Web site Evaluation - Part II

In continuing with my research on how global communications impact lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, this second phase of Web site evaluation focuses on an individual's sense of identity.

The Good

COLAGE stands for Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere and helps to connect children of LGBT parents with other children in similar family situations. I really admire the work that this organization does because it not only builds a community of support and celebration on a local, national and international level, but also helps children to define a real sense of individuality. It can be hard sometimes when, as a child, your family doesn't look like the other families in your neighborhood. COLAGE helps these children to be proud of themselves and their diverse family structure. And it's not just limited to small children.....COLAGE offers online chat forums and pen pals for people of all ages who have LGBT parents. The information on this Web site is validated because it is done "by and for" people within the LGBT community, who truly understand the difficulties that sometimes arise when you are outside the "normal" structure of society.

The Bad

This next Web site is a forum for just one of the many organizations that "provide support" to the LGBT community. PFOX stands for Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, and promotes the idea that homosexuality is a sin and is something that can be overcome and reversed. In a recent press release, the organization announced that,

"At a time when homosexual activists are seeking special rights, such as “gay marriage,” hate crime laws, adopting children and promoting homosexuality in schools, they are also attacking the freedoms of the ex-gay community. As a counter to homosexual activists’ campaigns, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) has put up a billboard on one of the busiest Interstate highways in the nation...We put up this billboard so that people will know the truth – that you don’t have to be homosexual if you don’t want to be. We’re hoping this ad will bring about public awareness, respect and tolerance.”

Here is an interesting article I found on the PFOX Web site that deals specifically with children of LGBT parents. The message is much different than that of COLAGE, because it describes the relationships as unnatural and insinuates that children in these families will have problems. Overall, the site is dangerous in terms of sense of identity because, although the above message may be of respect and tolerance, the organization only provides respect and tolerance for those who want to become straight. This is further illustrated in their list of resources where you will find information only about reparative therapy and ex-gay support groups.

On a side note, this organization's name is remarkably similar to the well-known and well-respected organization PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. This could be dangerous for sexual minorities who are looking for support and guidance if they stumble onto the wrong site. Instead of finding acceptance, they find misguided information and facts about how to leave the "homosexual lifestyle" for a healthier life of heterosexuality.