Conversion therapy, also known as reparative or ex-gay therapy, refers to practices aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. These harmful practices are based on the false assumption that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or any sexual orientation or gender identity other than heterosexual and cisgender is something that needs to or can be fixed.While conversion therapy practices have been widely discredited and rejected by major medical and mental health organizations, they persist today, often targeted at vulnerable LGBTQIA+ youth. Studies show that LGBTQIA+ youth who undergo conversion therapy face devastating mental health consequences, including nearly double the rates of depression and suicidal ideation. By supporting statewide bans on conversion therapy for minors, we can throw a lifeline to youth at risk.
The Dangers and Failures of Conversion Therapy
Major medical groups, including the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics, have thoroughly rejected conversion therapy practices as unnecessary, ineffective, and dangerous. Not only is there no credible evidence that conversion therapy can change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, but research definitively shows these practices put LGBTQIA+ individuals at increased risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide.One study found that more than half of transgender male teens who underwent conversion therapy attempts in their lifetime reported attempting suicide in the past year. For a population already facing disproportionately high suicide attempt rates due to societal prejudice, these therapies only exacerbate mental health crises.In light of these dangers, conversion therapy constitutes unethical medical practice that threatens lives. Yet only 20 U.S. states, plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and dozens of municipalities have passed laws protecting LGBTQIA+ minors from undergoing these discredited and traumatic practices. There is still work to be done to ensure all youth nationwide can access evidence-based, ethical care that affirms their identity.
Why Protecting Minors Matters
Banning conversion therapy specifically for those under age 18 is crucial because minors facing family rejection, discrimination, and inner turmoil already struggle to access helpful resources. The vast majority are subject to conversion therapy at the insistence of parents or guardians, without any say over a practice that profound harms mental health and destroys trust.One survey found that more than half of young people subjected to conversion therapy reported the recommendation first came from a parent. Often, the therapy is touted to parents and minors as a compassionate option that will resolve underlying “issues” causing “gender confusion” or “same-sex attraction.” In reality, promoting the false promise that one’s identity needs fixing only teaches lessons of shame and self-hatred.Without the choice to refuse conversion practices, vulnerable LGBTQIA+ youth depend on legal protections that allow them to safely explore and affirm their authentic selves during formative years. Supportive families, schools, gender-affirming healthcare, and LGBTQIA+ competent therapy models already exist to nurture youth well-being based on science and compassion, rather than stigma.
Building a Future of Affirmation, Not Shame
The mental health field has an ethical responsibility to instill hope in LGBTQIA+ youth, not destructive practices rooted in bigotry. With competence in evidence-based care models continuing to grow, therapists have access to resources needed to validate every client’s identity and experiences. The focus must shift toward helping youth and families embrace each young person’s unique journey.
Rather than fixing what isn't broken, LGBTQIA+ youth need access to gender-affirming care, school gay-straight alliances, bullying prevention programs, homeless shelters, crisis intervention, and family therapy to mend strained relationships. While society still has progress to make in dismantling prejudices, supportive communities already exist.
By taking conversion attempts off the table through legal intervention, we clear the way for healthy identity development and give struggling youth futures once denied to them. Protective laws offer lifelines for LGBTQIA+ teens facing rejection and despair, telling them the problem is not with who they are, but with the intolerance they’ve endured, intolerance we must keep fighting to rectify. There is light and life ahead once they make it through the darkness.
We at SHAVA are honored to share this article as a reflection of our deep commitment to celebrating the rich diversity within the transgender community. It is with heartfelt solidarity that we stand with transgender individuals of color, wholeheartedly advocating for an environment of acceptance and allyship. Through our efforts, we aim to uplift and honor the myriad of unique experiences that contribute to the beautiful tapestry of our community. Discover more about our initiatives at shava.co
