The Kentucky Youth Law Project (KYLP) and Born Perfect filed a complaint Friday with the Kentucky Board of Social Work on behalf of KYLP client Curtis Galloway against Mayfield-based licensed clinical social worker Joseph Williams, alleging Williams administered conversion therapy to Galloway when he was a minor.
“I am filing this complaint to hold Mr. Williams accountable and to ensure that no other person experiences the guilt and shame that people like him inflict on their patients,” Galloway said in a KYLP news release.
The organizations allege Galloway experienced “serious and lasting harm” as a result of Williams’ services. They also allege Williams “falsely informed Galloway’s parents that being gay is a disorder and can be changed through counseling services, which Williams offered and subsequently provided.”
“LGBTQ kids should be supported by the adults in their lives — not pathologized and subjected to dangerous, fake therapy,” KYLP Legal Director Keith Elston said.
Williams has offered “Christ-centered counseling for all issues and ages” through Williams Christian Counseling since 1998, promising the “highest levels of quality and confidentiality.” He did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
According to Cornell University’s Public Policy Research Portal, multiple peer-reviewed studies assert conversion therapy is “ineffective and/or harmful, finding links to depression, suicidality, anxiety, social isolation and decreased capacity for intimacy” in participants.
“Conversion therapy is reckless and harmful and licensed clinicians who engage in it must be held accountable for the damage they cause,” said Born Perfect co-founder Mathew Shurka.
KYLP is a nonprofit legal services corporation that advocates for LGBTQ+ youth. Born Perfect is a “survivor-led campaign” to end conversion therapy, created by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
CORRECTION: This story previously misstated KYLP and Born Perfect filed a complaint on Monday. The complaint was filed Friday.
This story may be updated.
