Conversion Therapy Argumentative Essay

Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a form of treatment that helps individuals get rid of their unwanted same-sex attraction. In other words, the purpose of conversion therapy is to change someone’s sexual orientation. Some families in more conservative parts of the U.S. see this therapy as an opportunity to “repair” their children and this results in minors being forced into conversion therapy where they are subjected to a wide variety of methods meant to curb their sexual attraction to the same-sex. Today in the United States, only a handful of states and counties have laws banning this therapy, leaving minors who do not live in these locations in danger of being forced into conversion therapy. Although many people, and
“There are no studies of adequate scientific rigor to conclude whether or not recent SOCE do or do not work to change a person’s sexual orientation” and “the majority of research surrounding conversion therapy has taken place on adults who’ve undergone the process, and there is very little research surrounding LGBTQ youth who have been through conversion therapy practices.” This means that the psychological damage has never been measured, making it an even more dangerous practice because it is having unknown effects on the youth that is subjected to it. In addition, the American Psychological Association agrees that “psychology must rely on proven methods of scientific inquiry based on empirical data, on which hypotheses and propositions are confirmed or disconfirmed, as the basis to explore and understand human behavior,” suggesting that therapy built upon bias, the assumption that harsh methods can change sexual orientation and no extensive or credible research, directly contradict what the largest group of psychologists in the country all agree on. On top of this, the “American Psychological Association expressly opposes prejudice (defined broadly) and discrimination based on” sexual orientation and a variety of other factors, making reparative therapy a
“In the short-term, queer youth who go through conversion therapy are being cheated of the opportunity to gain self-confidence and self-esteem, to get support from family members and other adults, and to have normal adolescent developmental experiences” (Huffington Post). These opportunities are some examples of what qualify as basic rights that all children should be granted because they are vital to the proper development of a person. Further reading introduces an even more vital aspect of growing up/and what is necessary to aid a child in their journey to adulthood: “Children are entitled to a safe environment, good nutrition, healthcare, and education. Although parents have the right to raise their children as they see fit, if a child is not safe, the state will remove children from their home” (Findlaw), meaning that if there is evidence of the therapy damaging the wellbeing of the child, – which can be seen in the case of the aforementioned anonymous man – they can be taken away from their parents in order to be protected/better cared for. Furthermore, if the eight states (and counties) that have