In a misstep that has embroiled them in controversy the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of Health and Human Services, has labeled all Americans gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered in their eyes. Though likely a mistake exposing their own ignorance of the English language, it is one that they have taken no steps to rectify.
The mistake came about when SAMHSA informed the facilitators of a conference on youth suicide to be held in Portland Oregon February 28 - March 2, that a workshop title with the words gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender would have to be changed to eliminate all 4 words.
Originally attempting to influence the workshop presenters by asserting that the head of SAMHSA, Charles Curie, would be unable to attend the conference if the, apparently offensive, words were not dropped from the title. After apparently receiving a lot of pressure, including some offensive hate mail, SAMHSA attempted to assuage the situation by stating that Charles Curie had never intended to not attend the conference.
At this point SAMHSA changed its story and said that it was SAMHSA policy to use the words, "sexual orientation" when referring to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender population. Apparently, it has failed officials at SAMHSA that all people have a sexual orientation whether that is a hetero, homo or bisexual orientation.
Perhaps realizing just how much trouble they could be in with groups like the ACLU for refusing to use, or let be used, the terms gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender the story changed one more time. In an article appearing in Join Together Online the terminology "sexual orientation" was attributed to a project manager by the name of Brenda Bruun.
One thing that has not changed, is the refusal by SAMHSA to allow the workshop presenters to change the title back to include gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. For now the workshop will be a workshop on vulnerable populations. And, at least in the eyes of SAMHSA, all Americans will be equally gay.
