Final answer:
Conversion therapy is a discredited practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, which is considered harmful and is illegal in some states. Transgender individuals may transition to align their lives with their gender identity, but not all choose to make physical changes, and cross-dressing does not necessarily indicate a transgender identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conversion therapy, sometimes referred to as reparative therapy, is a practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual, and is considered ineffective and potentially harmful. This practice is illegal in some states due to the dangers it poses to the individuals subjected to it. It's important to understand that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent aspects of a person and are not a choice. Conversion therapy has been widely criticized by the research community and lacks credible scientific evidence to support its efficacy. It is opposed by LGBT movements and human rights organizations, which argue for the acceptance and affirmation of individuals' sexual orientation and gender identity as they are.
Transgender individuals may decide to undergo a transition, which could include social, legal, or medical changes to align their life with their gender identity. This might involve adopting the dress, hairstyle, and mannerisms typically associated with another gender, changing legal documents, or undergoing hormone therapy or sex reassignment surgery. Not all transgender people choose to make physical changes, and cross-dressing does not necessarily indicate a transgender identity.