Conversion Therapy - Facts, Effects, Controversies, And Disputes
Conversion therapy, also known as ex-gay treatment, is a controversial practice that intends to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. There is widespread scientific consensus that conversion therapy is ineffective and unethical. In addition, it can cause significant harm, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide.
Author:James PierceReviewer:Paolo ReynaFeb 15, 20231 Shares138 Views
Have you heard about conversion therapy?
This controversial therapy refers to any form of treatment or psychotherapy that aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
It has been widely discredited by numerous medical and mental health organizations. In addition, this type of therapy has been shown to cause harm.
Moreover, it has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide, especially in marginalized communities.
So, why are there still people believing in conversion therapy - and even advocating it?
Bachmann Won't Discuss 'Ex-gay Therapy' Claims
Conversion Therapy Meaning In English
Conversion therapy is also known as:
- “reparative therapy”
- “sexual orientation change efforts”
- “ex-gay therapy”
It refers to any form of treatment or therapy (such as psychotherapy) and aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
This type of therapy is based on the premise that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is a mental illness or disorder that needs to be cured.
Conversion therapy dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when homosexuality was first classified as a mental disorder by the medical community.
During this time, various forms of therapy aimed at “curing” homosexuality were developed and widely used.
According to a Facebook post by Focus Features, a California-based movie industry company (est. 2002):
“„Over 700,000 people in America have been subjected to conversion therapy, the dangerous and controversial ex-gay treatment.- Focus Features
In the decades that followed, such treatments became increasingly discredited and were eventually denounced by leading medical and psychological organizations as unethical and ineffective.
Conversion Therapy Discord
There is widespread disagreement about the efficacy and ethics of conversion therapy, with various organizations, medical bodies, and governments taking opposing positions on the issue.
The idea that conversion therapy can help members of the LGBTQ+ communityhas been thoroughly discredited by numerous professional organizations, including the following:
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
They have stated that there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of conversion therapy and that it can actually cause harm.
Studies have shown that conversion therapy can lead to:
- increased rates of depression
- anxiety
- suicide
- decreased self-esteem
- decreased self-worth
It can also cause harm to familial and social relationships and lead to feelings of isolation and shame.
On the other hand, proponents of conversion therapy argue that it can be helpful for individuals who are struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that it is a matter of personal choice and freedom.
Supporters of conversion therapy are often religious organizations or individuals who hold strong anti-LGBT beliefs.
They argue that being LGBTQ+ is a personal choice and can be changed with therapy, prayer, and spiritual guidance.
The debate around conversion therapy continues, with some countries, states, and territories banning the practice altogether, while others allow it to continue under certain circumstances.
Memorandum Of Understanding On Conversion Therapy In The U.K.
In the U.K., there is no nationwide ban on conversion therapy, but several organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to oppose the practice.
A memorandum of understanding is a non-binding agreement between organizations to work towards a common goal.
In February 2018, a group of medical, psychotherapy, and counseling organizations signed the U.K. Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy, which committed the signatories to not engage in or promote the practice of conversion therapy.
The MoU defines conversion therapy like this:
“„Any form of treatment or psychotherapy which aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or to suppress gender identity.- U.K. Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy
The organizations that signed the MoU include the following:
- National Health Service
- British Medical Association
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- U.K. Council for Psychotherapy
The signing of the MoU was seen as a positive step towards ending conversion therapy in the U.K.
Still, it is important to note that the said U.K. MoU on conversion therapy is not legally binding and does not impose any penalties on organizations or individuals who continue to engage in the practice.
In recent years, there has been growing pressure on the U.K. government to ban conversion therapy, with several members of parliament calling for a ban and several campaign groups advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
However, as of 2021, the U.K. government has not yet passed legislation to ban conversion therapy.
Movies About Conversion Therapy
The table below shows some of the films that tackle conversion therapy:
| Movie Title | Year of Release/Major Cast |
| Boy Erased | 2018 (Nicole Kidman) |
| But I’m a Cheerleader | 1999 (Natasha Lyonne) |
| Consenting Adult | 1985 |
| Fair Haven | 2016 |
| I Am Norman | 2020 |
| Save Me | 2007 |
| The Miseducation of Cameron Post | 2018 (Chloe Grace Moretz) |
| They/Them | 2022 (Kevin Bacon) |
| This Is What Love in Action Looks Like | 2011 |
| Trapped: The Alex Cooper Story | 2019 |
UnErased - The History Of Conversion Therapy In America
One documentary that explores the history of conversion therapy is UnErased: The History of Conversion Therapy in America.
The film is about:
- the origins of conversion therapy
- its evolution over the years
- its religious roots
- the use of various techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy and behavioral modification
- its rejection by the medical and scientific communities
The documentary also highlights the experiences of survivors of conversion therapy, who recount the trauma and harm they endured as a result of these practices.
The film is a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to protect the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
People Ask
Is Conversion Therapy Legal In The U.S.?
Because of the harmful effects of conversion therapy, it is illegal for minors, according to a map created by FamilyEquality.org, in 20 states in the United States, such as the following:
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- Utah
In 21 states such as the ones mentioned below, there is no law that bans conversion therapy:
- Arizona
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- Texas
Where Is Conversion Therapy Legal?
As of 2020, per Statista, conversion therapy is still legal in different parts of the world, including:
- Egypt
- France
- Malaysia
- Peru
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
As of 2021, the following countries a banned conversion therapy for minors:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Germany
- Malta
- Taiwan
What Is LGBTQ Counseling?
LGBTQ counseling, also known as LGBTQ-affirmative therapy, is a type of counseling or therapy that is specifically designed to support and help individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer.
This type of therapy recognizes and respects the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals in the LGBTQ community.
Final Thoughts
Despite all the arguments presented backed by scientific studies, conversion therapy has continued to be practiced in various forms, often by religious organizations and conservative groups.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to ban conversion therapy, with several countries and several US states passing laws to outlaw the practice.
The mainstream medical and psychological communities now recognize that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is not a mental illness.
Instead of supporting conversion therapy, people are encouraged to focus on promoting respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
James Pierce
Author
Paolo Reyna
Reviewer
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