I am commenting in support of this guidance. This guidance protects young people from state-licensed therapists in Virginia who falsely claim to parents and youth that being LGBTQ is a mental illness, and therefore taking advantage of parents and harming vulnerable youth. These youth are already vulnerable and need protection.

These harmful practices use rejection, shame, and psychological abuse to force young people to try and change who they are. They are als known to be extremely dangerous and can lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts.

No young person should ever be shamed by a mental health professional into thinking that who they are is wrong. Mental health professionals should provide care that is ethical and affirming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people.

We can’t allow one more young person to be targeted and hurt by these dangerous and discredited practices.

Thank you.