Sivan in the trailer for the movie | Photo: YouTube/Focus Features
Conversion therapy is the harmful practice of trying to change someone’s sexuality via psychotherapy and religion. It’s also at the forefront of a new star-studded movie, Boy Erased.
Based on Garrard Conley’s memoir of the same name, the movie, directed and written by Joel Edgerton, follows 19-year-old Garrard (Lucas Hedges) when he’s outed to his parents.
Living in a small US town, Garrard’s parents are a Baptist pastor (Russell Crowe) and conservative mother (Nicole Kidman).
They decide to send him to a conversion therapy camp, where he meets the head therapist (Edgerton) and other campers (such as singer Troye Sivan).
Based on the trailer, the movie seems to be a raw, honest, and emotional look at the pain this causes young LGBTI teens. It’s also no surprised the movie is already igniting awards chatter.
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It’s the second Hollywood movie focusing on conversion therapy this year. The other is The Miseducation of Cameron Post, starring Chloë Grace Moretz.
Shining a light
Most medical associations condemn the practice of conversion therapy. There is no scientific, evidence-based proof that it works. However, there is evidence it causes higher rates of depression and anxiety among patients.
It is something that is quickly becoming phased out in the United States. More and more states are enacting legislation banning it for minors.
Boy Erased arrives in theaters on 2 November in the US.
