

The Ohlone Psychology Club Speaker Series is proud to announce its next installment!







STRAIGHT TALK About Gay Conversion by Sheldon W. Helms

Friday, March 13th, 2020

7:00 PM

Ohlone College Smith Center

Jackson Theater

Tickets are $10

In this one-hour talk, psychology professor Sheldon W. Helms describes the history of attempts to approach homosexuality as an illness, and efforts by some to help gays go straight. The techniques they use are not only ineffective, but often leave victims susceptible to shame, depression, and even increased risk of suicide.

What is the history of gay conversion therapy?

Which techniques do proponents claim change sexual orientation?

What harm can be done by teaching people that they can, and should, change from gay to straight?

How can everyday people help eradicate this pseudo-therapy?

Sheldon W. Helms is a tenured professor of psychology at Ohlone College who speaks out regularly on issues of interest to scientists and skeptics. He is the co-host and founder of the skeptical podcast ShelShocked.

This talk will be ASL interpreted.



About the Psychology Club Speaker Series

The Ohlone College Psychology Club began its Speaker Series in Spring of 2009 with the mission of hosting talks from professionals whose work contributes to critical thinking, skepticism, and science.

Each talk is focused on a specific theme which is the topic of discussion and learning at each of our weekly club meetings that semester. This allows us to invite a new prominent speaker to contribute her or his knowledge and perspective every semester. Lively conversation, debate, and collaboration are hallmarks of these events.

The talks are the result of the hard work of Psychology Club members who volunteer their time to plan and execute the entire event. All proceeds are used to fund future educational talks.

If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Ohlone College Psychology Club, please contact Sheldon Helms at shelms@ohlone.edu.



Previous Speakers

Use these links to learn about past speaker events: