ISSUE BRIEF

Conversion Therapy in the United States

Ashley Ustazewski | April 1, 2019

Conversion Therapy
in the United States
Ashley Ustazewski | April 1, 2019

As of January 2019, conversion therapy – the

practice of attempting to change a person’s

sexual orientation or gender identity through

dangerous, discredited means1 – is banned for

minors in fifteen states out of fifty as well as

the District of Colombia2. The American

Psychological Association (APA) has greatly

discredited conversion therapy, saying in a

statement in 2013 that “efforts to [change

someone’s orientation through conversion therapy] represent a significant risk of harm by

subjecting individuals to forms of treatment which have not been scientifically validated . . . no

credible evidence exists that any mental health intervention can reliably and safely change sexual

orientation . . . nor, from a mental health perspective does sexual orientation need to be

changed3.”

Despite the APA and other major medical associations’ stances of opposition on the topic and

the proven noncredible, harmful nature of conversion

therapy and the trends of mental illnesses and

substance abuse, no legal action has yet been taken

toward the illegalization of conversion therapy in

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 1

thirty-five states4. Though current actions are being taken to reduce conversion therapy’s reach5,

legal measures taken on a national scale would very likely be the most effective way of putting

an end to the, for lack of better words, legalized torture that conversion therapy “patients”

undergo6.

What is conversion therapy?

On its surface, conversion therapy, also referred to as “reparative therapy,” is the practice of

attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through dangerous,

discredited means7. At its core,

conversion therapy exists under the false

assumption that LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay,

Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) sexual

orientations and gender identities are

disordered8, and seeks to “correct” those

who differ from the societally established

gender and sexuality binaries9 by means

of physical “treatments” as well as

various psychological practices10 – all

proven to be ineffective in changing a

person’s gender and/or sexual identity11.

Today, the most common form of conversion therapy used is psychological, involving

behavioral, cognitive, and psychoanalytic methods, among others, to reduce and change differing

sexual orientations and gender identities12. These methods include inducing the subject of the

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 2

conversion therapy with nausea, vomiting, or paralysis when showing them homoerotic imagery,

electric shock therapy in conjunction with homoerotic imagery, snapping an elastic band around

the wrist of the subject when aroused by homoerotic thoughts/images, as well as orgasmic

reconditioning13, satiation therapy14,

and inducing great amounts of

shame and guilt in the subjects15.

Despite the lessening of them,

physical forms of conversion

therapy are, while less common,

still happening in America today.

The physical forms of conversion

therapy often consist of stronger forms of electroshock therapy16 and aversion therapy17, and can

even include what is referred to as corrective rape18.

The lasting effects of conversion therapy

A study published in the Journal of Homosexuality19 on the topic of conversion therapy and its

adverse effects says that, out of 245 LGBTQ+ participants, those whose parents attempted to

change their LGBTQ+ identities were

three times more likely to attempt suicide

than those whose parents did not, and

those who underwent conversion therapy

were five times more likely to have attempted suicide20. Among non-LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+

identities alike, conversion therapy survivors are 8.9 times more susceptible to suicide ideation,

5.9 times more likely to have depression, and are three times more likely to use (and abuse)

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 3

illegal substances21. Survivors are also more likely to become involved in greater amounts of

self-destructive behavior and are prone to developing anxiety disorders22.

In a series of contributions to the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)23, multiple

conversion therapy survivors opened up about their experiences and lives thereafter, touching

upon many disturbing topics and conversion therapy-disaffirming results. None of the

contributors were “cured” of their LGBTQ+ identities, but were left negatively affected and

traumatized after going through the processes of conversion therapy. Thankfully, many of the

contributors reported finding their way to accepting themselves as well as others that supported

them after their experiences24, but support and acceptance did not start their journeys25. Each of

the contributors’ stories started with religion26, as many experiences of conversion therapy

survivors do27, and briefly discussed what their conversion therapy experience was like as well

as the largely negative, often long-lasting aftermath28.

One contributor, Deb Cuny, described her experience in

conversion therapy as violent and abusive and found herself

questioning and denying her once positive relationship with

her religion. Cuny reports beginning to have anxiety and

depression as a result of the conversion therapy and began to

drink and turn to substances in an effort to numb herself.

Since, she has found comfort in her religion again, but her life

was wracked with negativity because of the influence of

Deb Cuny
29
conversion therapy . The other contributors’ stories, as well as

other survivors’, share many similar details to Cuny’s30.

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 4

Addressing the ongoing issue

Conversion therapy is based off of the idea that LGBTQ+ people and identities are disordered31,

something proven false by many major medical associations32. Despite the scientific evidence

disproving the “unnaturalness” of LGBTQ+ identities, there is still a considerable amount of

people and communities who renounce LGBTQ+ identifying people33, which perpetuates the

basis of conversion therapy and, unfortunately, keeps it alive today.

According to the Williams Institute34, forty percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+.

These individuals reported facing familial rejection, harassment, and discrimination35 at what

they used to call home as well as in their

school/social lives. Homophobia,

discrimination against LGBTQ+ people,

and even aspects of the current political

climate36 all contribute to the negative

values that are at the heart of why

conversion therapy still exists. To better the resources offered to LGBTQ+ people, minors in

particular, and to eliminate conversion therapy and, subsequently, its greatly negative effects,

would be to make strides toward helping at-

risk youths faced with mental illnesses,

negative thoughts/feelings, homelessness,

and disparity37.

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 5

The steps that need to be taken

Although fifteen states and the District of Columbia have legally banned the use of conversion

therapy on minors38, the United States in its entirety must take legal action on the topic of

conversion therapy to best provide freedom and opportunity to all of America’s citizens.

Introducing a nationwide law banning conversion therapy would be the most effective way to

eliminate its extremely harmful effects. Even done under the basis of moral or religious

opposition to LGBTQ+ individuals, conversion therapy simply does not work and brings about

only negative side effects, not the “changing” of an individual’s sexual or gender identity39.

The nationwide law against conversion therapy would mirror those that have already been passed

in some states. It would ensure that all therapists and/or medical professionals are using their

position in a competent, helpful, non-detrimental

manor rather than inflicting negative mental and

general health issues on “patients” of conversion

therapy. Further, the law will protect minors and

young adults, especially, who are dependent on and

therefore most often forced to undergo the process of

conversion therapy by parents or legal-guardians40.

Beyond the topic of legal banning, therapists, doctors, and other medical professionals should be

educated on handling LGBTQ+ identities in children and young adults in a productive, positive

manor41. Providing constructive information to both the patient and the patient’s parent or legal

guardian in the case of minors will directly work toward an accepting environment, thereby

reducing discriminatory behaviors in medical settings.

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 6

How to ensure positive effects

The primary opposition to eliminating conversion therapy resides in belief systems and freedom

of speech42, considered to be core values of those who promote, or accept, conversion therapy as

a valid practice. Taking measures to ban conversion therapy would not take those values away,

but, rather, bestow those values upon the past or potential victims of conversion therapy. By

tolerating the legality of conversion therapy, Americans strip the right of free speech and the

values free expression and opportunity away from those who would be most affected by the

continued legality of conversion therapy.

Further, providing clinics43 and other positive resources to LGBTQ+ individuals and their

families will help develop an education based adaption into learning what life is like as a young

LGBTQ+ individual, or the caretaker of one.

Education is the key to progress, and progress

is necessary to ensure the health and

happiness of America’s youth. As well as

educational resources, bettering or creating

LGBTQ+ shelters would create a safe space

for LGBTQ+ people to stay if their home environment is not welcoming to their identities, which

would aid in combatting the vast number of homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

The biggest change starts with the smallest of actions. In understanding the issue of conversion

therapy, taking steps toward national legal action, and bettering education and support systems

for those affected, progress can begin to happen in taking beliefs into account without sacrificing

the safety and wellbeing of America’s youth and people. Conversion therapy is a greatly

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 7

detrimental process to those that undergo it, and has been proven to not have any effect in its

goal of changing or “correcting” one’s sexual or gender identity. It brings about more harm than

any good as it increases suicide, depression, and anxiety rates, is an influencer in turning to

substances as a means to numb oneself, and heightens self-destructive behaviors. The mentality

it encapsulates promotes the negative treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, which transfers into

mundane life and can even lead to increased levels of homelessness. Therefore, legal action must

ensue to continue to take measures against the great harm that comes with conversion therapy.

While the topics discussed do not fully describe each specific experience or viewpoint or the

overarching issue of homophobia and discrimination, the means of betterment would be a

constructive, major step in bettering the lives of America’s LGBTQ+ population.

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 8

ENDNOTES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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12. Ibid
13. Ibid

USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 9

 14. Drescher, Jack, et. al. "The Growing Regulation of Conversion Therapy." Journal of Medical
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17. "Bill to Ban Physical Conversion Therapy Treatments for Minors Killed in Va. Senate." Washington
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24. Ibid
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Perfect – Amanda Loucks." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
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USTAZEWSKI | CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE UNITED STATES 10

 26. Ibid
27. Bittner, Robert. "Queering Sex Education: Young Adult Literature with LGBT Content as
Complementary Sources of Sex and Sexuality Education." Journal of LGBT Youth9, no. 4 (2012):
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from http://www.nclrights.org/bornperfect-darren-calhoun/. (last accessed March 2019); "Born
Perfect – Amanda Loucks." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
http://www.nclrights.org/bornperfect-amanda-loucks/. (last accessed March 2019); "Born Perfect –
Matthew Shurka." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
http://www.nclrights.org/bornperfect-matthew-shurka /. (last accessed March 2019); "Born Perfect –
Darren Arquero." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
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Peter Cruz." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
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Perfect – Amanda Loucks." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
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Matthew Shurka." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
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Darren Arquero." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
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Peter Cruz." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
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Cuny." National Center for Lesbian Rights. August 16, 2018, retrieved from
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40. Ibid
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