While pop culture comedies like Will & Grace and satirical films such as But I’m A Cheerleader may poke fun at the concept, conversion therapy is a very real and lethal practice that continues to harm individuals. This harmful approach aims to alter one’s sexual orientation or gender identity and must be abolished immediately.
Conversion therapy is portrayed in haunting detail in films like The Miseducation of Cameron Post, and its tragic consequences were highlighted by the heartbreaking story of transgender teenager Alex Rivers, who took her life in 2014 after facing rejection from her family. Rivers’ parents believed that with enough counseling, they could revert her back to a boy, unaware of how their actions were driving their child to despair. In her final message, she cited conversion therapy as a source of her pain and isolation.
In society, heterosexuality is often treated as the default state, while those who identify as queer or transgender face scrutiny and disbelief. Unlike straight, cisgender individuals who are accepted as they are, LGBTQ individuals frequently find themselves having to justify their identities. Many young people are coerced into conversion therapy, often leading to severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Notably, there is no scientific backing that supports the effectiveness of conversion therapy.
A recent article from the Family Institute at Northwestern University titled In The Aftermath of Conversion Therapy, Counselors Offer Healing Support underscores the critical need for affirming treatment. Dr. Sarah Thompson, an experienced counselor in the LGBTQ field, emphasizes the importance of creating a space where individuals can explore their identities without pressure to conform.
Everyone deserves to feel understood and validated. Unfortunately, around 77,000 LGBTQ youth are subjected to conversion therapy, with many receiving treatment from unqualified individuals. Only 13 states and Washington D.C. have enacted bans against this practice. Parents may seek conversion therapy out of conflict between their religious beliefs and their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Methods used in conversion therapy can be shocking and harmful, including electric shock, nausea-inducing drugs, and other coercive practices designed to force conformity. The real conflict faced by these individuals stems not from their identities but from a lack of acceptance and support in their lives. When forced into groups or therapy sessions, youth are told their feelings are wrong, leading to deep psychological scars.
Growing up as a queer individual in the ’80s and ’90s was laden with fear and shame. I was constantly aware of the societal messages that painted my identity as sinful. My own experience with conversion began when my mother and her partner sought to “pray away” my sexuality, initiating me into a world of rejection and hopelessness. I was fortunate enough to escape the worst of it, unlike the thousands who still endure this trauma today.
Dr. Thompson recognizes that rebuilding trust is essential for healing. She states, “I must acknowledge the betrayal that many have faced from those who were supposed to help them. My goal is to support them in discovering their true selves.” She also understands that faith can be a crucial part of one’s identity and works to help individuals integrate their belief systems with their authentic selves.
To truly support LGBTQ youth, parents must shift their perspectives and seek connections with other supportive families. This process often involves grieving the loss of preconceived notions about what their children “should” be. But letting go of the desire for a “normal” child is ultimately far less painful than mourning a life lost to conversion therapy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or in need of support, resources are available to help. You can find more information about crisis intervention and support on platforms dedicated to mental health and well-being.
In summary, conversion therapy is a harmful practice that continues to affect countless individuals. It is crucial for society to recognize the dangers of this approach and work towards fostering acceptance and understanding for all identities. Resources like NHS offer valuable information on related topics, and organizations like Make a Mom provide insight into alternative methods for family planning. For those interested in additional information on home insemination, check out our post on intracervical insemination.