As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I've witnessed and faced homophobia and bigotry. I have also have many friends who are transgender and queer, and I often hear their own experiences. I have been told that my gender is not normal or valid, and been called slurs in school. It's very sad and disappointing that even today, people are still being forced into changing and being ashamed of a part of their identity that is not a choice. Conversion therapy is one unfortunate example, based off of the idea that being LGBTQ+ is a disorder that needs treatment (which is not true whatsoever).

Conversion therapy includes a many sets of practices, with the goal aimed at changing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These methods are not only ridiculous, but they are also dangerous, and can cause anxiety, depression, self-hate, drug use, and in the worst cases, even suicide. Conversion therapy especially targets queer minors due to the fact that parents (specifically religious ones) have complete control over what activities their child attends before they turn 18. This means parents in states without conversion therapy bans can send their children to conversion therapy if they don't support their child. According to a study by The Trevor Project, LGBTQ minors who experienced conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as those who did not experience conversion therapy. The American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, and the National Health Service in the UK, all accomplished medical organizations, have openly stated that conversion therapy does not work, and has negative effects. They've also highlighted that there's no solid evidence that any mental health practices  can reliably and safely change sexual orientation or gender identity. Studies have found that only about 3% of people who participate in conversion therapy found even any slight change in their sexuality. Additionally, these practices do not respect and appreciate the identities of LGBTQ+ individuals.

A supreme court ruling from earlier this year (2026) unbanned conversion therapy for minors in 27 states, claiming that taking away a licensed therapists rights to perform "talk therapy" violated the First Amendment. But how is this "therapy" helpful, if it is only making other, more prominent issues such as suicidality and depression worse? Thankfully, some states such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey have already taken steps forward to ban conversion therapy for minors. However, loopholes and ways to get around these bans still exist, which means people can still be vulnerable to conversion therapy. It's very important to have a ban on all forms of conversion therapy, and all across the U.S. We need our leaders to be empathetic  and solidify laws that protect our community from abuse such as conversion therapy.

We need to work together to create a world where everyone can freely and safely express themselves without fear of being forced to change. Creating more awareness and holding people in power accountable is the key to ensuring everyone in the LGBTQ+ community can live their lives without the threat of being persecuted. I urge you, with the power of your voice and your signature, to join me demand a ban on conversion therapy. Being queer is not a choice, and it is not a disease. Sign this petition today to stand up against conversion therapy and support a place where all can live proudly without shame or fear.