Conversion Therapy – and Why it Needs to be Banned (Part 1)

Conversion therapy, sometimes referred to as reparative therapy or the ex-gay movement, is the pseudoscientific practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation from queer (used here as an umbrella term for members of the LGBTQ+ rainbow) to heterosexual using psychological, physical, and/or spiritual interventions. Examples of this range from ‘talk therapy,’ to, on the extreme end, rape. Historically, lobotomies and electroshock treatments were utilized, among others. To date, only the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba—by legal statute and health regulation, respectively—have made any effort to ban conversion therapy in Canada. The City of Vancouver, in early 2018, also banned the practice within city limits, becoming the first Canadian city to do so. Speakers: Devon Hargreaves and Jenn Takahashi Devon Heargreaves is a leader in the not for profit sector, expert in marketing, and a representative for an international company. His talents and interests are varied; from LGBTQIA+ visibility to mental health and student advocacy, to having worked as campaign manager in municipal politics or serving the needs of those with special needs, I am passionate about whatever I put my hands to. Devon is the host of YQL ExPress on Jess fm, Co-President of the YQueerL Society for Change, and Immediate past Chair of Lethbridge Pride Fest. Jenn Takahashi is the Administrative Director of Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG) a student-funded, student-directed, not-for-profit organization providing resources for undergraduate students to engage with environmental and social justice issues. She is committed to supporting and growing the community through volunteering and social activism. In her spare time Jenn is often found on secondary highways late at night chasing the Aurora. One of her favorite things about living in southern Alberta is the changing weather and brilliant night skies. Moderator: Kari Tanaki Date: Thursday, Nov 1, 2018 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca