WTF is happening?!
This week marked a devastating turn back in time for LGBTQIA+ folk in Colorado — the Supreme Court ruled AGAINST banning conversion therapy in the state in an 8-1 vote. For those unfamiliar with the harmful practice, it’s the attempt to convert queer folk into straight, cisgender shells of their true selves. It’s historically been condemned by several human rights and medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association, which have associated it with increased risks of depression and suicide attempts. It’s also been made abundantly clear by said associations that the harmful practice is not based in science or evidence.
Colorado passed a law in 2019 prohibiting licensed clinicians from attempting to change the sexual orientation or identities of minors under the age of 18, but a counselor by the name of Kaley Chiles challenged it in the presided over case, Chiles VS. Salazar. She claimed the law infringes on her ability to discuss faith and “biological sex” with patients, and had backing from Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian group behind several anti-LGBTQIA+ and anti-abortion cases.
According to The Guardian, two liberal Supreme Court justices, including Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, joined the conservative majority on the vote, leaving only Ketanji Brown Jackson in favor of banning the practice. She argued the “dangerous therapy” can cause “lasting psychological harm,” but her pleas fell on deaf ears with the majority vote concluding the ban does, indeed, censor Chiles’ free speech. It’s now been sent back down the flagpole to appeals court, where it will be subjected to additional review.
On the immediate effects of the ruling, Carl Charles, trans and non-binary rights and LGBTQIA+ counselor at civil rights organization Lambda Legal, said:
“For Colorado and LGBTQ+ young people or people who may be questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, this ban will still be in place until the appeals court says something different.”
However, if it does go on to be overturned, that will be another story…
On social media, users have already begun fretting the implications of such a devastating Supreme Court ruling. On Threads, psychic Sarah Zeller ominously predicted an increasingly dangerous future for queer individuals:
“Today’s Supreme Court’s ruling allowing conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ citizens is just the beginning of how mandates from a federal level will begin touching the lives of these Americans. When I predicted an increase of these rulings over the past year, I was not kidding. I’m also not kidding when I say they will continue to increase in atrocity and reach. If you are LGBTQ+, please be in community that will have your back and prepare to live under the radar for the next several years.”
However, one user opposed the idea of going into hiding. They replied:
“Absolutely not. I refuse to hide. If you feel that’s the best option for your wellbeing, yes. But for me personally, I just don’t want to. So many have sacrificed their lives to move forward. I just feel now is the time to fight harder ((whatever you’re able to do))”
Another user responded:
“My youngest child says the same thing. He said him just existing is a big f**k you to the regime. I worry for him but he’s an adult. I just. . I’m a mom.”
See more reactions (below):
“This is heartbreaking and infuriating”
“How sad. What a horrible and disgusting place”
“Are gay bars eventually gonna be targets as in it won’t be safe to even go out anymore to somewhere labeled gay? What is a place like Wilton Manors or Palm Springs going to do?”
Terrifying thoughts to ponder…
What are your reactions, Perezcious readers? Sound OFF in the comments down below.
To learn more about advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, check out https://www.glaad.org/
[Images via MEGA/WENN]
