'Conversion therapy left me feeling suicidal'

Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a widely debunked and discredited practice that aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Despite being rejected by all major medical and mental health organizations, some religious and conservative groups continue to promote this harmful and dangerous practice. One person who experienced the devastating effects of conversion therapy is 26-year-old Daniel Douglas. In a recent interview with the BBC, Douglas bravely shared his story of how conversion therapy left him feeling suicidal. Douglas, who grew up in a conservative religious household in the United Kingdom, began to realize he was gay at a young age. However, his religious community viewed homosexuality as a sin and encouraged him to pursue conversion therapy in an attempt to change his sexual orientation. "I was raised in a very religious environment, and being gay was seen as something evil and unnatural," Douglas explained. "I was made to believe that I needed to change in order to be accepted by God and my community." When Douglas first embarked on his conversion therapy journey, he had no idea of the emotional and psychological toll it would take on him. He underwent various treatments, including counseling, prayer, and even aversion therapy, which involved subjecting him to negative experiences whenever he had same-sex attractions. "The therapy sessions were deeply distressing," Douglas revealed. "I was made to feel ashamed of my true self, my sexual orientation. It was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It's impossible and only leads to pain and self-loathing." As time went on, Douglas's mental health began to deteriorate rapidly. He experienced intense feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression. The constant pressure to change his sexual orientation became overwhelming, and he started having suicidal thoughts. "At my lowest point, I felt like there was no way out," Douglas admitted. "I couldn't see a future for myself where I would be accepted and loved for who I truly am. The conversion therapy had stripped me of my confidence and self-worth." Fortunately, Douglas eventually found the strength to seek help outside of the conversion therapy circle. He connected with LGBTQ+ support groups, therapists, and friends who accepted and embraced him for who he was. Through their support, Douglas slowly began to rebuild his life and heal from the traumatic effects of conversion therapy. "I had to unlearn a lot of the harmful beliefs that were ingrained in me through conversion therapy," Douglas explained. "It was a long and challenging journey, but I'm grateful for the people who stood by my side and helped me rediscover my identity and self-acceptance." In recent years, there has been growing awareness and advocacy against conversion therapy. Many countries and states have banned the practice, recognizing it as a form of psychological abuse. However, it still remains legal and is practiced in some parts of the world, including the United States. Activists and survivors like Daniel Douglas are working tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of conversion therapy and advocating for its complete eradication. They argue that no one should be subjected to such harmful practices that can lead to long-lasting trauma and even suicide. Supporters of conversion therapy often argue that it is a matter of religious freedom. However, it's important to note that religious freedom should never be used as a justification for causing harm to individuals. The rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals should always be prioritized and protected. Instead of trying to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity, we should focus on creating a society that is inclusive, accepting, and celebrates diversity. LGBTQ+ individuals deserve to be loved and accepted for who they are, without having to go through traumatic experiences like conversion therapy. Douglas's story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of conversion therapy. It is a stark call to action for governments, religious organizations, and communities around the world to take a stand against this harmful practice and ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.