LGBT Young Adult Literature/Parental Interference

If you have come out to your parents as LGBT, there are a few ways they may attempt to make you "normal" (i.e. heterosexual, heteroromantic, and/or cisgender). Remember, it's okay to resist trying to be 'normal' in their eyes.

Dating

If you identify as gay, bisexual, or a-spec (asexual, aromantic, aroace, etc.), there is a chance that your parents will arrange for you to go on a date with someone of the "opposite gender" as you in order to cover up your true sexuality. For example, a gay boy's parents have arranged a date with a girl, even though this gay boy DOES NOT date females; he only wanted to be with a boy.

Conversion therapy

Conversion therapy refers to a wide range of pseudoscientific practices that attempt to "repair" one's gender identity, romantic and sexual orientation. It is grounded in the beliefs that any gender identities and sexual/romantic orientations other than straight and cisgender are "abnormal". Torture is the most common form of conversion therapy, as described by victims of these practices.

This harmful practice is often conducted by religious groups with the use of prayer and other religious teachings. LGBT minors (children and teenagers) are often dragged (i.e. forced) into this by their parents. Many medical and psychologist groups condemn this practice as it can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm, or suicide.

The practice dates back to the 19th century when German psychiatrist Richard von Kraft-Ebing used hypnotic suggestion therapy to turn a gay man straight.

Jilly Juice

Jilly Juice is a quack pseudo-medicine in the form of a fermented drink. Its creator, Jillian "Mai Tai" Epperly, claims that her "medicine" can cure cancer and autism, regenerate missing limbs, reverse the effects of aging, and even "cure" homosexuality!^[1] Ironically, no studies have proven that Jilly Juice works, nor has the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved this!