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Unerased And LGBTQ Conversion Therapy In Utah

RENEE BRIGHT / KUER

A study shows that after certain conversion therapy efforts, LGBTQ kids are nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide. Monday, we’re talking about it and about efforts to ban conversion therapy for youth in Utah.

RadioWest divider.

A recent study shows that after certain conversion therapy efforts, LGBTQ youth are nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide. Advocates in Utah say there is no room for compromise when it comes to our most vulnerable kids, and they plan to introduce a bill to ban these therapies for youth. Monday, we’re talking about the effects and history of conversion therapy with Garrard Conley, author of the memoir Boy Erased. We’ll also talk to Troy Williams and Cliff Rosky about their efforts in Utah.

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this article misrepresented a study of the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University. The study found that LGBTQ kids whose parents try to change their sexual orientation by taking them to a therapist or religious leader for conversion therapy are nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide.

Equality Utah is publishing a series of videos that tell the stories of conversion therapy survivors in Utah. Here is Justin Utley's:

Watch our 2013 short film Transmormon, created in partnership with OHO Media.

Bill Banning Gay Conversion Therapy Introduced In Utah, LDS Church Won't Oppose Dozens gathered beneath the Utah Capitol dome Thursday to support new legislation that would outlaw conversion therapy with licensed therapists for those under 18. The controversial therapy purports to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity through a variety of methods.

Doug Fabrizio has been reporting for KUER News since 1987, and became News Director in 1993. In 2001, he became host and executive producer of KUER's RadioWest, a one hour conversation/call-in show on KUER 90.1 in Salt Lake City. He has gained a reputation for his thoughtful style. He has interviewed everyone from Isabel Allende to the Dalai Lama, and from Madeleine Albright to Desmond Tutu. His interview skills landed him a spot as a guest host of the national NPR program, "Talk of the Nation." He has won numerous awards for his reporting and for his work with RadioWest and KUED's Utah NOW from such organizations as the Society of Professional Journalists, the Utah Broadcasters Association, the Public Radio News Directors Association and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
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