Jul 25, 2019
Alex bears the scars of gay conversion therapy, and in this weeks episode she speaks openly and honestly about the lasting effects of her experiences around gay conversion therapy and the religious organisations that continue to practice this unethical and barbaric therapy.
Gay conversion therapy comes in many forms and is often practiced in secrecy within churches and religious communities. Whatever form it is delivered in, it is an evil practice that aims to perpetuate the idea that LGBTIQ+ people are in some way "broken" and can be fixed.
Alex is living proof that she is far from broken although she still carries trauma and pain associated with her coming out experiences.
Today Alex is living a full life as a high school teacher and is a very active board member of Wear it Purple. https://www.wearitpurple.org/
Wear it Purple principles can be found below:
- Advocate for and empower rainbow young people
- Celebrate and promote the value of diversity and inclusion in all community settings
- Raise awareness about sexuality, sex and gender identity and challenge harmful social cultures
- Champion rainbow role-models to help young people establish the confidence to be who they are
Alex shares her story in the hope that parents and people in the wider community will think more about the importance of acceptance and being a trusted ally for family and friends who confide in them, particularly when they first disclose their sexual identity.