Activist Alejandro Calderón highlights dangers of conversion therapy during Senate hearing

In a pivotal meeting on May 26, 2021, the Comisión de Iniciativas Comunitarias, Salud Mental, led by Dr. José Franceschini, addressed the urgent need for legislative action against conversion therapies in Puerto Rico. Activist Alejandro Santiago Calderón, a survivor of these controversial practices, shared his harrowing experiences and emphasized the lack of formal training among those administering such therapies.

Calderón highlighted that for over a decade, he has contributed to initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, particularly children and LGBTQ+ individuals. He recounted his own journey through conversion therapy, which he described as a traumatic experience that left lasting scars. He argued that societal pressures and the desire for familial acceptance often coerce individuals into these harmful practices, which are frequently justified by misinformed religious beliefs.

The meeting underscored the importance of recognizing the psychological and emotional toll of conversion therapies, which Calderón asserted are not only ineffective but also perpetuate cycles of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. He called for a broader definition of these therapies to encompass all forms of coercive practices that aim to change sexual orientation.

Senator Ana Irma Rivera Lazen expressed gratitude for Calderón's testimony and acknowledged the significance of the proposed legislative amendments to the existing mental health laws in Puerto Rico. These amendments aim to strengthen protections for minors and ensure that mental health practices are grounded in scientific evidence rather than outdated ideologies.

The discussions at this meeting mark a crucial step towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Puerto Rico, as lawmakers consider measures to ban conversion therapies and promote mental health practices that affirm rather than stigmatize diverse identities. The commitment to uphold human rights and dignity for all was a recurring theme, signaling a potential shift in legislative priorities that could have lasting impacts on the community.