Former Conversion Therapy Participant Speaks Out

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Garrard Conley, who was enrolled in the now-defunct Love in Action conversion therapy program in Memphis, Tennessee at age 19, speaks out about the long-term harms of the practice. Conley, who grew up in a deeply religious family in rural Arkansas, was sent to the program by his parents after a classmate disclosed his sexual orientation following an assault. He has since reconciled with his parents and dedicated much of his work to educating the public on the dangers of conversion therapy.

Why it matters

Conversion therapy remains legal in much of the US, despite growing evidence of its harmful psychological effects. A new Supreme Court case also threatens to strip away the few protections that currently exist, making it important for survivors like Conley to share their stories.

The details

Conley was enrolled in the Love in Action conversion therapy program in Memphis, Tennessee at age 19 after a classmate disclosed his sexual orientation following an assault. He was sent there by his parents and had to attend the program or face rejection from his family. In 2016, years after leaving the program, Conley published a memoir titled "Boy Erased" which was later adapted into a film. He has since reconciled with his parents and dedicated much of his work to educating the public on the dangers of conversion therapy, including hosting the educational podcast "Unerased" which features an episode with the former director of Love in Action who has since disavowed the practice.

• Conley was enrolled in the Love in Action conversion therapy program at age 19.
• In 2016, Conley published his memoir "Boy Erased" which was later adapted into a film.