Homosexuality is not a disease that needs to be cured. Depression and phobias are treated with therapy, but conversion therapy is nothing more than a myth to alter an individual’s sexual orientation.
The point of conversion therapy is problematic and has no scientific validation to prove that it can change a homosexual to a heterosexual without any health implications. The problematic intervention is also known as ‘reparative therapy' or ‘ex-gay therapy.’
Conversion therapy is a dehumanizing process that needs to be banned. Many degrading techniques include associating homosexual urges with disgusting images, covert desensitization, electric shock, chemical aversive therapy, drug-based hormone alteration, and behavioral therapy with homophobic counseling.
The intervention also uses scare tactics to instill fear of isolation and utilizes religious propaganda. Conversion therapy is not a sane or safe method, especially not for minors exploring their sexual orientation.
On July 1st, 2020, Virginia passed landmark legislation, HB 386, that banned conversion therapy for minors under 18. This law bans the practice and will charge anyone involved with unprofessional conduct if found to be involved in it.
The legislation does not apply criminal penalties, just disciplinary action. Virginia is one of the 20 states to ban conversion therapy, and while there are still many states with no policies on conversion therapy.
Major health-associated stakeholders, like the American Pediatrics Academy, American Psychological Association (APA), and American Medical Association, oppose conversion therapy and support a nationwide ban on it. This therapy poses many health risks, including, but not limited to, depression, suicidal ideation, and drug abuse. Subjecting young individuals to such a dangerous form of therapy to alter gender identity is highly flawed.
In addition to banning this illegitimate intervention, it is important to have measures in effect for survivors of conversion therapy. A UCLA study indicated that almost 700,000 LBTQ individuals had been subjected to the therapy, and shockingly 350,000 of them were adolescents. The study also predicted that the lack of effective bans would put many more vulnerable kids at risk.
Conversion therapy techniques such as talk therapy, religious counseling, and spiritual leaders’ coercion damage the mental health of vulnerable young individuals. This therapy pushes individuals towards self-hatred during a critical phase in their lives.
Coming to terms with personal gender identity can be a difficult process, and dangerous interventions may tip individuals over the edge. Policymakers, parents, and guardians need to understand that homosexuality isn’t a disease.
Imposing a ban on conversion therapy is the right step toward non-discrimination of LGBTQ individuals and safeguarding minors’ rights.
