I keep hearing misconceptions about the proposed rule from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing that would ban licensed therapists from using conversion therapy with children. I want to address a few of those misconceptions.

First, conversion therapy is still happening. If a psychologist we saw when my son came out as gay had his way, it would have happened to my son. Our family escaped because after the psychologist hinted at conversion therapy, we left and never went back.

Given that 60% of children subjected to conversion therapy attempt suicide, it terrifies me to think about what might have happened if we had not understood enough to leave.

Second, if there is no goal to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of a child, therapists are free to discuss religion, LGBTQ issues, and how those factors intersect. For many LGBTQ people who seek the expertise of a therapist, those are helpful conversations to have.

Finally, LGBTQ adults can still go to a licensed therapist for conversion therapy if they choose to do so. Science shows that it does not work, but therapists are still free to attempt it with clients over 18 years of age.

Utah, please ban conversion therapy on children.