The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) has launched a nationwide campaign—#BornPerfect—that aims to halt so-called "conversion therapy" targeted at LGBT youth and criminalize the practice by 2019.
Conversion therapy, also known as "reparative" or "sexual orientation" therapy, is based on the dangerous, discriminatory and false premise that people can change their sexual orientation by submitting to a variety of psychological treatments (such as aversion therapy and behavioral skills training). Although all major medical and mental health associations in the United States have denounced conversion therapy, it is still practiced in this country and around the world, causing psychological harm to countless LGBT individuals.
The #BornPerfect campaign seeks to equip its allies with the tools, as well as the sense of unity, needed to relegate conversion therapy "to the dustbin of history." If you’re interested in joining these efforts, here's a list of action-based steps you can take:
- Look at the resources on the NCLR's website. They include a helpful FAQs list and "Toolkit, Resources & Statements" page.
- Take to Twitter! Show your support in 140 characters or less using the hashtag #BornPerfect.
- Educate others about conversion therapy. If you hear misinformation at school—even among your colleagues—make sure you are equipped to share alternative best practices for supporting LGBT youth.
- Come the start of the school year, introduce a variety of social action campaigns to your students including the #BornPerfect campaign. Ask students what the hashtag #BornPerfect means to them. Gather students' input in a word cloud.
- Equip students with the facts that protect their rights. Teaching Tolerance's flyer "Providing Safe and Supportive Environments for LGBT Youth" offers information on how students can counter claims about conversion therapy.
Lindberg is a writer/associate editor for Teaching Tolerance.
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