Bowen Yang, the prominent comedian and actor, has shared his experiences regarding conversion therapy, a painful chapter from his adolescence. This practice—which seeks to change the sexual orientation of the individual—has been outlawed for minors in 19 states, Colorado included. For Yang, the effects of this kind of treatment have informed his pedagogical and artistic journeys, as he moves toward self-acceptance and healing.
As a teenager, Yang faced an ultimatum from his parents: either undergo conversion therapy or remain at home in Denver. This decision sent him on a dark and stormy journey. All the while, he struggled with his sense of self, undergoing a treatment he would come to call distressing and torturous. It was around this time that his parents found him engaging in what they described as “lewd conversations” on AOL Instant Messenger. That realization inspired them to take action and intervene.
As a 17-year-old, Yang took the courageous step to come out to his parents. This crucial juncture made him come to terms with the heartbreaking choice of conversion therapy. By lobbying for this access, he understood that this experience was limiting his capacity to process the intricacies of his identity. Yang said looking back on his life he did not know himself until two years ago. This new appreciation for his life and existence transformed how he saw the world. His journey of healing has had this acknowledgment at its core.
In recent years, Yang has been much more open in celebrating his identity and recognizing the ups and downs that come with it. He referred to this trip as an important step towards his own physical and mental healing. It is this work that concentrates on reconciling the painful things of his past. Although he went through the difficulty of conversion therapy, today Yang is in a much better place with his parents.
Numerous states have recently adopted bans on conversion therapy, reflecting an important change in the way society views and treats LGBTQ+ individuals. For many, including Yang, these changes mark a hopeful step forward and a sign of progress in the continuing battle for acceptance and understanding. Yang’s experiences are meant to underscore the need for support and affirmation for queer people in search of their identities.