Reconciling the Tension between Personal Healing and Broader Social Accountability: A Deep Dive into Survivors' Experiences of Coercive Conversion Therapy
Many individuals have experienced traumatic and life-altering experiences through forced conversion therapy, which often involves manipulation, shame, and physical and mental abuse.
It is crucial to understand how survivors reconcile their personal healing with the broader societal accountability for those who perpetrated the harm. This article will explore the unique challenges that coercive conversion therapy survivors face when navigating this tension and provide insights into how they can find balance between self-care and advocacy.
Survivors of coercive conversion therapy often struggle with feelings of guilt and self-blame, leading them to question their identity and sexuality. They may feel ashamed of themselves and their experiences and fear rejection from friends, family, or society. At the same time, there is also pressure to hold the institutions and people responsible for the abuse accountable and work towards preventing future harm. The process of reconciliation between personal healing and social justice can be challenging, but many survivors find ways to navigate this tension.
One way survivors can achieve this balance is by recognizing that both personal healing and social change are essential in addressing systemic oppression. They must prioritize their own well-being while continuously working towards dismantling the structures that allow these practices to continue.
Some survivors choose to participate in activism or advocacy work to raise awareness about coercive conversion therapy and support legal efforts to ban such practices. By doing so, they not only heal themselves but also work towards creating a safer world for others.
Another approach is collaborating with other survivors and communities affected by similar forms of violence. Survivors can find solace in sharing their stories and connecting with individuals who have had similar experiences. This community can provide a sense of belonging and empowerment, allowing them to channel their energy into positive action. It can be helpful to seek support from mental health professionals trained in trauma-informed care to help with processing difficult emotions and building resilience.
Finding a balance between personal healing and broader societal change requires self-care and intentionality. Survivors need to prioritize their needs and recognize that healing does not always happen linearly. Self-compassion and forgiveness can be crucial tools in overcoming guilt and shame, enabling them to move forward without blaming themselves for their abusers' actions. Moreover, it's important to acknowledge the impact of racism, ableism, classism, sexism, and other systems of oppression on LGBTQ+ people's experiences with conversion therapy.
Reconciling the tension between personal healing and social justice requires understanding that both are essential in addressing systemic oppression. Survivors must prioritize their own well-being while working towards dismantling harmful structures and advocating for safer spaces. Seeking support from peers and professionals, participating in activism or advocacy work, and practicing self-care can all contribute to this balance. By doing so, survivors can create a more just world where everyone is free to express their authentic selves without fear of violence or coercion.
How do survivors of coercive conversion therapies reconcile the tension between personal healing and broader social accountability?
Survivors of coercive conversion therapies often face the challenge of reconciling their personal healing with broader social accountability. This can be particularly difficult as they navigate the aftermath of trauma and work towards recovery while also grappling with feelings of guilt, shame, and internalized homophobia that may have been instilled during their experiences.