The Pros And Cons Of Conversion Therapy

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For the class discussion, we watched a video called “A Boy Named Lucas” (ABC, 2017). 20/20 did a yearlong investigation on conversion therapy camps after two witnesses come forward about their experiences in the camps. The video followed the life of two individuals, Lucas and Sarah. Currently, in the psychology field, the use of conversion therapy is ineffective and cause harm to the individuals. It was interesting and shocking to find conversion therapy still being using to change sexual orientation. The American Psychological Association (APA) because of the psychological, physical, and ethical issues discredits conversion therapy. The conversion therapy shown on 20/20 found the camps using god and religion as the basis for the therapy against sexual orientation. …show more content…

Furthermore, since individuals “choose” their sexual orientation then they do not need protection under the antidiscrimination law. The article gives a historical overview of the treatments for homosexuality with aversive treatment being the most notorious promoted by psychoanalytic theories. There are programs designed to rid homosexuality using prayer, group support, and pressure similar to the pastor’s program in the video, which did not use brutality. In social aspect, continuing to have conversion therapy to change orientation reinforces LGB orientation as bad reinforced by anti-gay prejudice in society and religious organization. Gay activist question why continue to provide a “cure” when it is not an illness. I agree why to continue to provide a treatment option when not an illness, but I also understand LBGT individuals may be in distress and need psychotherapy to help adjust with the loss of friends, family, or