In 2018 researchers at San Francisco State University found that rates of attempted suicide among LGBTQ youth more than double when parents try to change their sexual orientation, and increase even more when therapists and religious leaders also attempt to change young people’s sexual orientation.

In this video a number of former conversation therapy leaders issued a public and formal apology for their work as ex-gay leaders and the harm they caused to those they tried to help.

These are individuals who know firsthand that conversion therapy and other ‘ex-gay’ programs are ineffective and dangerous. This is also the evodence from peer review studies:

• The American Psychological Association (APA) states there is no evidence sexual orientation can be changed, and such efforts increase risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide (APA, 2009).

• Bradshaw et al. (2022): Surveyed 1,606 LGBTQ+ individuals exposed to conversion therapy; 97% reported no change in orientation.
  
• JAMA Psychiatry (2019): Found conversion therapy tripled odds of severe mental health outcomes (e.g., suicidal ideation).

People do not choose to be gay.

𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘺 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦:

Michael Bussee: Co-founded Exodus International (the largest ex-gay ministry until its 2013 shutdown).

Alan Chambers: As former President of Exodus International, he shut down the organization upon realizing its ineffectiveness in changing sexual orientation.

Yvette Cantu Schneider: Former policy analyst for the Family Research Council and Director of Women’s Ministry at Exodus International.

John Smid: Ex-leader of Love in Action, the ex-gay program featured in the film Boy Erased.

Randy Thomas: Former Vice President of Exodus International who aided in its shutdown, participated in The Arlington Group, and now helps individuals recover from religious stigma.