A panel discussion among five conversion-therapy survivors, produced May 21, 2020, following a screening of the 2011 documentary, This Is What Love In Action Looks Like. The discussion was hosted by Born Perfect Virginia Ambassador Adam Trimmer.
Hey y’all! (Proper Virginia Greeting)
My name is Adam Trimmer, and I’m the Virginia Ambassador for Born Perfect. I, along with many others, have fought hard by speaking at different health regulatory board meetings, and legislative sessions to help bring about an end to the harmful and discredited practice of conversion therapy.
As you know, Virginia is now the 20th state to pass legislation that protects youth from conversion therapy. This is an incredible step, and we are really excited to have you join us. This was our first digital panel and movie screening, so feel free to share about it!
The Movie
This is What Love in Action Looks Like. Morgan Fox, Director. Please take a moment to learn about the very talented director behind the film that we show here. Visit his website to discover more of his projects over his impressive 15-year career as a producer and director.
Movie trailer on YouTube
Full movie for rent on Vimeo
Individuals and Organizations Represented on the Panel
Mathew Shurka
Co-Founder, Born Perfect
Conversion Therapy Survivor
Mathew experienced conversion therapy in Virginia, and today he is helping end the practice. As the co-founder of Born Perfect, he has helped survivors from across the country become fierce advocates for our community. Explore our website to learn more about the campaign, the staff members, and how you can get involved!
Garrard Conley
Author, Boy Erased
Creator and Producer, UnErased: A History of Conversion Therapy in America
If you have not listened to Garrard’s podcast, UnErased, I would highly recommend giving it a listen prior to this screening. His memoir, Boy Erased, was adapted into the Golden Globe-nominated film of the same name in 2018, and the UnErased podcast tells more of the story. Visit his website to learn more about Garrard’s work, including his memoir, podcast, interviews, and other publications.
Luke Wilson
Ph.D Candidate at Florida Atlantic University
Conversion Therapy Survivor
Luke Wilson has brought a lot of visibility to Virginians about conversion therapy’s existence on college campuses. Luke gave this phenomenal talk at Florida Atlantic University, and he also wrote an article for Queerty and RVA Magazine.
Lisa Linsky, Esq.
Partner, McDermott Will & Emery
Outside Counsel, Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C.
Please visit the Stop Conversion Therapy website for valuable information gathered by the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C. The site includes a downloadable copy of “The Pernicious Myth of Conversion Therapy”, also known as “The White Paper.” Lisa Linsky was the architect and principal drafter of The White Paper; it is both an educational and emotional journey through the history of conversion therapy.
Additional Information
Pray Away Film – Visit prayaway.com to discover more about the upcoming movie, Pray Away.
Mama Bears – Discover the Mama Bears organization at realmamabears.org.
Born Perfect is the leading campaign to end conversion therapy. We are survivors, lawyers, and policy experts working together to protect LGBTQ+ people nationally and around the globe. Born Perfect is a program of National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).