Ryan Murphy’s PRAY AWAY aims to contribute to ending conversion therapy in the U.S., a practice that perpetuates the denial of LGBTQ rights, safety, and acceptance.  In the film, former leaders of the “pray the gay away” movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma. Ex-leaders and a survivor of the so-called “conversion therapy” movement speak out about its harm to the LGBTQ+ community and its devastating persistence.

After premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, with a recent theatrical release at the IFC Center in NYC, the film has been cited as “the definitive documentary on conversion therapy,”  and a “a profoundly moving” must-see film. It’s been covered in NPR’s Morning Edition, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, ABC News and many more. In just a few weeks, the trailer has already been viewed more than 3.5 million times. The film is making an impact – survivors have been in touch to speak about how significant it is to see their stories reflected and leaders of the movement to end conversion therapy are poised to use the film to continue growing the momentum of their legislative and public education efforts. The public awareness around this issue is growing.

Practiced on every major continent, conversion therapy continues to gain momentum. Approximately 700,000 people in the United States have gone through conversion therapy, and it is still a primary contributing factor to the heartbreakingly high suicide rate for LGBTQ youth.

 Here’s a list of resources to accompany viewing of the film: 

Prioritizing Mental Health: A Viewer’s Guide to Watching PRAY AWAY,

Discussion Guide 

Available on Netflix. Produced by Multitude Films.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.