The term “conversion” implies change or transformation. While some conversions occur naturally—like the body’s processing of food—others are deliberate choices, such as changing political affiliations or religious beliefs. However, when conversion is imposed rather than chosen, it becomes problematic.
Conversion therapy, also referred to as reparative therapy, involves both licensed and unlicensed professionals attempting to alter an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The premise of this therapy is fundamentally flawed, as it operates on the misguided notion that love and identity are choices rather than intrinsic aspects of who we are. This coercive practice does not foster self-acceptance but instead forces individuals to conform to external beliefs and ideals.
Currently, sixteen states, along with Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, have outlawed conversion therapy. While Texas and Georgia are making efforts to follow suit, it is crucial that this harmful practice is banned universally, especially for minors. Many parents, often driven by misguided beliefs stemming from their faith, subject their children to these damaging therapies, thinking they are acting in their best interests. Others may act out of fear and prejudice. Regardless of the motivation, prohibiting conversion therapy would safeguard vulnerable youths from parental harm.
The methods employed in conversion therapy range from talk therapy and prayer to more extreme actions like electroshock therapy and other damaging practices aimed at enforcing heterosexuality and conformity to traditional gender roles. These approaches stem from a fundamentally flawed belief system that views LGBTQIA+ identities as deviant or abnormal. Under this lens, individuals are stripped of their autonomy and labeled as failures or sinners who must choose a “correct” path. This perspective ignores the reality that many cisgender individuals cannot articulate how they know their gender identity, yet they are not pressured to change.
Research consistently shows that conversion therapy is ineffective. Dr. Whitman, a licensed counselor specializing in LGBTQ clients, emphasizes that there is no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of conversion therapy in peer-reviewed psychological journals. Additionally, there are no comprehensive studies tracking the long-term outcomes of individuals who have undergone such treatment. Instead, what is evident is that conversion therapy, along with a lack of acceptance, leads to severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. A study by the Family Acceptance Project revealed that LGBTQ youth subjected to conversion therapy attempt suicide at double the rate of their peers. Furthermore, LGB youth from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those from supportive environments. The statistics are even more troubling for transgender individuals, 40% of whom have attempted suicide. However, strong support can significantly reduce these risks, with studies showing that 82% of transgender people are less likely to attempt suicide when they have robust support systems.
The real issue lies not in LGBTQIA+ identities but in society’s inability to accept diverse expressions of love and identity. When I am acknowledged and valued for who I am, I experience a sense of belonging and worthiness. Despite societal stigma labeling me as deviant, the love and acceptance I receive from my community empower me.
When I came out as queer, some family members attempted to “pray the gay away,” believing I needed a traditional relationship or divine intervention to change. In reality, what I sought was unconditional love and acceptance. As I grappled with my gender identity, conversion therapy would have been as ineffective as my attempts to numb my feelings with alcohol. Instead of returning to a heterosexual life I had never known, I found support among those who embraced my non-binary identity.
A Christian mom, Sarah Mitchell, who once sought conversion therapy for her son, now advocates against the practice. She reflects, “As a Christian, I am commanded to love my child, not shun him. That’s the greatest commandment.” She and her husband now support initiatives to ban conversion therapy and have founded a nonprofit called Embracing Acceptance to assist other Christian parents seeking positive ways to support their LGBTQ children.
True acceptance and love are the essential tools for fostering mental and physical well-being in children. Sexual orientation and gender identity cannot be altered, but the harmful impacts of conversion therapy can turn lives into a cycle of shame and pain. Fear can lead to self-destructive behaviors, while sadness can manifest as addiction or worse. However, the core of our identities remains unchangeable and beautiful.
This article originally appeared on May 13, 2019.
For more insights, don’t forget to check out resources like this informative blog post on fertility supplements, and consider the expertise offered by TFP Boston Place for fertility matters. For additional guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, this site is an excellent resource.
Summary
As a queer, non-binary parent, I stand firmly against conversion therapy, a coercive practice that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This harmful approach not only proves ineffective but also contributes to severe mental health issues among LGBTQIA+ individuals. True acceptance and unconditional love are crucial for nurturing the well-being of LGBTQ youth. It is essential to advocate for a world where all identities are embraced and valued.