Introduction
Conversion therapy is trying to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Numerous mental health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association, oppose this controversial and damaging practice because it is ineffective (Li et al., 2022). Conversion therapy remains lawful in some areas of the globe, including several states in the United States, despite its ineffectiveness and potential for harm. Therefore, this proposal aims to develop a public service and education program that increases consciousness of conversion therapy and promotes embracing LGBTQ+ identities.
Issue
It has been established that conversion therapy is ineffectual and can seriously damage a person’s mental health. Individuals who have experienced conversion therapy have mentioned having suicidal ideas, anxiety, and sadness. Additionally, some conversion treatment techniques have the potential to be traumatically long-lasting and physically and mentally abusive (Li et al., 2022). There is a risk that many LGBTQ+ people will be subjected to conversion treatment, willingly or against their will. This is because LGBTQ+ people experience stigma and prejudice, which can prompt them to seek conversion therapy to fit in or escape disapproval.
Additionally, conversion therapy is frequently based on homophobia, Tran’s phobia, and the idea that LGBTQ+ identities are innately evil or sinful. It reinforces damaging stereotypes and preconceptions while contributing to the continuing marginalization and abuse of LGBTQ+ people (Li et al., 2022). It is essential to press for governmental changes and raise public awareness of the issue to outlaw conversion therapy forever. The public can be made aware of the negative impacts of conversion therapy, LGBTQ+ identities can be accepted, and the practice can be outlawed through public service and education campaigns.
Why PSA Is Important
Conversion therapy is a problem that can be addressed in several ways with the help of public awareness-raising and teaching campaigns. First, it can inform people about the dangers of conversion therapy and increase knowledge of the problem. The effort can reduce the discrimination and negative attitudes faced by LGBTQ+ individuals by promoting acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities. This can make society more accepting and tolerant of LGBTQ+ people and reduce the probability that people will turn to conversion therapy to fit in or escape rejection.
Secondly, the movement can push for legislation to be changed to outlaw conversion therapy permanently. Individuals can establish a legal framework that protects individuals from this damaging procedure and ensures that licensed mental health practitioners are held accountable for upholding ethical standards by mobilizing public support for legislative changes (Jordan, 2020). Lastly, those who have undergone conversion therapy or are in danger of doing so can get help and tools from the campaign. This includes details on the negative impacts of conversion therapy, tools for mental health care, and legal aid.
Conversion therapy awareness-raising and teaching campaigns are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can aid in spreading knowledge of the negative impacts of this practice and lowering the number of people who engage in it. Individuals can help avoid being forced into conversion therapy by raising awareness about the psychological and bodily damage this harmful practice causes.
Second, a program aimed at educating the public and promoting acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities can lessen the stigma and prejudice that LGBTQ+ people experience (McDanal et al., 2021). In addition, a public relations and education effort can assist and connect those who have gone through conversion therapy or may be at risk of doing so with resources and support. Individuals can lessen the long-term harm and trauma experienced by those impacted by conversion therapy by educating people about its negative impacts and connecting them with resources for mental health assistance.
Ideal Outcome
The total abolition of this damaging practice would be the perfect result of a public service and education effort on conversion therapy. It would mean that conversion therapy would no longer be used on people, and licensed mental health workers would be held responsible for abiding by the ethical guidelines that forbid its use. The effort would also result in a more accepting and supportive community of LGBTQ+ people. Society would become more aware of the problems that LGBTQ+ people face, and people would be more apt to speak out against prejudice and hatred.
A legislative shift outlawing conversion therapy would be another optimal result (Jordan, 2020). This would guarantee a legal structure to safeguard people from this harmful practice and offer redress to those exposed to it. Moreover, the campaign would offer tools and support to people who have experienced conversion therapy or are in danger of doing so (McDanal et al., 2021). It would guarantee that those harmed by conversion therapy can access the tools and assistance they need to recoup and mend.
Conclusion
Conversion therapy needs to be addressed to make society more accepting and supportive of LGBTQ+ people while also promoting general awareness of the problem. The movement can advocate for legislative changes to outlaw the practice, increase consciousness of the adverse effects of conversion therapy, encourage acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities, and offer tools and support to those the course has harmed. In general, a public awareness and education effort on conversion therapy is crucial to fostering a society that is more open to, knowledgeable about, and welcoming of LGBTQ+ people and permanently ending the harmful practice.
References
Jordan, F. (2020). Changing the narrative for LGBTQ adolescents: A literature review and call for research into narrative therapy to improve family acceptance of LGBTQ teens. Counselling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review, 3(1), 23–54. Web.
Li, G., Qin, S., Lu, H., Santtila, P., & Hall, B. J. (2022). Eliminating conversion therapy and promoting LGBTQ-affirmative therapy in China. The Lancet Psychiatry, 9(6), e25. Web.
McDanal, R., Rubin, A., Fox, K., & Schleider, J. L. (2021). Associations of LGBTQ+ identities with acceptability and efficacy of online single-session youth mental health interventions. Behavior Therapy, 21(3). Web.