Does conversion therapy work?

What actually happens behind closed doors in Christian “ex-gay” programs—and why do people stay for years?

In this episode of The You Can Be Both Podcast, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Timothy Rodriguez, author of Conversion Therapy Dropout, for a raw, unfiltered conversation about surviving eight years of conversion therapy, working behind the scenes for some of the biggest evangelical megachurches (including Hillsong, Elevation Church, and Willow Creek), and reclaiming faith after religious trauma.

Timothy shares:

• What conversion therapy really looks like (it’s not what most people think)

• Why conversion therapy doesn’t change sexuality—but does cause deep psychological harm

• How churches promote “belonging” while quietly silencing LGBTQ people

• The truth behind the “ex-gay” movement and why it fails

• How shame, repression, and spiritual abuse nearly destroyed his life

• Why LGBTQ Christians often feel closer to God after coming out, not farther away

• Why conversion therapy is still happening today—and growingThis conversation also breaks down:

• The role of megachurch culture in sustaining harmful theology

• How conversion therapy has gone underground under “religious freedom”

• Why trans and nonbinary youth are now the primary targets

• What it means to be both LGBTQ and Christian without self-hatred

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses religious trauma, mental health crises, and conversion therapy practices.

If you’re questioning your faith, your sexuality, or what you’ve been told about God—you are not alone.

📘 Get the LGBTQ Christian Healing & Resource Guide:https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth

📚 Learn more about Timothy Rodriguez & Conversion Therapy Dropout: https://amzn.to/45OiADa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timothy.s.rodriguez/?hl=en

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Does Conversion Therapy Work? (The Truth)

02:26 – 8 Years in Conversion Therapy: “Spoiler Alert: No”

05:26 – Working for Megachurches While Hiding His Identity

07:11 – “Everyone’s Welcome”… Until You’re Gay

09:06 – Outed by a Youth Pastor

12:05 – Calling Exodus International

13:48 – What Conversion Therapy Really Looks Like

17:46 – Why People Stay Trapped for Years

22:31 – The Moment Everything Fell Apart

24:26 – “I Would Rather Die Than Live Like This”

25:08 – Hospitalization & Breaking Free

30:08 – Why He Wrote Conversion Therapy Dropout

33:01 – Why He Didn’t Walk Away from God

36:17 – LGBTQ Christians & Real Faith

41:21 – Is Conversion Therapy Still Happening Today?

45:52 – Why Trans & Nonbinary People Are Now the Target

47:19 – The Realization There Was No End

56:17 – Prayer