Conversion Therapy: Does it Really "Cure" Homosexuality?

Many people today believe that homosexuality can be "cured." They offer hope and promises that someone who is homosexual can get rid of their "nasty" lifestyle and suddenly become straight. Some believe that it is a choice to be either straight or gay, and therefore someone who is gay, with the help of conversion therapy, can lead a heterosexual lifestyle.

Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a counseling technique used to try and convert homosexuals to heterosexuals. Many people who are homosexual try this type of therapy to rid themselves of homosexuality, but does this really "cure" them? Many "ex-gays" have sworn that it fixed them and that they are no longer gay or lesbian. Is it truly "fixing" them, or are they just hiding their true feelings? Are they leading a life to conform to being straight, that they will sacrifice their true selves and their happiness?

During conversion therapy a counselor will use any means necessary to change a gay person to straight. They usually require one or two sessions a week and it last these about two years. During this type of psychotherapy the patient will be asked to look deep within their childhood. The patient will also be asked to stop associating with their gay friends and make relationships with straight people. If it's a gay male seeking help, they will be asked to do appropriate gender activities like sports. This helps how? Everyone knows gay men participate in sports just like straight men do. As the patient continues therapy, they will be taught how to change their whole body languages. Men will be taught how to sit like men do, legs apart and not crossed. They judge and so call "treat" every aspect in your life considered to be gay. Some have even gone as far as to use electric shock. Better yet some gay and lesbians have sought out religious figures to perform exorcist to cast out the demon causing these homosexual tendencies.

This form of therapy has not been proven to work. It often leaves the patient feeling more alone and confused about who they are. Some have even committed suicide because they could never conform to the straight lifestyle. I know many patients become "ex-gays" and say that this works. Some say they can live a straight lifestyle and be happy. How can you truly be happy with yourself if you have to fight against yourself everyday to live a straight lifestyle? You have to fight with yourself to be true. I would rather be gay and happy, than live a life that I wasn't completely happy with. People should stop trying to change others to fit a certain mold or lifestyle. To my fellow gay and lesbians, stand with pride and just be proud!