Parents/guardians who are unaccepting of their child's gender identity may force their child into programs such as conversion therapy, or try to "pray the gay away." These children may be subjected to bullying by their guardians as well as the "professionals" enlisted to “help" the child. This can cause the child to feel oppressed, isolated, and alone. With nobody to turn to, the child may resort to negative coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, self harm, and suicide. Since these guardians have caused their children's agony or even death by bullying them and forcing them into these treatments, parents who use methods such as conversion therapy or "praying the gay away" should be subjected to charges of child abuse and neglect for not supporting their child's emotional health.



