TL;DR
- Black LGBTQ survivors share their trauma from conversion therapy.
- The impact of religious pressure on their identities is profound.
- Calls to end conversion therapy practices are growing louder.
- Survivors recount harmful experiences in faith-based settings.
- Advocates stress the need for mental health regulation.
As the debate over conversion therapy rages on, Black LGBTQ survivors are stepping into the spotlight, sharing their harrowing experiences and calling for an end to these harmful practices. It’s a story that’s been long overdue, and it’s time we listen. A new essay, backed by GLAAD, dives deep into the hidden trauma inflicted on Black LGBTQ individuals, particularly in the South, where faith and identity collide in devastating ways.
Written by Mashaun D. Simon, From The Pulpit to the Pews: How Black LGBTQ People are Escaping Conversion Therapy sheds light on the stories of two men who endured the pressures of conversion therapy, often cloaked in the guise of religious guidance. These tales are not just personal; they are a reflection of a broader societal issue where Black LGBTQ youth are disproportionately affected by these practices.
According to the National Black Justice Collective, Black LGBTQ youth subjected to conversion therapy face alarmingly high rates of depression and suicide attempts. Many of these traumatic experiences occur not in clinical settings, but within the very walls of their churches, where acceptance should be a given, but often isn’t.
In 20 states and Washington, D.C., conversion therapy has been banned, yet the recent Supreme Court ruling against Colorado’s ban has reignited fears among LGBTQ advocates. Dr. David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Collective, emphasizes that while the ruling doesn’t legalize these practices, it opens the door to potential harm. “We need to be precise about what has—and hasn’t—changed,” he warns.
Survivors like Blair Dottin-Haley and Daniel Downer recount their painful journeys. Dottin-Haley’s ordeal began when he was outed to his family, leading to months of counseling aimed at ‘correcting’ his identity. “His intention was to educate me out of what he saw as miseducation about my purpose in the Black community,” he recalls. This misguided belief that homosexuality is a threat to the Black family is a common theme among those who undergo conversion therapy.
Downer’s experience was no less traumatic. As a preacher’s kid, he faced emotional and physical abuse at home and church. “The emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual abuse was rampant,” he reflects. The church, which should have been a sanctuary, became a battleground for his identity.
Kristian Smith, a pastor of The Faith Community, argues that any practice causing harm should be rejected by those who profess to follow Jesus. “We should judge a thing by the fruit that we bear,” he states, highlighting the mental health crises that often follow conversion therapy.
Today, both Dottin-Haley and Downer are advocates for change. Dottin-Haley’s relationship with his parents has improved, as they learned to prioritize their love for him over outdated beliefs. Downer credits his grandparents with saving his life, and he now shares his story to help others facing similar struggles.
These narratives are crucial in the fight against conversion therapy. They not only highlight the need for greater awareness and advocacy but also remind us that love, acceptance, and understanding are the true paths to healing. It’s time we amplify these voices and dismantle the harmful practices that have caused so much pain within the Black LGBTQ community.