The Case Against Conversion “Therapy”

Douglas C. Haldeman, PhD, has nearly 40 years of experience working in the areas of sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) and gender identity change efforts (GICE) in a multiplicity of roles. As a practitioner working with individuals recovering from the adverse effects of SOCE for 30 years, he gained a national reputation through his writings and presentations as an expert in the area of SOCE. He has presented lectures and workshops all over the world on the topic and has developed a treatment protocol for practitioners working with individuals who have been harmed in SOCE/GICE.  

Contributors

Foreword—Jack Drescher

Introduction: A History of Conversion Therapy, From Accepted Practice to Condemnation
Douglas C. Haldeman
Why This Book Is Needed
Organization of the Book

I. Change Efforts: The Evidence Base

Chapter 1. Research on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts: A Summary
Judith M. Glassgold
Background on Sexual Orientation and SOCE
Prevalence
Historical Issues
Research Issues
Research Review 1960–2008
Current SOCE Research 2009–2020
Post-2009 Studies of SOCE in Children and Youth
Synthesis of Research Findings
Future Directions
Conclusion

Chapter 2. Gender Identity Change Efforts: A Summary
David P. Rivera and Seth T. Pardo
Sex–Gender Incongruence Is a Normal Human Variation
Stigma in Health Care Settings
Treatments for Gender Identity
Stigma, Discrimination, Violence, and Psychological Harm
Where Do We Go From Here? Developing the Case for Gender-Affirming Practices

II. Minority Stress and Collateral Impact

Chapter 3. Minority Stress and Change Efforts
Michael L. Hendricks
Fundamentals of Minority Stress Theory
Stress Processes
Coping and Resilience
Psychological Sense of Community
Concealment Revisited
The Role of Intersectionality
Implications for SOCE and GICE

Chapter 4. The Role of Families in Efforts to Change, Support, and Affirm Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression in Children and Youth
Judith M. Glassgold and Caitlin Ryan
Effects and Prevalence of SOGIECE Among Youth
Families and Conversion Efforts
Critical Issues for Families of Traditional Faiths and Cultures
Future Directions: From Preventing Harm to Promoting Well-Being
Conclusion

Chapter 5. The Role of Religion in Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and Gender Identity Change Efforts
Thomas G. Plante
Why the Tension Between Some Religious Traditions and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity?
Religion-Based Efforts to Change LGBTQI+ Orientations and Behavior
Why Do Some Religious Groups Encourage SOCE Without Evidence or Support From the Professional Health and Mental Health Community?
How Can Mental Health Professionals Support Patients Who Have Conflicts About Their Sexual Orientation and Their Religious Beliefs and Identity?
How Can Mental Health Professionals Work Collaboratively With Religious Groups That Engage in and Support SOCE for LGBTQI+ Persons?
Conclusion

III. Affirmative Approaches: Guidelines and Ethics

Chapter 6. APA's Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients and Sexual Orientation Change Efforts: A Brief History
Kristin A. Hancock and Douglas C. Haldeman
Professional Practice Guidelines: Inclusions and Exclusions
History of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Guidelines
Sexual Orientation Change Efforts in Professional Practice Guidelines
Continuing the Work: A Status Report on Research and the Political Climate
Moving Forward

Chapter 7. Using the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice to Develop Trans-Affirming Counseling for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Clients
Anneliese A. Singh, Raven K. Cokley, and Frank B. Gorritz
Definition of Trans-Affirming Counseling and Psychological Practice
TGNC-Affirming Theoretical Frameworks
Domains of Trans-Affirming Practice: Exploring Application of the TGNC Guidelines
Other Uses of the TGNC Guidelines
Limitations of the American Psychological Association TGNC Guidelines and Clinician Advocacy
Conclusion

Chapter 8. The Application of Ethical Principles, Standards, and Practices to Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and Gender Identity Change Efforts
Linda F. Campbell
Beneficence and Avoiding Harm
Respect for the Rights and Dignity of Others
Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments
Competence
Affirmative Treatment in the Context of Sexual Orientation Change Efforts
Affirmative Treatment in the Context of Gender Identity Change Efforts
Conclusion

IV. Affirmative Approaches: Advocacy and International Issues

Chapter 9. Review of U.S. Public Policy, Legislative, and Judicial Work on Conversion Efforts
Melissa J. Grey, Sam Brinton, and Douglas C. Haldeman
Nonlinear Progress Is the Historical Context of Conversion
Protections From Conversion Efforts Are Part of LGBTQ Equality Movements, and Movements Are Messy
Recent Trajectories of Conversion Effort Policies
Advocacy Strategies to End Conversion Efforts
Promising Trends in the Movement to End Conversion Efforts

Chapter 10. Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and Gender Identity Change Efforts in International Contexts: Global Exports, Local Commodities
Sharon G. Horne and Mallaigh McGinley
The Global Movement to End SOCE/GICE
Religion-Driven Efforts to Perpetuate SOCE/GICE
Future of SOCE/GICE in International Contexts

Epilogue
Douglas C. Haldeman

Index

About the Editor