Can you pray the gay away? Netizens posed that question after an LGBTQ+ man who apparently went through a conversion therapy program was seen getting his once-long locks chopped off as church members prayed over him.
ICYDK, conversion therapy is an attempt to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression through unproven methods, with studies showing that this can cause long-term psychological harm.
The video was posted on TikTok by Powerhouse Synergy, an evangelical church based in Angeles City, Pampanga. It shows the member’s “transformation,” featuring photos of him having long hair and in feminine clothing, to the moment where his hair has been cut off to a shorter, “masculine” hairstyle, with church members singing as the man wipes off his tears.
Another video shows church members praying over the member while his hair is being dyed black.
@synergypowerhouse Replying to @Miyamoto Musashi ♬ original sound – SYNERGY
While some supported the man’s decision to “convert” himself into a “straight” cisgender man, a number of people, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community, questioned the practice, calling it cringeworthy and painful.
“Christians are so obsessed about ‘fixing’ our community. as a conversion therapy survivor lol this viral tiktok video is sooooo triggering,” yomattyu wrote on Twitter.
“I don’t think changing your appearance will change what you are inside. Don’t force it all. It just happened it is you. It’s weird that they seem to be basing [sexuality] on appearance,” mkunss said.
“It’s so ironic that they keep barking ‘Don’t force your beliefs down people’s throats at atheists and the LGBTQ+ community but they’re the ones actively pursuing conversion therapy. So-called “evangelism” but all they do is brainwash people,” iann03 chimed in.
