Momentum is building across the country to protecting young people from the horrors of "conversion therapy," or the almost universally debunked practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. But the practice remains legal in North Carolina.
Together, we can change that. Protect Our Youth NC is the campaign to protect young people across the state from "conversion therapy" and send the message that LGBTQ youth should feel safe, supported, and affirmed. Join us as we fight to safeguard the mental health of young people and send a message of love and affirmation to all LGBTQ North Carolinians.
Learn more about the harms of "conversion therapy," which can inflict an emotional and psychological trauma on LGBTQ minors that often follows them for the rest of their lives.
The Mental Health Protection Act would safeguard vulnerable LGBTQ youth by regulating the practice of conversion therapy by licensed professionals.
A strong bipartisan supermajority in North Carolina opposes subjecting young people to "conversion therapy."
People of faith across North Carolina are speaking out in favor of protecting young people in our state from 'conversion therapy.' These faith leaders know that we are all made in God's image, and that their faith calls them to resist efforts to harm LGBTQ young people.
Conversion therapy has been rejected by every leading professional medical and mental health association in the nation. Mental health professionals in North Carolina, including counselors, therapists, and psychologists are joining the effort to speak out against "conversion therapy," too.
Child welfare advocates know that advocates of "conversion therapy" use rejection, shame, and psychological abuse to force children to try and change who they are. These practices are known to be extremely dangerous and can lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide. That's why child welfare advocates and proponents of youth safety almost universally support policies protecting young people from "conversion therapy."
August 2, 2019 North Carolina is First Southern State to Take Statewide Action to Protect LGBTQ Young People from ‘Conversion Therapy,’ as Governor Signs Executive Order Today, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order directing the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services to ensure that no taxpayer dollars are used for conversion therapy for minors, including North Carolina Medicaid and North Carolina Health Choice. →
April 15, 2019 U.S. Supreme Court Leaves in Place Lower Court Ruling that Upholds Law Protecting Minors from ‘Conversion Therapy’ The United States Supreme Court denied review of a cert. petition in King v. Murphy, a case challenging New Jersey’s law that protects young people from anti-LGBTQ ‘conversion therapy.’ This is the latest indication from the Supreme Court that the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit states from protecting minors from this discredited practice. →
April 1, 2019 Supermajority of NC Republicans and Democrats Support Protecting LGBTQ Youth From “Conversion Therapy” A February 2019 poll conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by Equality NC and the Campaign for Southern Equality, found that a supermajority of Republicans (87%), Democrats (75%) and Independents (78%) support protecting North Carolina’s young people from conversion therapy. →
Raleigh News & Observer: "Anti-gay ‘conversion therapy’ won’t get any state money, Gov. Roy Cooper orders" (8/2/19) →
Indy Week: "Op-Ed: LGBTQ Young People in North Carolina, You’re #BornPerfect As You Are" (3/29/19) →
The Fayetteville Observer: "Our View: Good Move to Halt Discrimination" (3/29/19) →
The Asheville Citizen-Times: "Asheville Area Lawmakers Propose North Carolina Ban on LGBT 'Conversion Therapy'" (3/28/19) →
WRAL.com: "Democratic lawmakers, LGBT advocates want NC to ban 'conversion therapy'" (3/28/19) →
One of the most important things we can do right now to support LGBTQ young people is to urge our representatives in the North Carolina General Assembly to support this legislation protecting young people from "conversion therapy."
Take action now and urge your representatives and Senators in North Carolina to support and prioritize the Mental Health Protection Act.
Protect Our Youth NC is led by campaign co-chairs Equality NC and the Campaign for Southern Equality. Protect Our Youth NC is grateful for all of our coalition partners who stand united, committed to protecting all young people from "conversion therapy." See the coalition partners of Protect Our Youth NC below:
If you are thinking about suicide and in need of immediate support, please call the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386 or click here to visit TrevorChat and connect with a counselor.
