I was a product of this practice. It directly caused hardship in my life, my former spouse, and my children, not to mention numerous other families we know. One is not able to choose a sexual orientation. I was trusting of my parents and church. Just as someone who is heterosexual can't change their orientation, neither can someone who is LGBT+. I wasted 26 years of my life trying to make this false belief system work that only ended in divorce, hardship, and heartbreak. So many years of of needless pain and hardship was inflicted on my family and myself. 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. This is deeply wrong and its practice should be banned. It's cruel and inhuman.

Thank you for your time.

Luke