"Former Disney Star Matthew Scott Montgomery's Secret Struggle with Conversion Therapy"

Former Disney Channel actor Matthew Scott Montgomery reveals that he secretly attended gay conversion therapy while enjoying success on shows like Shake It Up and Sonny with a Chance. Growing up with conservative parents who believed being gay was evil, Montgomery sought the therapy as a result of guilt and self-punishment. The therapy sessions became increasingly intense, including electroshock therapy, until Montgomery decided to stop enduring it. He credits acting, particularly his role in a play where his character finds acceptance, and the support of friends like Hayley Kiyoko and Demi Lovato for helping him realize that he didn't need conversion therapy. Montgomery's message to others considering it is that there is nothing wrong with them and they deserve a beautiful life.