Coercive conversion therapy is an umbrella term for any form of psychological, spiritual, or medical treatment that attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) to heterosexual or cisgender. These treatments are widely considered unethical and harmful, yet they remain legal in many countries around the world. The long-term effects of these therapies can be devastating for those who undergo them. This essay will explore how coercive conversion therapy impacts the mental health, social networks, and community participation of LGBTQ survivors.
Mental Health Impacts
One of the most significant impacts of coercive conversion therapy is its effect on the mental health of survivors. Survivors often report feeling shame, guilt, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem as a result of their experiences. They may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, and other forms of trauma. In addition, some survivors report that their relationship with their families was damaged or even broken due to their involvement in conversion therapy. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a lack of support.
Social Networks Impacts
Conversion therapy can have a negative impact on the social networks of survivors. Many survivors report losing friends and family members after coming out, and some lose their entire social network altogether. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can further exacerbate mental health issues.
Survivors may find it difficult to connect with other members of the LGBTQ community, as they feel alienated from the very groups they once belonged to.
Community Participation Impacts
Coercive conversion therapy can also impact a survivor's ability to participate fully in their community. Some survivors report being ostracized by their peers, while others are unable to find work because of their association with conversion therapy. This can lead to financial instability and an overall sense of powerlessness.
Survivors who were forced into conversion therapy may feel ashamed of their sexuality or gender identity, leading them to avoid LGBTQ spaces entirely.
Coercive conversion therapy has long-term effects on the mental health, social networks, and community participation of LGBTQ survivors. Survivors often experience shame, guilt, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma, and many lose their families, friends, and social networks as a result of their involvement in these treatments. Conversion therapy can also prevent survivors from fully participating in their communities, leading to feelings of powerlessness and isolation. It is crucial that we continue to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ individuals and work towards the abolition of coercive conversion therapy. Only then will we be able to create a world where all individuals can live authentically and freely.
What long-term effects do coercive conversion therapies have on mental health, social networks, and community participation of LGBTQ survivors?
Coercive conversion therapy has many negative long-term impacts on LGBTQ survivors' mental health, social networks, and community participation. These include depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, and social isolation.