I strongly urge the Virginia Board of Psychology and the Government of the Commonwealth to condemn and officially ban the unethical, dangerous, and discredited practice commonly known as "Conversion Therapy" from being subjected upon LGBTQ minors. I stand with The Trevor Project and all those sponsoring the efforts to take this important step to support and protect Virginia children and help the ban progress throughout the remaining states to take action.

There is no scientific basis for these practices and a plethora of evidence to indicate extreme detriment to both mental and physical health that all too often leads to depression, suicide, and other dangerous self-harm. No young person should be subjected to this shame - particularly from a licensed medical or mental health professional. The ethical and just course of treatment should be one which is affirming and focuses on mitigating issues related to the LGBTQ community.