Youth's Lives Every Day
Tanner Mobley (he/him) Advocacy Associate, Conversion Therapy
As Advocacy Campaigns Associate at The Trevor Project, I’m thrilled to share a major victory from our Advocacy Team’s efforts. Over the past several years, I’ve been part of an incredible team working tirelessly to get Pennsylvania’s regulatory boards to adopt statements-of-policy against conversion therapy — dangerous and discredited practices that attempt to change a person’s LGBTQ+ identity. I want to take you behind the scenes and show you how we turned our vision into a powerful reality.
The Urgent Need for Change
Our drive to end conversion therapy in Pennsylvania was fueled by some eye-opening statistics. The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey revealed that 5% of LGBTQ young people in Pennsylvania had experienced conversion therapy, and another 11% had been threatened with it. Even more concerning, 15% of LGBTQ young people nationally who needed mental health care but didn’t receive it last year cited fear of conversion therapy as a major barrier.
Our It’s Still Happening Report also uncovered that Pennsylvania had the highest number of licensed practitioners linked to conversion therapy in the country. We identified at least 88 providers with active licenses who supported or practiced these harmful methods, or were part of referral networks perpetuating them. These figures made it clear that urgent regulatory action was needed.
A Unified Effort: From Vision to Reality
Our efforts in Pennsylvania started with a decisive executive order by former Governor Wolf that banned state funds from being used for conversion therapy. This was a crucial step, but we knew there was more work to be done to protect LGBTQ+ youth comprehensively.
Turning this vision into reality wasn’t easy. We gathered powerful evidence, including survivor testimonies and data on the severe harm caused by conversion therapy. Collaborating with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, mental health professionals, and legal experts, we built a coalition dedicated to making change happen.
Engaging with Pennsylvania’s regulatory boards required a lot of strategic effort. We worked with key stakeholders, presenting them with compelling data and heartbreaking survivor stories that illustrated the true impact of conversion therapy.
One of the most moving moments came when Dr. Mark Woodland, Chair of the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine, shared his personal experience as a survivor of conversion therapy. His heartfelt testimony added a deeply personal touch, highlighting the lasting trauma inflicted by these practices. Seeing the board members agree and vote in favor of our proposed policies was a powerful moment of validation for all our hard work.
Victory! PA’s Licensing Boards Adopt Policies on Conversion Therapy
Our efforts culminated in a major victory: all five of Pennsylvania’s regulatory boards — Medicine, Osteopathy, Nursing, Social Workers, and Psychology — adopted comprehensive statements-of-policy against conversion therapy. This was a monumental step, signaling that Pennsylvania stands firmly against these harmful practices. With this achievement, Pennsylvania became the 28th state, in addition to Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, to protect minors from conversion therapy. It was a long-awaited win, made even more significant following former Governor Wolf’s executive order banning state funds for conversion therapy.
A Night of Queer Joy and Celebration at the Governor’s Residence
To celebrate this victory, we held an unforgettable Pride event at the Governor’s residence. Standing alongside fellow advocates, survivors, and allies, I felt an immense sense of accomplishment and community. The evening was filled with joy, hope, and renewed purpose. We even had the first-ever Drag Queen performance at the Governor’s Residence, adding to the electric atmosphere of love and celebration.
Governor Shapiro’s speech was a poignant reminder of the impact of our work. His words underscored the importance of advocacy and the change we’ve achieved. We’re incredibly grateful for his support and tireless advocacy. A huge thank you also goes to the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and NASW-PA for their crucial roles in this success. Their dedication was key to our achievement.
The Work Continues
While we celebrate this victory, our work is far from over. The policies we’ve implemented in Pennsylvania serve as a model for other states. Moving forward, we’ll continue to support survivors, monitor policy enforcement, and push for similar measures nationwide.
This experience has been one of the most rewarding of my career at The Trevor Project. It’s a testament to the power of advocacy, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to justice. Knowing that our efforts are helping to create a safer, more inclusive world for LGBTQ+ youth fills me with both pride and a deep sense of responsibility. As we continue this vital work, I’m filled with hope and determination, striving to ensure that every LGBTQ+ young person can live authentically and without fear. This cause is deeply personal to me, and it’s what drives me every day to push for change and to stand up for those who need it most.
