Conversion Therapy: Why It's Harmful, Pseudoscientific, and Increasingly Banned

Conversion therapy (or "reparative therapy") attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It is based on the false, stigmatizing premise that LGBTQ+ identities are mental disorders requiring cure.

Methods Used

• Talk therapy framing same-sex attraction as sinful/broken
• Behavioral modification (aversion therapy, forced gender-conforming dress)
• Religious rituals, exorcisms, "pray away the gay" camps
• Hormonal or surgical interventions (rare, extreme)

Documented Harms

• Depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse
• Suicidality: LGBTQ+ youth subjected to conversion therapy attempt suicide at 2–3x higher rates.
• Family rupture, homelessness, loss of community
• Internalized homophobia/transphobia; impaired self-trust

Professional Consensus

Condemned by every major medical/mental health organization: APA, AMA, AAP, NASW, WPATH, WHO. No credible evidence supports efficacy; abundant evidence confirms harm.

Legal Progress

• Banned for minors in 20+ U.S. states and many nations.
• APA (2018) called for nationwide ban.
• Efforts continue to extend protections to adults and close loopholes.

Affirmative Alternatives

LGBTQ+-affirmative therapy supports identity exploration, resilience, and authenticity. Resources: AGLP, Psychology Today LGBTQ+ filter.

Conversion therapy is abuse disguised as treatment. Ending it is a human rights imperative.