Author of Boy Erased to Speak at IPS

At this year’s IPS Conference, AGLP: The Association of LGBTQ Psychiatrists is very excited to present several symposia. In case anyone is unaware, this organization is an allied organization of APA and works diligently to ensure that LGBTQ psychiatrists and LGBTQ patients do not encounter discrimination. In particular, we are committed to ensuring that legislation and the practice of mental health care are designed to improve health outcomes for LGBTQ patients and eliminate current health disparities.

One of the sessions we are presenting is the symposium “Conversion Therapy: Boy Erased, Can It Alter Sexual Orientation Without Causing Harm?” Conversion therapy is the practice of trying to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through psychotherapy as well as with other behavioral modification techniques. Such practices are not supported by science and are dangerous, and laws are being enacted around the country to protect individuals, particularly minors, from being subjected to this therapy.

In this symposium, we will be showing the 2018 film “Boy Erased,” which stars Lucas Hedges as real-life teen Garrard Conley as he was subjected to conversion therapy by his fundamentalist Arkansas family. The movie highlights the tragic outcomes that are all too common when patients undergo conversion therapy, including depression and suicide. Ultimately, it shows how Garrard and his family come to accept his homosexuality and begin to heal. After the movie, the session panelists, including me, will lead a discussion on the statistics and legal status of conversion therapy and the data showing the harm it can do.

Finally, the author of the book on which the film is based and the person whose story is represented in the film, Garrard Conley, is going to speak about his experience. This will be followed by a discussion with him about what can be done to end this harmful practice. ■