Ralph Knowles

This abstract summarizes an extensive interview with Ralph Knowles, who discusses their experiences with aversion therapy for homosexuality in the 1960s. Born in 1944 in Dunedin, New Zealand, Knowles had a happy childhood although the family was marked by the tragic death of an older sibling before they were born. Knowles' early memories are of a simple, contented post-war life in a very monochrome and conservative society.

During their school years, the interviewee became aware of a difference in sexual interests compared to friends, but faced no internal conflict regarding this realization. Despite their contentment with their own sexuality, the societal and institutional pressures of the time, notably from the church, led Knowles to undergo aversion therapy – a treatment they volunteered for, suggested by their parish priest.

Knowles underwent aversion therapy at COHOON Ward in Dunedin, a psychiatric ward, where they were subjected to a series of treatments aimed at evoking nausea in response to homosexual thoughts. They were isolated in a blacked-out room and received regular administrations of apomorphine, a drug that induces vomiting, while listening to a tape designed to incite feelings of revulsion towards homosexual stimuli.

Despite initial misgivings, the commitment to the treatment and pressures from various authorities kept Knowles returning for a second session of therapy, which also included reorientation elements encouraging heterosexuality. The second session was similar in approach to the first, involving nausea-inducing therapy and aftercare designed to enhance heterosexual interest. An outpatient session with electric shocks followed, with the intent to create a negative response to homosexual thoughts. Knowles fully complied with the procedure, although they doubted its efficacy.

Post-treatment, no lasting changes were noted in their sexual orientation, and they soon resumed their normal life, which included forming a life-long partnership with another man, defying the therapy's goals. The treatment, viewed as medieval and barbaric, invigorated Knowles to oppose such methods and advocate for human rights and medical ethics.

This summary reflects on Knowles' life, their resilience in the face of adversity, and the broader context of changing societal views on homosexuality. As a testament to their strength, Knowles’ story also touches on their navigation through family life, educational challenges, and a deeply religious society, while ultimately living authentically and lovingly with their long-term partner.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Ralph Knowles

1950s, 1960s, aversion therapy, coming out, dunedin, gay, health, mental health, mental illness, profile, ralph knowles, theatre

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