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THE FIRST DOCUMENTARY FROM

SURVIVORS

OF CONVERSION THERAPY

empty chairs in a dark void

THE FIRST DOCUMENTARY FROM

SURVIVORS

OF CONVERSION "THERAPY"

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SYNOPSIS

A story by survivors, “CONVERSION” takes us on a personal and cinematic journey as a filmmaker, an ex-mormon mom, and a famous drag queen unite to overcome the mental and physical impacts of enduring conversion “therapy.”

 

When filmmaker Zach Meiners discovered that his former conversion “therapist” was still active, he began an endeavor to amplify and empower the voices of survivors, and expose the secretive and often deadly industry.

 

With interviews from doctors, experts, and the founder of one of the most expansive conversion “therapy” networks in the US, “CONVERSION” is a thought provoking insight into a dangerous underground industry that is constantly rebranding, adapting and growing to this day. Ultimately a film about strength and hope, “CONVERSION” aims to give a voice to survivors of conversion “therapy,” who are often left out of the conversation, and speak to the next generation who may not have a voice, choice or pathway out of the trauma being inflicted on them.

Elena Joy Thurston

Elena Joy Thurston

(She/ Her)

Elena Joy Thurston is an inspirational LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, author and founder of the nonprofit Pride and Joy Foundation - which is dedicated to building self-awareness and safety for LGBTQ families and their allies. Elena goes by the pronouns she/her.

ELENA JOY TURSTON

Dustin Rayburn

(They/ Them)

Dustin Rayburn is an entertainer and activist, best known by their stage name Dusty Ray Bottoms. Dustin's story of going through conversion therapy first came to prominence while on the Emmy Award winning show "RuPaul's Drag Race." Since then, Dustin has  used their platform to support organizations both in the US and abroad, including The Trevor Project and The Amandla Development. Dustin goes by the pronouns they/them.

Dustin Rayburn
DUSTN RAYBURN
Zach Meiners

Zach Meiners

(He/ Him)

Zach Meiners has been finding creative ways to tell stories since he learned to talk, having directed his first feature before the age of 21, for which he won a student Emmy Award. Since then, Zach has gone on to become an accomplished director, producer, and entrepreneur as the founder and president of Chronicle Cinema.

Zach has worked with politicians and community leaders in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and continues his commitment to amplify queer voices and put and end to conversion therapy. Zach uses he/him pronouns.

ZACH MEINERS
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THE
TEAM

PRODUCTION COMPANY

CHRONICLE CINEMA

 

PRODUCED BY

LEILANI GUSHIKEN

TAYLOR YOUNG

BRAD WAGSTER

JOSH COVINGTON

MARC SINGER

MUSIC BY

BLAKE ALLEN

EDITED BY

BRAD WAGSTER

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

ZACH MEINERS

STEVE BASS

TERRI BASS

SHIMMY BRAUN

DIRECTED BY

ZACH MEINERS

Directors Note

Five years ago, I got a call from my mom asking me about my conversion therapist. Though it had been over 10 years since my parents had put me into conversion therapy, the memories instantly came rushing back. I was shocked to learn that he was not only still practicing, but that a family friend was sending their child to be cured for being gay. Conversion therapy nearly destroyed my life, and I knew I had to do something. So I began reaching out to other survivors, and as a filmmaker, it became clear that I had to begin sharing their stories and take a hard look at the underground world of conversion therapy and ex-gay ministry.

​

Ultimately, “Conversion” is a story of survival and hope.

Chronicle Cinema Director's Chair

About Chronicle

Chronicle Cinema is a centralized hub, utilizing the industry’s leading equipment and facilities, and gathering the fields most creative minds to  do what they do best: create.

 

A full service media and production company with clients all over the world, Chronicle Cinema holds a wide range of expertise, including: brand films, feature films, drone cinematography, animation, and virtual event production. 

​

Learn more at www.chroniclecinema.com

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