Conversion “therapy,” also referred to as “Reparative Therapy” or “Ex-Gay Therapy,” is a widely discredited practice that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Practices to “cure” individuals of their same-sex sexual orientations and transgender identities may include a number of techniques, ranging from shaming to hypnosis to inducing vomiting to electric shocks.
There is broad consensus in the medical community that sexual orientation and gender identity are immutable traits—and that attempts to change these characteristics through conversion therapy or other means are not only unnecessary and ineffective, but also very harmful. Advocates are working to ban this harmful and discredited practice federally, in the states, and in cities and counties.
