What is conversion therapy?
Conversion therapy, a concept that started in the 19th century, consists of targeting LGBTQ individuals to change their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. It involves numerous discredited and dangerous practices which may harm the person involved. Conversion therapy is also known as “Reparative Therapy," “Gender Critical Therapy” and “Ex-Gay Ministries”. The practices that come from it support the untrue idea that homosexuality is a form of mental illness and can be cured.
Why is it so dangerous?
(CW: mentions of abuse, suicide, and more delicate subjects)
During the 19th century, methods of conversion therapy used to be much more intense and harmful. Some of these involved being shocked through electrodes and more. At “gay conversion” camps and meetings, the participants would be forced into isolation, hypnotized, and forced to pray until their homosexuality “toned down." Many were also sexually abused by their therapist.
Studies have shown that these practices lead to an increase in suicide risks and mental illnesses. According to the American Psychological Association Task Force, conversion therapy can lead to even more side effects like depression, shame, increased self-hatred, guilt, and more. There are also many studies proving that it is impossible to change a person’s sexuality. As well as being ineffective, conversion therapy damages the individual mentally, leaving them scarred for life.
Progress
Fortunately, the practice of conversion therapy is getting less common. More than 18 states, including California, New Jersey, and Hawaii, have passed a law to protect LGBTQ youth from this issue. Furthermore, a growing number of victims are coming forwards with their experience from conversion therapy, where we can learn more on how to finally stop this disgusting practice and save many lives in the process.
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