Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan Compassion Over Conversion: Continuing Science-based Research for Queer and Trans Health with Matthew D. Skinta PhD ABPP
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Sep 22, 2025 Dr. Matthew D. Skinta, an expert in LGBTQ+ mental health, dives into the pressing challenges faced by queer and transgender communities amidst political upheaval. He sheds light on the harmful practices of conversion therapy and discusses recent political interference leading to the cancellation of crucial research. Throughout the conversation, Matthew emphasizes the importance of social safeness and compassion-based interventions for mental well-being. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches like psychedelic-assisted therapy and mindfulness practices for trauma recovery.
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Formative Cross-Cultural Upbringing
- Matthew Skinta recounts growing up between liberal Netherlands and conservative Kansas, which shaped his perspectives on queer acceptance.
- Early religious messages in Kansas framed AIDS as divine punishment and influenced his decision to wait to come out until college.
Conversion Therapy Is A Wide Spectrum
- Conversion therapy exists on a spectrum from religious groups to coercive boot camps and clinical abuses.
- Gender exploratory therapy can disguise pathologizing assumptions as neutral exploration.
Psychedelics Used Historically For Conversion
- Skinta shares historical misuse of psychedelics where LSD was used in attempts to change sexual orientation.
- He cites Ram Dass-era experiments and Stanislav Grof's writings that framed homosexuality as treatable.
