What is conversion therapy? | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Conversion therapy is a harmful practice aimed at changing one's sexual orientation or gender identity, often based on religious or spiritual beliefs.

Key Insights

• ⚾ Conversion therapy aims to change sexual orientation or gender identity and is based on religious or spiritual beliefs.
• 💉 Conversion therapists often view being LGBTQ+ as a mental disorder that needs to be healed.
• ❓ Different techniques used in conversion therapy include spiritual practices, psychoanalytic therapies, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
• 💭 Qualitative research highlights the harmful effects of conversion therapy, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and damaged relationships.
• 🤕 Legislation has been implemented in some countries and jurisdictions to ban or restrict conversion therapy.
• 👨‍🔬 The impact of legislation on the prevalence of conversion therapy requires further research.
• 🖤 Conversion therapy is widely considered to be ineffective and lacks scientific support.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is conversion therapy and what techniques are commonly used?

Conversion therapy involves attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Techniques used include religious and spiritual practices, psychoanalytic therapies, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.

Q: What are the beliefs of conversion therapists?

Many conversion therapists view being LGBTQ+ as a mental disorder and believe that individuals can change their sexual orientation or gender identity through therapy. They often attribute LGBTQ+ identities to sin or trauma.

Q: What are the potential harmful effects of conversion therapy?

Qualitative research shows that conversion therapy is associated with negative mental health outcomes, including depression, suicidal thoughts, low self-acceptance, and damaged family relationships.

Q: How is conversion therapy being addressed through legislation?

Some countries and jurisdictions have implemented legal bans or restrictions on conversion therapy. These include child protection legislation, equality and anti-discrimination laws, consumer protection legislation, and regulations on health insurance and advertisements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Conversion therapy aims to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity through spiritual, psychoanalytic, or cognitive-behavioral techniques.

• Many conversion therapists believe that being LGBTQ+ is a mental disorder that needs to be healed.

• Qualitative research shows that conversion therapy is associated with harmful effects such as depression, suicide ideation, and social isolation.