Please spare all Virginians from the dangerous and discredited practice of "conversion" therapies, directed toward gay citizens and youngsters who may be questioning their sexuality. These types of programs begin by proposing that homosexuality is a mental illness to be cured of rather than acknowledging that gender identity and sexuality are valid markers of how individuals feel, love and self-identify. Self-acceptance and self-love are two of the most important tools for people who are already outside the mainstream or operating differently than the status quo. Our LGBTQ citizens deserve the same freedom of self-determination and autonomy as all others. Please protect them.