Dangers of Conversion Therapy ***Trigger Warning*** (Day 17 of Living Beyond a Label!)

Conversion therapy consists of a variety of discredited and potentially harmful practices that seek to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Thankfully in many parts of the world conversion therapy has been altogether banned. However just as prejudices, discrimination and societal beliefs against LGBTQ+ people persist, there are still places where conversion therapy is practiced.

Conversion therapy has been studied with clear evidence it simply does not work, and if anything is likely harmful to LGBTQ+ people. Conversion therapy can increase social prejudice against LGBTQ+ people by promoting the idea that it is something that can be changed or fixed and should not be accepted. Along that line, studies have shown that, in particular, rejection from parents and caregivers has been linked to increased risks of suicide, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and more in LGBTQ+ youth.

Many well known and respected medical and mental health organizations have issued public statements denouncing conversion therapy as ineffective, improper, and detrimental. Instead affirming LGBTQ+ identities as valid and not an illness or defect that needs treatment.

Conversion therapy practices can take many shapes and forms, from seemingly mild, to outright horrifying. Ranging from talk therapy, to surgical interventions or even verbal and sexual abuse. It is no wonder that many such practices have been outright debunked and banned.

While conversion therapy has commonly been forced upon an individual against their will, some will seek out conversion therapy independently. Though one of the primary reasons a person may seek conversion therapy is the shame and stigma around their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ultimately those who have survived conversion therapy often report feelings of shame, anger, guilt, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, which is unsurprising especially as the therapy itself often works to increase such feelings. They may also experience feeling unsafe, unsupported, hopeless and fearful. These effects and results run in direct opposition to the self-acceptance, self-love and self-compassion needed for good mental health.

Sources: https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy
https://psychcentral.com/news/conversion-therapy-for-lgbt-kids-linked-to-higher-risks-of-depression-suicide

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Have you or anyone you know experienced conversion therapy?

What do you see as the larger societal impacts of practices such as conversion therapy?

Do you have a message of acceptance, love and compassion for those struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity?

Part of 30 Days of Pride - Living Beyond a Label!