“Conversion therapy,” is a dangerous and discredited practice aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity. These harmful  practices are based on the false claim that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) is a mental illness that needs to be cured—a view with no scientific basis. It is abhorrent to use rejection, shame, and psychological abuse to force young people to try and change who they are. These practices lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts. No young person should ever be shamed by a mental health professional and the Commonwealth needs to protect our youth by banning conversion therapy.