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.
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.
- Garrard Conley wrote the memoir Boy Erased [Indie bookstores|Amazon|Audible], which was the basis of the movie [Amazon] by the same name. He is also co-creator and co-producer of the four-part podcast Unerased, which explores the history and effects of conversion therapy. It's produced by WNYC's Radiolab.
- Troy Williams is Executive Director of Equality Utah.
- Cliff Rosky is a professor at the University of Utah's SJ Quinney College of Law. He also serves on the Equality Utah Advisory Council.
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.
