Bowen Yang Opens Up About Surviving Conversion Therapy in Candid Interview with Marc Maron

Bowen Yang, acclaimed comedian and Saturday Night Live star, has again brought the realities of LGBTQ+ experiences to the forefront, this time by sharing details of his adolescence and the trauma of undergoing conversion therapy. In an episode of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast released August 11, 2025, Yang offered listeners a rare glimpse into the deeply personal struggles that have shaped his identity and career, highlighting both the enduring scars of conversion therapy and the resilience it takes to thrive as an openly gay public figure.

During the episode, Maron and Yang explored the roots of Yang’s lifelong anxiety and insecurity. Yang revealed that these feelings largely stem from his forced participation in conversion therapy while growing up. Conversion therapy, a widely discredited practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation, has been condemned by major medical and psychological associations around the world for its harmful effects and lack of scientific validity.

Yang’s candid discussion illuminated the profound and lasting impact of such interventions. He described the emotional and psychological toll it took, instilling deep-seated fears and insecurities that he continues to navigate as an adult. This acknowledgment adds a powerful, personal dimension to ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at banning conversion therapy and supporting survivors.

Yang also spoke about the unique pressures of being an openly gay, Asian American cast member on Saturday Night Live, particularly in the current political climate. He discussed the double burden of representation—feeling the weight of expectations from both the LGBTQ+ and Asian communities, as well as the scrutiny that comes with high-profile visibility.

He reflected on how his past experiences with conversion therapy have contributed to his ongoing sense of self-doubt, even as he has broken barriers and achieved success. The episode also touched on the broader environment at SNL during the second Trump administration and the challenges of creating comedy in a time of heightened political division and cultural tension.

Yang’s story comes at a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy, as many states and countries continue to debate the legality of conversion therapy. By sharing his experience on such a prominent platform, Yang contributes to destigmatizing conversations about mental health, trauma, and resilience in LGBTQ+ communities. the future of LGBTQ+ rights and representation.