Watch Pray Away

Pray Away is a gripping documentary that explores the controversial practice of conversion therapy. Released in 2021, the film tells the stories of former leaders and participants in the movement, and sheds light on the devastating impact it has had on the LGBTQ+ community. The film begins by introducing Yvette Cantú Schneider, a former policy analyst for the anti-LGBTQ+ organization, Family Research Council. Cantú Schneider recounts her personal experience of coming out as a lesbian, and the pressure she faced to deny her sexuality and conform to societal norms. This led her to seek solace in the church and eventually join Exodus International, one of the largest conversion therapy organizations.

We are then introduced to Michael Bussee, a former Exodus International leader who left the organization in 1979 after falling in love with another man. Bussee describes the harmful practices he witnessed within the organization, including the use of shame, guilt and emotional manipulation to try and change a person's sexual orientation. Despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of these therapies, many people continue to be lured into conversion therapy under false promises of 'curing' their homosexuality.

Throughout the film, we hear from several other former conversion therapy leaders and participants. One particularly poignant story is that of John Paulk, who became famous in the 1990s as the poster boy for the 'ex-gay' movement. In 2000, Paulk was caught in a gay bar, which sparked controversy and led to him renouncing his involvement in the movement. He now advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and is remorseful for the harm that his previous activism caused.

Other former conversion therapy leaders share similar stories of the harm they caused and try to make amends by speaking out against the practice. One former leader, Julie Rodgers, recalls how she became depressed and began to doubt her faith due to the psychological and emotional torture she experienced during the conversion therapy process. Rodgers eventually decided to leave the organization and now advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church.

Pray Away also explores the immense damage that conversion therapy can inflict on those who participate in it. We meet Mathew Shurka, who was subjected to conversion therapy for five years and still suffers from the trauma it caused him. Shurka recounts the stories of other survivors who were left with a range of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts.

As the film progresses, we witness the failure of the conversion therapy movement, as more and more states are banning the practice. The documentary shows footage of emotional debates between lawmakers and advocates on both sides of the issue.

Overall, Pray Away is a powerful and emotional exploration of a controversial and divisive topic. The film's various perspectives help to humanize both the advocates and the survivors of conversion therapy, and to shine a light on the harm that can result from well-meaning but misguided beliefs. While the documentary is difficult to watch at times, it is an important reminder of why we must continue to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and to recognize that love is love, no matter a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Pray Away is a 2021 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 76.