I’ve just seen this announcement from the Conversion Therapy Survivors Network on Facebook:

The votes are in! Hunter Moore‘s design will now become the FIRST-ever Conversion Therapy Survivor Flag!

Grey: Represents PTSD and memory loss.
Pink: Symbolizes sexual abuse and marginalization.
Blue: Stands for domestic violence.
Triangle: Inspired by the progress pride flag, it represents survivors overcoming these struggles.
Lavender/Purple: Highlights identity, pride, and community.
Gold/Yellow: Signifies hope.
Green: Reflects the truth of who we naturally are.

I wrote about the effects of conversion therapy in Changing Paths. It is an extremely damaging practice that does extensive harm, including psychological, physical, emotional, financial damage. It even harms people’s career prospects by diverting them away from their studies toward trying to do the impossible. Conversion therapy is a form of spiritual abuse.

Peterson Toscano lists multiple harms caused by conversion therapy and the “ex-gay” movement:

• emotional
• psychological
• spiritual
• relationship
• financial
• career
• physical
• sexual
• developmental
• intellectual harm.

In the UK, the two major professional organizations for therapists bar their members from practicing conversion therapy. There have been several attempts to make it illegal and the government is working on legislation.

According to the BBC:

Approximately 16 countries have introduced a full or partial ban, including Brazil, Canada and Germany.

About 20 US states have banned the practice for minors, although many of these do not include religious counsellors and organisations. 

Some other countries, including Ireland, have proposed bans or are consulting on the issue.

Conversion therapy has been banned in Canada since 2022. But there are still survivors from when it was legal.

If you’re a survivor of this practice, support groups are available, such as the network already mentioned, and the Beyond Ex-Gay support group quoted in Changing Paths and in this blogpost.