BYU s History of Conversion Therapy Shock Practice

Dive into one of the most intense, controversial, and emotionally charged chapters in modern LGBTQ+ and religious history. This video uncovers the real history of “conversion therapy,” also known as Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE)—with a deep, evidence-based focus on what happened at Brigham Young University (BYU) throughout the 1960s–1990s.

In this documentary-style investigation, we unpack how religion, psychology, academia, and personal trauma collided to create one of the most painful institutional practices of the 20th century. From the DSM labeling homosexuality a “pathology,” to the rise of electroshock and vomiting aversion therapies, to survivor testimonies that contradict official records, this episode traces the full timeline of how these practices emerged—why they were justified—and how they ultimately collapsed under scientific scrutiny.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Deep Dive:

How homosexuality came to be classified as a mental disorder in 1952—and why that mattered

Why major institutions like Harvard, Wisconsin, and Pittsburgh conducted early electroshock research

How religious motivation, particularly within the LDS Church, fueled the belief that homosexuality was curable

The truth about BYU’s treatment program: official research vs. private, traumatic survivor accounts

The role of the BYU Honor Code Office and allegations of coercion

The hidden contradiction between BYU’s documented practices and later administrative denials

How the APA and AMA reversed course, declassifying homosexuality and condemning SOCE

The collapse of the “ex-gay” movement and legal shutdowns of therapy programs

The LDS Church’s modern stance: opposing conversion therapy while maintaining theological nuance

The ongoing debate around sexual fluidity, personal identity, and religious expectation

💔 Survivor Stories vs. Institutional Records

Official documentation describes “minimal” shocks and voluntary participation—but survivor accounts tell a much darker story, including coercion, nudity, induced vomiting, and severe psychological trauma. This video places these conflicting narratives side-by-side, revealing a painful but essential historical truth.

📉 What the Science Says Today

Modern research is clear:
Conversion therapy doesn’t work—and it causes harm.
LGBTQ+ youth exposed to SOCE face dramatically increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts.

🏛️ Faith, Identity & Change: The Conflict That Remains

Even as medical organizations condemn SOCE, some faith communities continue to promote the possibility of internal change. This video asks a crucial question:

If we can ban abusive methods, what must change next to resolve the deeper conflict between religious doctrine and personal identity?

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