Group of friends Quote by Charles Benedict
““My conservative group of friends, whom I trusted through Lance, strangely accepted that we were gay and deep in the closet and suggested we consider rehabilitative therapy for our homosexual inclinations. They acquired and presented us with ex-gay paraphernalia, including materials from The National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), an organization that promised men and women could be straightened out.””
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Personal account of conversion therapy exposure, 2010s
The anecdote reveals how peer pressure and misguided “therapy” can push LGBTQ individuals toward harmful conversion attempts, reflecting societal stigma.
In simple terms: Friends pushed harmful therapy due to bias.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind such “help”.
Themes
stigma
conversion therapy
peer pressure
Mood
cautionary
empathetic
Type
personal
social.
When to use this quote
- counseling
- support groups
- activism
- education
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
psychology
social influence
LGBTQ rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do some still endorse conversion methods?
- How can allies better support LGBTQ individuals?
A Different Perspective
Conversion therapy lacks scientific basis and can cause lasting trauma.
