I am writing this as a licensed clinical psychologist. Few practices have hurt LGBTQ people more than discredited, dangerous so-called “therapies” that attempt to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Most therapists understand that trying to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is harmful, wrong, and abusive. But, in every state, some therapists continue to engage in these dangerous practices, deceiving parents, and causing LGBTQ youth to suffer lasting trauma. All the nation’s leading medical and mental health organizations have come out against these practices—which include the use of shame, verbal abuse, and even physical aversion techniques—saying they pose serious health risks, including depression, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, and social withdrawal, which can lead to suicide risk. These practices continue to exist only because of homophobia and discrimination against LGBTQ people. These practices are based on false notion that LGBTQ youth need to be “converted” or “repaired."