Summary
The article shares a personal story about being pressured into gay conversion therapy in 1969 by a New York City cult, highlighting the harm of such practices. Despite the widespread opposition from major medical groups, a recent Supreme Court decision has allowed a therapist in Colorado to overturn the state's ban on conversion therapy for minors. This decision raises concerns about the revival of a discredited practice and its impact on young people.
Key Facts
- In 1969, the author was pressured into gay conversion therapy by a cult in New York City.
- Conversion therapy is a practice aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation, often seen as harmful and ineffective.
- Major medical groups oppose conversion therapy, linking it to increased depression and suicide.
- Over 20 states in the U.S. have banned conversion therapy in professional mental health treatment.
- A recent Supreme Court decision sided with a Colorado therapist, allowing the overturning of a state ban on conversion therapy for minors.
- The court's decision enables licensed therapists to promote conversion therapy, framed as a free-speech issue.
- The practice is criticized for normalizing harm by treating same-sex attraction as something to be fixed.
