"Reparative" therapy as a gay Mormon man

"Reparative" Therapy as a Gay Mormon Man: A Historical Critique

The scars of "reparative" therapy run deep among gay Mormon men who ever sought change in their sexual orientation through dubious methods. For some, it wasn't the promise of becoming "normal" that pushed them toward these programs, but rather a fear of hell, family shame, and the insurmountable struggle of self-acceptance. This emotional turmoil often led to suicidal ideation for participants, signaling a widespread crisis that mainstream society is only beginning to grapple with. "I didn't care about myself," one man confessed during his interview on the Mormon Stories Podcast. "But how would it actually impact the people that I loved?"

The Emergence of "Reparative" Therapy in LDS History

"Reparative" or conversion therapy programs gained traction within the Mormon Church during the late 20th century, specifically in the 1990s and early 2000s. Promoted under the guise of religious doctrine and morality, these therapies promised transformation for those faithful adherents struggling with same-sex attraction. For many, it was a desperate leap of faith cloaked as a last resort. Church leaders during this time often remained quietly supportive or indifferent to these practices, stressing instead the importance of living a life aligned with their interpretation of gospel principles.

Exposing the Flaws: Key Evidence Against Conversion Therapy

Many former participants recount a hauntingly familiar narrative: the methods not only failed to "cure" them, but also left enduring psychological harm. Multiple accounts from Gay Mormon men involve distressing techniques including shaming, emotional manipulation, and aversion therapy resembling light-torture. These methods exacerbated the internal conflict already at play. The Mormon Stories Podcast serves as a poignant chronicle, exposing the trauma suffered by those coerced into these emotionally damaging sessions. What becomes starkly clear is that instead of healing, these programs inflicted wounds that for some, never healed.