Synesthesia

La Shawn has a very interesting post about a condition known as Synesthesia.  Basically synesthesia is the combination of two senses (more?) that are activated from one stimulus.  I saw a 20/20 piece on this years ago and found it very interesting because like La Shawn, I just thought that was how everyone experienced music, color and other things.  Anyway, here is my comment on her blog after she asks for others to share their experience.

I do think I have some form of it. I have always seen the months and alphabet as having colors. April is red of course. February is quite naturally purple and 2 is yellow.

I also see things when I hear music. I saw “videos” in my head LONG before cable television (as a kid.) I can’t listen to music without some kind of unbidden visualization.

Also, at a sordid time in my past I was pulled over by a cop who decided to put me through the paces of a sobriety test. I was actually sober but… anyway. He asked me to say my ABC’s backwards. I asked him if he wanted that in English, Spanish or sign language? He said, “Take your pick.” I chose Spanish and rattled it off in one breath. He was amazed and said that sober people can’t even do that. I was surprised and said, “well, I am sober and I just did it.” When he asked how I said that I could see the whole alphabet lined up in one big long line like a picture.

Sometimes I smell things when I look at paintings … but not all the time.

Do you experience synesthesia?

ABC’s 20/20 to Focus on ‘Gay Gene’ Debate Tonight

From the Exodus Press Office …

ABC’s 20/20 to Focus on ‘Gay Gene’ Debate Tonight

Orlando, FL- ABC’s 20/20 examines the “gay gene” debate tonight in Where Does Sexual Orientation Come From? Tonight’s show features interviews with a variety of individuals including Dr. Stanton Jones, co-author of Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiousy Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation.

Drs. Jones and Yarhouse published research in this recently released book showing that religiously mediated sexual orientation change is possible for some individuals and does not cause psychological harm to the patient, on average. In the absence of scientific, longitudinal research on this topic, Exodus International funded the study conducted by Jones and Yarhouse.

“Anyone who has undergone the life-changing process of leaving homosexuality behind will tell you that it is not an easy one,” said Exodus President Alan Chambers. “However, for thousands of us, the journey has been well worth it. Regardless of what causes same-sex attraction, our lives show that others can live a life free from its dominance.”

More information on 20/20’s “Where Does Sexual Orientation Come From?”

Read Randy Thomas’ WorldNetDaily commentary What if There Really is a Gay Gene?

Purchase Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation

Update after the segment:  So the only hat tip to ex-gays is to not even interview one?  The only position put forward is from a young gay identified man who says all we do in those “groups” is teach “denial”?

I wish that the media would accept the fact that not everyone with same sex attraction has to embrace a gay identity or worldview.  They need to present the whole context of what it means instead of the simplistic stereotypes and dismissive attitudes toward “ex-gays.”