What are conversion therapies and why do they continue to affect us?
Perhaps you have heard about them on networks, in some series or even from politicians who publicly condemn them. The so-called “conversion therapies” or “reparative therapies” are pseudoscientific practices that seek to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. That is, they want you to stop being who you are.
Although it sounds medieval, these therapies have existed in Spain until recently. And yes, there are still places where they are done covertly, disguised as psychological support, spiritual therapy or even coaching.
What do these therapies really consist of?
There is no single method. Some people have reported receiving:
- Psychotherapy sessions where they are blamed for their sexual orientation.
- Religious workshops to “cure” homosexuality or transsexuality.
- Traumatic practices such as group prayers, extreme fasting or isolation.
- Medical “treatments” with medication not indicated to alter sexual desire.
All this with the false promise of “curing” something that is not a disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) made it clear in 1990 that homosexuality is not a disorder. And transsexuality has not been either since 2018, when it was considered a sexual health issue.
Are conversion therapies prohibited in Spain?
Here comes the key part: yes, they are prohibited.
With Law 4/2023 for the real and effective equality of trans people and for the guarantee of LGTBIQ+ rights, conversion therapies are explicitly prohibited throughout the state. Any person, professional or entity that practices them may face financial sanctions and, in serious cases, professional disqualification.
Before this state law, some autonomous communities such as Madrid, Valencia or Andalusia already had their own regulations that prohibited these practices. However, they were not always applied forcefully, and victims felt afraid or ashamed to report.
Testimonies: stories that hurt, but matter
We spoke with Alex*, a 27-year-old boy from Murcia, who experienced conversion therapy when he was 18:
“They took me to a Christian psychologist. He told me that my attraction to boys was a childhood trauma and that if I tried hard I could be heterosexual. I spent months feeling broken, like there was something wrong with me.”
We also learned the story of Dana*, a 32-year-old trans woman from Seville:
“In my church they offered me prayers and a spiritual retreat to eliminate my ‘man spirit’. It was very humiliating. It took me years to accept myself as I am.”
Both agree that the ban is a step forward, but that it is not enough if its compliance is not monitored or the people who have already suffered this violence are not supported.
*Fictitious names to preserve your privacy.
Why do they still exist if they are prohibited?
Although the law prohibits them, many of these therapies are hidden under names such as “spiritual guidance”, “accompaniment for chastity” or “inner healing”. They are often carried out in religious environments where community pressure and lack of information mean that LGTBIQ+ people do not know how to report it or are afraid of losing their circle of support.
This is where we ask ourselves: is it enough to ban them? Or is a deeper cultural change needed to eradicate the idea that our orientations or identities need correction?
What to do if you have suffered or know someone who is suffering from these practices?
If you or someone around you is being forced to participate in conversion therapy, you can:
- Contact LGTBIQ+ associations such as COGAM, FELGTBI+, Chrysallis or Fundación Daniela for guidance and support.
- Report to the police or the regional equality body if you know of an active case.
- Seek safe psychological support, always with professionals trained in sexual and gender diversity.
Remember: you are not alone and you have nothing to cure. Being LGTBIQ+ is not an illness.
The other side of the debate: is the ban enough?
Some groups criticize that the state law, although necessary, does not stop the root of the problem. They point out that the ban can drive these therapies further underground, making their detection difficult. Furthermore, it is questioned whether the regulations provide for sufficient resources to psychologically support those who have already been victims of these practices, or whether the work is being left to associations without real financial support. Are we legislating for the photo or for real life?
Conversion therapies are one of the cruelest forms of violence towards the LGTBIQ+ community. The law prohibits them, but our task as a society is to continue making them visible, denounce them and accompany those who have suffered them. Because prohibiting is not enough if there is no reparation. And because no one should feel like their life needs to be corrected to deserve love.
