Conversion "therapy" is a dangerous and discredited practice aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.  Conversion therapy has been rejected by every mainstream, legitimate medical and mental health organization, including the American Psychological Association.  Conversion "therapy" asks a child to change something they cannot change.  It leads to critical health risks including anxiety, depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide.  In short, it is child abuse.  No young person should ever be shamed by a mental health professional into believing that who they are is wrong.  

The City of Richmond passed a resolution earlier this year prohibiting the use of conversion therapy in the city limits.  I support the Commonwealth of Virginia passing a statewide ban.  We cannot allow one more young person to be targeted and hurt by these ignorant and harmful practices. It is time to take action and prohibit conversion "therapy" in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Sincerely,

Lisa Cherefko

Chesterfield, VA