The American Psychological Association (APA), the biggest psychology organisation in the US, has confirmed it’s position on trans conversion therapy, saying it is “harmful” to the trans community. APA president, Jennifer F Kelly, released a statement which reads: “There is a growing body of research that shows that transgender or nonbinary gender identities are normal variations in human expression of gender. Attempts to force people to conform with rigid gender identities can be harmful to their mental health and well-being.”
Kelly’s statement comes one month after the APA released a report which read: “Gender identity change efforts cause harm by reinforcing anti-transgender and anti-gender nonbinary stigma and discrimination; and by creating social pressure on an individual to conform to an identity and/or presentation that may not be consistent with their sense of self.” It also reinforced that there is the lack of scientific evidence that a trans person can be converted into a cisgender person via therapy.
Human Rights Campaign president, Alphonso David, showed support for the APA’s statement, adding that politicians should avoid making rulings which restrict trans access to healthcare: “There is no question that denying a person’s gender identity is wrong. The consensus from the American Psychological Association further reinforces that we must rely on transgender people and their healthcare providers to determine treatment for gender affirming care in accordance with current medical best practices — this is not the place for politicians.”
