Post submitted by Hayley Miller, former HRC Associate Director of Digital and Social

HRC Press Secretary Sarah McBride sat down for an exclusive interview with Chloë Grace Moretz, “conversion therapy” survivor Mathew Shurka and director Desiree Akhavan for an inside look at the new film “The Miseducation of Cameron Post.”

Based on Emily M. Danforth’s novel, “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” follows Cameron (Moretz) as she is sent to a “conversion therapy” center after getting caught kissing a girl on prom night.

The group sat down to discuss the vital importance of the film and the growing movement to prohibit the harmful practice.

There is no credible evidence that conversion therapy can change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. To the contrary, research has clearly shown that these practices pose devastating health risks for LGBTQ young people such as depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, and even suicidal behavior. The harmful practice is condemned by every major medical and mental health organization, including the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and American Medical Association.

Connecticut, California, Nevada, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Washington, Maryland, Hawaii, New Hampshire and Delaware all have laws or regulations protecting youth from this abusive practice. A growing number of municipalities have also enacted similar protections, including cities and counties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, Florida, New York, Arizona, and Wisconsin.

According to a recent report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, an estimated 20,000 LGBTQ minors in states without protections will be subjected to conversion therapy by a licensed healthcare professional if state officials fail to act.

HRC has partnered with the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and state equality groups across the nation to pass state legislation ending conversion therapy. More information on the lies and dangers of efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity can be found here.

Find the film at a theater near you.