The experience of being subjected to forced conversion therapy can have profound and lasting effects on an individual's psychological, social, and community well-being. This type of treatment is designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity against their will and involves methods that are often harmful and degrading. Those who undergo this type of therapy may suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal ideation due to feelings of shame, guilt, and fear of rejection. The impacts of forced conversion therapy extend beyond the individual to the broader LGBTQ community, where survivors may struggle to find support and acceptance within a culture that views them as broken or damaged. In this article, I will discuss the long-term implications of forced conversion therapy for LGBTQ individuals and how these harms continue to reverberate throughout society.
Psychological Impacts
Forced conversion therapy is a form of abuse that causes trauma and damage to a person's mental health. Survivors may feel isolated, ashamed, and alone, leading to increased risk of depression and anxiety. They may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the emotional pain and distress caused by the experience. Studies have shown that those who have been through forced conversion therapy are more likely to report high levels of psychological distress than those who have not experienced it, including increased rates of suicide attempts and completed suicides.
Many people who go through this type of therapy struggle with identity issues and confusion about their sexuality or gender identity, which can lead to additional mental health problems such as difficulty forming relationships, social withdrawal, and substance abuse.
Social Impacts
Beyond the immediate effects on an individual's psychology, forced conversion therapy can have profound social consequences. Survivors often face stigma and discrimination from family, friends, and community members who view them as deviant or sinful. This can create barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities, making it difficult for survivors to rebuild their lives after experiencing this type of treatment. Many survivors feel ostracized and excluded, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. In addition, some families cut off ties with their loved ones who undergo conversion therapy, creating further harm and alienation. The social impacts of forced conversion therapy extend beyond the individual to affect entire communities where LGBTQ individuals are marginalized and treated as outsiders.
Community Implications
The practice of forced conversion therapy has a far-reaching impact on the broader LGBTQ community. It perpetuates negative stereotypes and stigmas that reinforce the idea that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer is wrong or unnatural. This message spreads throughout society, contributing to discrimination, violence, and hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals. Conversion therapists also often target vulnerable populations, including youth and people of color, who may not have access to resources or support systems outside of these so-called "treatments." As such, the trauma of forced conversion therapy continues to reverberate through generations of LGBTQ individuals, creating a culture of fear and distrust within the community.
The long-term impacts of forced conversion therapy are significant and far-reaching, affecting individuals' psychological, social, and community well-being. Survivors face lasting mental health consequences, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and relationship difficulties. They may also experience social isolation, rejection from family and friends, and barriers to employment and housing opportunities. The practice perpetuates negative stereotypes and contributes to continued discrimination, violence, and hate crimes against the LGBTQ community. It is essential to end this harmful practice once and for all and provide support and resources to those who have experienced it.
What long-term impacts do forced conversion therapies have on the psychological, social, and community well-being of LGBTQ survivors?
Forced conversion therapy can cause significant long-term negative effects on the psychological, social, and community well-being of LGBTQ individuals. These include feelings of shame, guilt, self-doubt, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors may struggle with trust issues, difficulty forming close relationships, isolation, and reduced self-acceptance.