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 1 and 2 — Dr. Jack Drescher: an expert's perspective [p] What is the history of the practices and ideas, how have they changed over time, and where are we now? [p] In the first part of this series, OutCaster Andrew speaks with Dr. Jack Drescher, a gay psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City. Dr. Drescher has been working with LGBTQ patients for over 30 years and writing about conversion therapy for over 20 years. This interview is presented in two parts being released in January and February 2020. [p] Also in the February edition, OutCaster Lucas talks about his near miss with conversion therapy. Part 2 of 4.
