WASHINGTON — The American Psychological Association has revised three key policies related to LGBTQ issues to take into account the most recent research and changes in law, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage.
APA's governing Council of Representatives archived three outdated policies and replaced them with new versions that also address interventions, programs and societal changes that have come into being since the original resolutions were passed.
"It was important that APA bring these resolutions into line with the latest research because these are areas that are of great interest to psychology," said APA President Sandra L. Shullman, PhD. "Public attitudes toward LGBTQ people have evolved swiftly in the last several years as well, resulting in legal changes that needed to be reflected in the association's positions."
The Resolution on Supporting Sexual/Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents in Schoolsincludes updated references and addresses the issue of restricting bathrooms for transgender children. This resolution also updates definitions of gender diversity, intersex and differences of sex development. It replaces a similar resolution that was passed in 2015.
Each new resolution was reviewed by APA's Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest.
The Resolution on Supporting Sexual/Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents in Schools was also reviewed by the National Association of School Psychologists, which has committed to adopt the same resolution. It is intended to guide APA and NASP public education efforts promoting safe and supportive schools for all children and adolescents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Resolution on Opposing Discriminatory Laws, Policies and Practices Aimed at LGBTQ+ Persons replaces a 2007 resolution ( Opposing Discriminatory Legislation and Initiatives Aimed at Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Persons ). The new resolution uses more inclusive, updated language and takes into account changes in the laws and legislation affecting LGBTQ+ people since 2007 •— including the legal right to same-sex marriage. The intentions of the original resolution are still relevant, and many have been preserved.
The Resolution on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Parents and Their Children replaces a 2004 resolution to include data on transgender parents and include more recent research on gay fathers and bisexual parents.
The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 121,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.
—From a press release