Ending conversion ‘torture’ in Kentucky is an important step in suicide prevention | Opinion
On Sept. 18, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order ending conversion (torture) therapy in Kentucky. Surrounded by advocates, legislators, and most importantly, some of the brave survivors of CT, Beshear saved lives the moment he signed the order. This historic end to conversion therapy in Kentucky during September’s Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month highlights the significance of addressing and ending the barbaric practice of inflicting severe psychological and physical pain resulting in a lifetime of trauma for our LGBTQ+ citizens of all ages. The increase in suicides and suicide attempts for youth who have been forced to endure conversion therapy is staggering, and preventable, and we applaud Gov. Beshear for his commitment to protecting the lives of our innocent LGBTQ+ youth by ending conversion therapy in Kentucky.
The degrading, discriminatory, and draconian “practice” of conversion therapy comes from several faulty beliefs that one’s sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed against their will through egregious violations of their physical, mental, psychological, social, and spiritual rights. Rooted in the belief that LGBTQ+ people are inferior, evil, confused, and/or sinful, conversion therapy preys on parents, clergy, and politicians as the only solution to “save” the child and justify the brutal methods to achieve this goal. Beatings, starvation, electric shock, psychological manipulation, ridicule, isolation, standing for hours with a backpack of heavy bricks to signify the “heaviness” of their sins, or “aversion” therapy which is used to force the youth to sit partially naked on a block of ice watching porn in the attempt to condition them to feel shame, are just a few examples of the heinous attempts to change their sexual orientation. One of the most heartbreaking forms of abuse is to blame the mother for their son’s homosexuality, and to break the maternal-child bond, forcing even more trauma for the child and family. Make no mistake, the trauma on siblings and parents cannot be denied and lends to a lifetime of emotional issues, guilt, and self-hate. Many relationships never recover as the trust and safety every family need is irrevocably broken.
There are already threats of lawsuits to challenge the executive order and we fully expect attempts in 2025 to restore conversion torture in Kentucky. Accusations that the order threatens the First Amendment, parental rights, and religious freedom, are rampant, but untrue. Conversion torture has been condemned by every reputable scientific, medical, behavioral, and religious associations, across the globe as a violation of human rights. The EO does NOT stop parents from seeking reputable licensed mental health support for their children, it stops the predatory “practice” of those who prey on innocent families who have been impacted by the disinformation that their gay child can be converted “straight.” Theorder does not offend nor deny First Amendment rights or religious freedom. It simply wants to save the lives of our kiddos who deserve to live their best authentic selves, in safety and surrounded in love and acceptance.
We must work as a society to end the hateful rhetoric and judgment that breeds disinformation and further divides us from understanding and supporting our LGBTQ+ Kentuckians. We must engage, educate, and empower every child and adult to respect their own bodily autonomy, and to act in kindness towards each other in communities across the Bluegrass state. For Kentucky’s churches, we encourage and challenge you to dispel any language or behaviors that could cause harm to LGBTQ+ people from the pulpit and lead these brave and important conversations that will sustain and strengthen the life-saving work ahead to protect our LGBTQ+ citizens. And to our elected officials, the time is now to power forward and work with medical and mental health professionals to provide best practice and evidence-based research, support, and policies, to protect our LGBTQ+ youth. Kentucky’s future depends on it.
To everyone reading this, please sit in brave space and watch “Boy Erased,” and the “Conversion” documentary by Zach Meiners. These powerful stories speak the truth of the dangers of conversion therapy. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives to embrace everyone’s uniqueness and authenticity in peace and solidarity.
Brenda Rosen, MSW, CSW is the National Association of Social Workers - Kentucky Chapter Executive Director, with 43 years of social work experience, she is passionate about advocating for human rights.