Alan Osmond, who shot to fame in the late 1960s and early '70s as one of The Osmonds, is taking heat for penning an article that some in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) blogsophere have deemed homophobic.
In his article for the website The Family, the 62-year-old Osmond brother, who is Mormon, not only argues that being gay is not genetic, but also comes out in defense of "reparation" therapy, which is sought by those seeking to change their sexual orientation:
Research has NOT proved that homosexuality is genetic. Even more important, many researchers whose studies have been used to support a biological model forhomosexuality have determined that their work has been MISINTERPRETED. What is clear is that homosexuality results from an interaction of social, biological, and psychological factors. These factors may include temperament, personality traits, sexual abuse, familial factors, and treatment by one’s peers.
Before noting that "treatment success rates that exceed 50 percent," Osmond continues:
Developmental factors aside, can individuals diminish homosexual attraction and make changes in their lives? Yes. There is substantial evidence, both historical and current, to indicate this is the case.
LGBT activist Will Kohler, who reported the story on his blog Back2Stonewall, is among those who condemned Osmond's article. "What's beyond offensive is the fact that the Osmond Family which is still after all these years one of the most famous Mormon families in the world, and who and has hundreds of thousands of fans, link to and supports these homophobic lies and misinformation," he writes.
Last year, Osmond revealed in an interview that The Osmonds had consulted with Chuck Norris in an effort to make their dance moves more "manly." The video was submitted by Queerty reader Dave, and previously appeared there among other sites. Watch that interview below:
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article identified Osmond's article as appearing on a Mormon website. The Family states, "Though we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this site reflects our words and is not an official site of our Church."