Joseph Nicolosi, an outspoken advocate of the widely criticized practice of gay conversion therapy, has died from flu complications at age 70. Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic confirmed his death via Facebook.
Nicolosi was a co-founder of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality and was the self-proclaimed creator of the controversial treatment.
Conversion therapy—designed to change a person’s sexual orientation from gay or bisexual to heterosexual—is considered illegal in several states, including Illinois and California.
Nicolosi is survived by his wife, Linda; they were married for 39 years.