There are differing viewpoints on homosexuality in society. Some support the acceptance of gay people as equals, while others hold a negative perspective and argue against their existence based solely on sexual orientation. For those with a despising attitude towards gays, lesbians, and others, one proposed solution is gay conversion therapy – a rehabilitation method that attempts to address homosexuality through techniques like associating pain with being gay or diminishing self-esteem through chastisement and degradation.
Conversion therapy has different perspectives. While some individuals may feel compelled to undergo it due to societal non-acceptance, despite its harmful consequences, others advocate for its religious advantages. Nevertheless, it is crucial to honor the autonomy of the LGBTQ+ community in determining whether or not to pursue this therapy, considering its potential for substantial psychological, emotional, and physical harm.
Conversion therapy is a distressing and harmful procedure with severe consequences, including depression, suicide, and other psychological harm. Peter Gajdics, a patient who experienced this traumatic treatment due to rejection from loved ones, courageously shared his story of mistreatment and suffering. In an attempt to regain acceptance, he sought assistance from Dr. Alfonzo’s reparative therapy practice. However, throughout the manipulation process, Gajdics endured tremendous agony.
Alfonso frequently made statements claiming that remaining homosexual would never lead to happiness, and he believed that his desire to be gay was a result of his parents’ failure in raising him properly. One therapy approach utilized to “reclaim his inherent heterosexuality” involved discussing his emotional pain. He was advised to release his anger by learning how to undo his homosexuality. Gajdics likened this process to “peeling an onion,” removing layers of his childhood which would cause his homosexuality to diminish and reveal his true heterosexual self.
Another patient, Chaim Levin, shared his experience with the therapy, stating, “I worked tirelessly to alter a fundamental part of myself that caused me immense suffering. These reparative therapy groups suggest that failure to change is due to a lack of effort, making me feel like a failure” (SPLC Center). Despite the controversy surrounding gay conversion therapy, there is still a significant desire for gays to undergo conversion. The disapproval of homosexuality is prevalent among religious individuals, and only recently has homosexuality gained widespread media attention and become headline news.
Ten years ago, being homosexual was immediately ostracized. The Bible explicitly states, “God allowed them to follow their shameful desires. Women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, men abandoned their natural sexual relations with women and burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves” (Rom 1:26-27). Despite arguments about innate homosexuality, many still view it as sinful. According to God’s teachings, any kind of sexual immorality, particularly homosexuality, is seen as a transgression.
The views on gay conversion therapy among religious individuals vary, but many support it as they believe in adhering to God’s teachings. However, there is a lack of consensus and conflicting approaches to this form of therapy. It is crucial to honor the autonomy of all people, including those who identify as LGBT, and empower them to make their own choices. Although opinions differ on this issue, imposing any specific course of action is not preferable. Ultimately, the decision regarding reparative therapy should rest with the individual seeking treatment.
