The Detrimental Impact Of Conversion Therapy: Bowen Yang's Perspective

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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The Psychological Harm of Conversion Therapy

Conversion therapy, often referred to as reparative therapy, is a set of practices aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. This practice targets LGBTQ+ individuals, falsely assuming that their sexual orientation or gender identity is a disorder that needs to be "cured." The psychological damage inflicted is immense and long-lasting.

• Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation: Studies consistently show a significantly higher rate of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among individuals subjected to conversion therapy. The feeling of being rejected for who they are fundamentally undermines self-worth and can lead to despair.
• Development of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders: The experience of conversion therapy is often intensely traumatic. The techniques used, which can include shaming, humiliation, and religious condemnation, can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders.
• Internalized homophobia and transphobia: Conversion therapy reinforces societal prejudices, leading individuals to internalize negative feelings about their own identities. This internalized homophobia and transphobia can severely damage self-esteem and relationships.
• Damage to self-esteem and self-worth: The core message of conversion therapy – that a person's inherent identity is flawed and needs fixing – is profoundly damaging to self-esteem and self-worth. This can have long-term effects on mental health and overall well-being.

The American Psychological Association (APA) and GLAAD have documented the severe mental health risks, including depression, anxiety, suicide, PTSD, and trauma, associated with conversion therapy. The data overwhelmingly demonstrates the devastating psychological damage inflicted by this practice.

Bowen Yang's Advocacy and the Power of Visibility

Bowen Yang's public stance against conversion therapy is incredibly significant. His openness about his sexuality, combined with his platform as an openly gay Asian-American comedian, provides powerful LGBTQ+ representation in the media. This visibility is crucial in raising awareness and combating the harmful stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ identities.

• Examples of his activism: While not explicitly stated as such in every case, Yang's frequent and prominent public appearances as an openly gay man act as a powerful counter-narrative to the prejudice underlying conversion therapy. His humor and relatability humanize LGBTQ+ experiences and challenge stereotypes.
• The importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media: Seeing successful and openly LGBTQ+ individuals like Bowen Yang in mainstream media is vital for young LGBTQ+ people. It offers hope, validation, and a sense of belonging.
• How his voice gives strength and hope: Yang's advocacy provides strength and hope to those who have been affected by conversion therapy. His presence demonstrates that it's possible to live authentically and thrive as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. His visibility and media influence are invaluable tools in the fight for social justice.

The Ineffectiveness and Flawed Premises of Conversion Therapy

Major medical and psychological organizations, including the APA, have unequivocally condemned conversion therapy as ineffective and harmful. The practice is based on flawed premises and pseudoscience.

• Lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy: There is no credible scientific evidence to support the claim that conversion therapy can change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Focus on changing sexual orientation rather than addressing underlying issues: Instead of addressing potential underlying mental health issues, conversion therapy attempts to change a fundamental aspect of a person's identity.
• The harmful assumption that homosexuality or transgender identity is a disorder: Conversion therapy is based on the outdated and harmful notion that homosexuality and transgender identities are mental disorders that need to be "cured." This is a fundamentally false and discriminatory belief. It is a form of ineffective therapy rooted in pseudoscience and harmful practices. It falsely frames sexual orientation and gender identity as something to be "fixed."

Legal and Ethical Concerns Surrounding Conversion Therapy

The ethical and legal challenges posed by conversion therapy are significant. Many states and countries have recognized the harm and have banned it. The ethical violations are clear.

• States and countries that have banned conversion therapy: An increasing number of states and countries have banned conversion therapy for minors, and some have extended the ban to adults. This represents a growing recognition of the practice's harmful nature.
• Ongoing efforts to ban it nationwide or globally: Activists and organizations continue to fight for nationwide and global bans on conversion therapy, recognizing the global scope of this human rights violation.
• The ethical violation of informed consent and autonomy: Conversion therapy violates the fundamental ethical principles of informed consent and autonomy. Individuals are coerced into undergoing treatments they may not want, stripping them of their right to self-determination. This involves significant legal action and challenges to human rights. The fight to end conversion therapy bans is ongoing.

Conclusion: Rejecting Conversion Therapy and Embracing Acceptance

Conversion therapy is a deeply harmful and ineffective practice that inflicts significant psychological damage on LGBTQ+ individuals. Its flawed premises and unethical nature are widely recognized, and the ongoing legal battles to ban it reflect a growing understanding of its devastating consequences. Bowen Yang's advocacy highlights the power of LGBTQ+ representation and the critical importance of visibility in challenging harmful practices.

We must continue to reject conversion therapy and work towards a world where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are accepted and celebrated for who they are. We call on readers to learn more about conversion therapy, support organizations fighting to end conversion therapy, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Provide mental health support to those affected and actively participate in advocacy to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Let's strive towards a future defined by acceptance and the celebration of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Remember to support LGBTQ+ individuals and actively participate in the fight to end this harmful and ineffective therapy.