In this four part OutCasting series, we explore conversion therapy. Homosexuality used to be defined as a mental disorder, and many psychiatrists used to practice conversion therapy, the practice of trying to change someone’s sexuality from gay or bisexual to straight. This practice is now widely discredited within the medical and mental health professions, but it still exists throughout the country, now usually associated with religious institutions rather than medical institutions. [p] Parts 3 and 4: Sam Brinton: a personal story [p] What actually happens during conversion therapy, and what effects do these practices have on young people? [p] In this part of the series, we turn to the personal story of Sam Brinton, who was subjected to conversion therapy as a child and survived to tell about it. Sam, who uses they/them pronouns, is the Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQ youth suicide prevention. Sam founded and leads the 50 Bills, 50 States campaign, which aims to bring legislation that bans conversion therapy to all 50 states. Sam talked with OutCaster Andrew. [p] Part 3 of 4.
