Support and Healing for Survivors of "Conversion Therapy"
During this event, we collectively explored the theme of how to cope with "conversion therapy" and promoted the "Handbook for Responding to Conversion Therapy". At the start of the event, guest speaker Fanfan presented the concept of "conversion therapy" and objectively explained its origins, development, and current state, providing us with a basic or deeper understanding of this issue. It is worth noting that Kuangkuang told us that "conversion therapy" is not a medical term or a scientifically-based treatment, but rather a public-level ambiguity and misunderstanding that pathologizes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The confusion between "conversion therapy" and medical treatment has led to violence and discrimination against those who have been subjected to "conversion therapy" by the public.
In the following presentation by guest speaker Kaikai, our understanding of "conversion therapy" was not only based on individual emotional experiences, but also on the legal methods used by the community to protect the rights of those who have been subjected to "conversion therapy". In Wang Yikai's explanation, we learned about the important role of lawyers in "conversion therapy". Kaikai also provided us with recommended law firms and guidance on how to present personal demands to lawyers, as well as which legal documents need to be signed. Wang Yikai shared how to protect the maximum rights of those who have been subjected to "conversion therapy" from a legal perspective. Wang Yikai advised us that, when seeking to protect our rights through legal means, the first step is to collect evidence, including keeping records of any written communication, maintaining a good relationship with the treatment organization, and recording every detail in a timely manner to ensure that the evidence is valid for the lawyer's judgment.
Guest speaker Kuangkuang shared a series of strategies for responding to "conversion therapy". She first listed the risks associated with "conversion therapy" and then proposed a methodology. Kuangkuang suggested that when faced with "conversion therapy", we should remain calm and negotiate with our parents or therapists, or use legal means to protect our rights. If we are forced into a "conversion therapy" institution, we should try to remain peaceful and use communication skills to reduce the risk of being subjected to "conversion therapy", and then develop a safe escape plan.
At the end of the event, as is our tradition, there was an interactive session between the guests and the audience. During this segment, we heard many questions and concerns from the audience and received advice from the professionals.