Bowen Yang Speaks Out Against The Painful And Detrimental Effects Of Conversion Therapy

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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The Dangers of Conversion Therapy

Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy or gay conversion therapy, inflicts significant psychological harm. The practice, often involving prayer, aversion therapy, or other coercive methods, attempts to suppress or change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. This is based on flawed and discriminatory premises, and the scientific evidence overwhelmingly proves its ineffectiveness and detrimental consequences.

• Increased rates of depression and anxiety: The immense pressure to conform to heteronormative ideals can trigger or worsen existing mental health conditions, leading to significant distress and impaired functioning.
• Higher risk of self-harm and suicide attempts: The feelings of shame, rejection, and isolation experienced by individuals subjected to conversion therapy dramatically increase the risk of self-harm and suicide attempts. This is especially true for young people grappling with their identity.
• Damage to self-esteem and identity: Conversion therapy fundamentally undermines an individual's self-worth and sense of self, leading to profound damage to their self-esteem and identity. The constant questioning of one's inherent nature is deeply psychologically damaging.
• Development of PTSD symptoms: The traumatic experience of conversion therapy can lead to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and persistent anxiety.
• Internalized homophobia and transphobia: The insidious nature of conversion therapy can result in individuals internalizing homophobic and transphobic beliefs, further exacerbating their mental health struggles.
• Broken trust and strained relationships: The betrayal of trust inherent in conversion therapy can severely damage relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, leading to isolation and further emotional distress.

Bowen Yang's Advocacy and its Importance

Bowen Yang's public condemnation of conversion therapy carries immense weight. As a prominent LGBTQ+ figure, his voice amplifies awareness and challenges the harmful stigmas surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. His advocacy provides much-needed visibility and validation for LGBTQ+ individuals who have suffered at the hands of this practice.

• Increased public awareness of the issue: Yang's high profile brings the issue of conversion therapy into the mainstream, prompting crucial conversations and public scrutiny.
• Provides hope and validation for LGBTQ+ individuals: Seeing a celebrated figure like Yang speak out against conversion therapy offers hope and validation to those who have endured its damaging effects.
• Challenges societal norms and prejudices: Yang's courage challenges societal norms and prejudices that contribute to the perpetuation of conversion therapy.
• Encourages open dialogue and understanding: His advocacy fosters open dialogue and understanding about LGBTQ+ identities and the harmful nature of attempting to change them.
• Inspires others to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights: Yang's activism inspires others to join the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, advocating for an end to conversion therapy.

The Scientific Consensus Against Conversion Therapy

The overwhelming scientific consensus unequivocally condemns conversion therapy. Major professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), have issued statements emphasizing its ineffectiveness and harm. There is no credible scientific evidence to support the claim that sexual orientation or gender identity can or should be changed.

• Major medical and psychological organizations condemn conversion therapy: Numerous professional bodies, including the APA, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have clearly denounced conversion therapy as harmful and unethical.
• No credible scientific evidence supports its effectiveness: Decades of research have consistently failed to demonstrate any evidence supporting the effectiveness of conversion therapy in changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Numerous studies demonstrate its negative psychological consequences: Extensive research consistently reveals the negative psychological consequences of conversion therapy, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, and PTSD.
• It lacks ethical and scientific validity: Conversion therapy is fundamentally unethical, violating principles of informed consent, autonomy, and beneficence. It is based on unscientific premises and lacks any legitimate medical basis.

Resources and Support for LGBTQ+ Individuals

If you or someone you know has been affected by conversion therapy, or is struggling with your sexual orientation or gender identity, know that you are not alone and there is support available.

• The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people. [Link to Trevor Project website]
• GLAAD: Works to accelerate acceptance of LGBTQ people. [Link to GLAAD website]
• PFLAG: Offers support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ people, their families, and allies. [Link to PFLAG website]
• The National LGBTQ Task Force: Advocates for LGBTQ rights and equality. [Link to National LGBTQ Task Force website]

Conclusion

Bowen Yang's powerful stand against conversion therapy shines a light on the urgent need to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from this harmful practice. The scientific consensus is clear: conversion therapy is ineffective and causes significant psychological harm. It's crucial to remember that sexual orientation and gender identity are not illnesses to be "cured." We must continue to challenge societal prejudices and advocate for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. Let's work together to end conversion therapy and build a more inclusive and accepting world. Learn more about conversion therapy, support LGBTQ+ rights organizations fighting to ban this practice, and speak out against it. If you need support, please reach out to one of the many resources available to help. Help us fight against conversion therapy and support those affected. Let's work together to end this harmful practice and create a safer world for everyone.