As of 2024, conversion therapy, sometimes referred to as “reparative therapy,” the harmful and discredited practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, is still legal in 19 states.

In fact, while doing research for my book, Raising LGBTQ Allies, I came across Dr. Joseph Nicolosi’s book, A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Homosexuality.

Dr. Nicolosi, considered to be the “father of conversion therapy,” was an American clinical psychologist who advocated and practiced reparative therapy for decades in Los Angeles. His book, first published in 2002, was re-released as a revised edition on March 10, 2017, a few days after his death on March 8, 2017.

Fortunately, in 2019, Amazon removed the controversial book from its site, but his other books are still available, though, through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other online bookstores. After finding the book, I began to think about the parents I meet all the time with a child who recently came out—parents who, out of fear, worry, or concern, might Google information and accidentally come across Dr. Nicolosi’s books or therapists who practice conversion therapy.

According to studies by the UCLA Williams Institute, around 80,000 LGBTQ youth will experience conversion therapy in the coming years, often through the persuasion of well-intentioned, but misinformed parents or caretakers. A report from the Williams Institute published in June 2019 states: “An estimated 16,000 LGBT youth (ages 13–17) will receive conversion therapy from a licensed health care professional before they reach the age of 18. Also, approximately 57,000 youth will undergo the........

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