Growing up as a queer kid in 1990s southeast Missouri was an experience marked by confusion, fear, and isolation. LGBTQ+ individuals were referred to as sinful and unnatural, and they were to be avoided at all costs. I prayed fervently for God to remove my feelings of same-sex attraction. I even joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hoping that righteous devotion would fix me. Unfortunately, that chapter ended in deeper self-loathing, so I turned to silence and seclusion, shielding myself from friends and family to hide the truth. Eventually, I moved away from organized religion, joined the military, and began the slow, painful work of discovering who I was. Years later, I can finally say Im happy and, more importantly, at peace with myself. Related Conversion therapy group holds rally at California State Capitol to oppose LGBTQ lifestyle The Changed Movement is the new Exodus International. But now, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has decided to hear Chiles v. Salazar a case that could overturn state bans on conversion therapy for minors and my childhood fears are reignited. I am afraid not for myself, but for todays queer youth, who deserve so much better. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today Conversion therapy refers to tactics employed by religious or medical practitioners to cure someones queer sexual orientation or gender identity. These range from talk therapies (like pastoral counseling and/or promoting celibacy) to horrific physical methods like corrective rape, sexual assault, and/or electric shocks. Major medical societies like the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and others have condemned the practice for not only being ineffective, but for being actively harmful. Nevertheless, a 2019 report by the Williams Institute estimated that nearly 700,000 LGBTQ+ adults in the US received such treatment, half of them as adolescents.In addition to increased rates of depression, self-hatred, sexual dysfunction, social isolation, and substance use, conversion therapy is also associated with higher rates of suicidal behavior. In fact, a 2024 Trevor Project report stated that 27% of queer youth that attempted suicide in the last year had previously endured conversion therapy. I remember my first contact with a failed conversion therapy patient while I was serving as a junior Air Force medic. It was a transgender adolescent (maybe 12 or 13) who attempted to castrate themselves with a kitchen knife. The father was adamant that the first therapist had failed, the child was acting out, and more conversion therapy with a new therapist was the remedy. The provider I worked for gently introduced the idea of gender-affirming care, but the dad refused. Ultimately, the child was referred for more conversion therapy. I thought back to when I was their age and trying to reconcile my sexuality, wishing I had been born a boy so it would be ok to be attracted to girls. Id love to say I drew on my lived experience to advocate fiercely for that kid, but I didnt. I enlisted during Dont Ask, Dont Tell, when known homosexual members of the military were involuntarily discharged. I chose silence and self-preservation over taking too bold a stance on queer rights. At the heart of Chiles v. Salazar is a First Amendment argument for free speech. Plaintiff Kaley Chiles argues that Colorados ban on conversion therapy violates her rights as a counselor by censoring private conversations between counselors and their clients, clients who have expressed a desire to align their gender identity and/or sexual orientation with their religious beliefs.. Chiles is represented by the anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Alliance Defending Freedom.As the Colorado law stands, mental health providers like Chiles risk hefty fines and/or loss of their professional licenses if they engage in conversion therapy.Indeed, the value of free speech and the dangers of excessive government interference cannot be overstated, particularly with what should be confidential patient-provider exchanges. However, Chiles confuses free speech with the regulation of professional conduct. Laws banning conversion therapy across the US do not silence religious or personal beliefs; they protect children from debunked and dangerous treatments masquerading as legitimate therapy. Being LGBTQ+ is not a disorder. It is certainly not something that can or should be cured.SCOTUS has a choice: condemn a discredited practice or stamp it with constitutional protection. We also have a choice: remain silent or raise the alarm. I say speak up. Be visible, take up space, and be your beautiful, authentic self. Educate yourself and those around you on the consequences of this decision. Partner with local LGBTQ+ organizations on advocacy efforts. Most importantly, love yourself and the queer kids around you. Whether you see them or not, I promise theyre there. And theyre looking at you.Lauren Everett is originally from rural Missouri and spent 16 years on active duty in the Air Force before starting medical school. The views expressed herein are her own and should not be construed to represent the views of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.Editors note: This article mentions suicide. If you need to talk to someone now, call the Trans Lifeline at1-877-565-8860. Its staffed by trans people, for trans people. The Trevor Project provides a safe, judgement-free place to talk for LGBTQ youth at1-866-488-7386. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-8255.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.