young adults, particularly males, are notorious risk-takers-so, it is no wonder that parents are terrified as they launch a gay young son into the world knowing he is exploring sexual relationships among a pool of people in which a sizeable proportion are believed to carry a dangerous, sexually transmitted virus.

Gay Kids: Please Don't Commit Suicide!

Because I work at Rutgers, and because I am gay and a psychotherapist, it is perhaps understandable that Tyler Clementi has been on my mind all semester. At times I indulge in rescue fantasies and consider what I would say to Tyler if he had been my client and we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to change the course of what happened on that fall day.  

Because I work at Rutgers, and because I am gay and a psychotherapist, it is perhaps understandable that Tyler Clementi has been on my mind all semester. At times I indulge in rescue fantasies and consider what I would say to Tyler if he had been my client and we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to change the course of what happened on that fall day.  

Anti-Gay Bullying and Suicide: Clergy, Politicians, Parents, and the Blood on Your Hands

If churches, elected officials, and judges publically announce that homosexuality destroys the family and violates the law of God, is it a stretch that some will interpret these messages as evidence that gay men, lesbians, transgender and bisexual persons are subhuman and therefore justifiable targets of violence? 

If churches, elected officials, and judges publically announce that homosexuality destroys the family and violates the law of God, is it a stretch that some will interpret these messages as evidence that gay men, lesbians, transgender and bisexual persons are subhuman and therefore justifiable targets of violence?