We Need to Talk About Chiles v. Salazar
by Sage Nestler, MSW
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in favor of the Chiles V. Salar case. March 31 also happens to be Trans Day of Visibility.
“Conversion therapy refers to a range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.”
In the case, a conservative Christian therapist challenged Colorado state law that protects youth under the age of 18 from being exposed to the harmful practice of conversion therapy.
The basis of the case was formed on Kaley Chiles’ claim that the restriction on conversion therapy infringed upon her freedom of speech.
But let us be clear. In no way can freedom of speech be infringed upon when it involves a form of “therapy” that has significant evidence of harm against LGBTQ+ youth.
Research Surrounding Conversion Therapy
Essential research concerning conversion therapy:
LGBTQ+ who have gone through conversion therapy are 2x as likely to attempt suicide
They are also 2.5x times more likely to report multiple suicide attempts within one year
Common lasting consequences of conversion therapy apart from suicide risk include:
Depression
Anxiety
Substance Abuse
Extensive post-traumatic responses
Loss of community/connection to community
Damaged relationships with family
Self-blame
Guilt
Shame
Amongst other concerns in relation to mental health and social relationships
While we are a virtual mental health organization, we are based in Colorado and are incredibly dismayed by the ruling of this case.
Any mental health practitioner, clinician, practice, or others need to be held responsible for the harm they cause clients - especially when it comes from a form of therapy that has an extensive history of harm.
Here at Releasing the Phoenix, we haven’t stopped fighting the ongoing attacks on our queer community.
Or promise to you is that we never will.
You deserve to be your full self, all that is you, without being subjected to harmful practices - whether you are an LGBTQ+ youth or adult. You can an entire community behind you, we aren’t going anywhere. The harder they push us, the harder we push back.
If this news has caused you distress and you are in need of crisis, mental health, or other resources, please visit our resource directory for safe and approved resources.
