For the first time, America's top psychologists condemn anti-trans conversion therapy — which is still legal in most states

The American Psychological Association (APA) condemned anti-trans conversion therapy on March 3, calling the practice "harmful."

While the APA has denounced sexuality conversion therapy since 1997, this is the first time the organization has publicly condemned trans-specific conversion therapy.

LGBTQ+ conversion therapy – which involves emotionally and physically abusive tactics to make a transgender or queer person closet themselves – has long been condemned as an ineffective and dangerous practice based on pseudoscience. 

 "There is a growing body of research that shows that transgender or nonbinary gender identities are normal variations in human expression of gender," APA President Jennifer F. Kelly said in a statement. "Attempts to force people to conform with rigid gender identities can be harmful to their mental health and well-being." 

At least 10% of all LGBTQ+ youth report going through conversion therapy according to The Trevor Project, one of the largest LGBTQ+ mental health organizations in the country. 

Past studies have linked conversion therapy to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations in queer and trans youth.

According to a report by the Trevor Project in the American Journal of Public Health, LGBTQ+ youth who underwent conversion therapy were twice as likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life than those who have not. 

While most medical best practice guidelines underscore the danger in using conversion therapy on queer and trans youth, 26 states have no laws banning or regulating the practice on minors. 

The APA's announcement comes amid a wave of anti-trans legislation proposed by lawmakers in several states.

"Psychologists are encouraged to validate, normalize, and assist others in understanding the complex interactions [among] sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, keeping cultural differences in mind," the APA statement reads. 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Comparing $3 vs. $23 glitter primer to see which is the best for your money