When Celeste Gracia was 17, her religiously conservative parents sent her to conversion therapy.
鈥溾�奣he phrase that was repeated over and over and over again is, 鈥楬omosexuality is a deviant behavior of Christianity. And homosexuality is a sin,鈥欌�� said Gracia. She described her parents' fear as, 鈥淚f I'm gay, I will not go to heaven. And from their perspective, they just want us to be together in heaven forever.鈥�
Gracia went to conversion therapy the same summer that the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, giving queer people across the country cause for celebration. It would take years before she felt that same joy and freedom. This year, as she reflects on the 10 year anniversary of that ruling, the 27-year-old environment reporter at 吉彩网网站 talks with Anita about how recent political events are prompting her to reflect on her long path to healing.
Anita also talks to therapist about how Celeste鈥檚 story fits into a broader context and why religious trauma is so challenging to heal.
鈥淣ot only are you yourself trying to heal and grow from these negative messages you've received 鈥� you're also doing it while the people in your life are learning alongside you, if they're willing to understand how what they've done has been so harmful,鈥� Bell said.
