Chiles v. Salazar · ¶89

The scientifc literature confirms what anecdotal experiences suggest: Conversion therapy has harmed patients, particularly minors. The APA found that “the reported negative social and emotional consequences [of conversion therapy] include self-reports of anger, anxiety, confusion, depression, grief, guilt, hopelessness, deteriorated relationships with family, loss of social support, loss of faith, poor self-image, social isolation, intimacy difficulties, intrusive imagery, suicidal ideation, self-hatred, and sexual dysfunction.” APA Report, 1 App. 253–254. Even for those study participants who reported positive effects initially, many described experiencing the negative effects later. Id., at 254. Moreover, studies show that children often feel the effects of the shame and stigma from conversion therapy even more vividly than adults due to their “increased emotional vulnerability and…

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