Former Power Rangers actor David Yost opens up about his conversion therapy experience

17th June 2018

Gage Skidmore via Flickr

The actor is best known for playing the Blue Power Ranger in the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.

David Yost, a former Power Rangers actor, has opened up about the conversion therapy that he went under after he left the show in the 90s because of homophobic abuse.

Speaking to Out In Perth, Yost said: “Well the conversion therapy I had done that quite religiously for two years which unfortunately caused a nervous breakdown because I was actively working against the truth of who I was and mentally I couldn’t take it anymore.

“After my nervous breakdown it took me years to be comfortable and really be open about myself. It wasn’t an overnight process and it took a long time to be happy and comfortable.”

However, despite facing homophobic abuse on the set of the show from the crew members, Yost admitted he was still proud of the show, saying: “I’m a part of a show that has become iconic over the last 25 years and I want the fans of the show to really focus on all the positive things that they got out of the show, and not on the stuff that goes on behind the scenes.

“So I speak about it but I’m not walking around upset and angry. As a person I’m more comfortable talking about my sexuality and to talk about what happened to me.”

Yost also spoke about the support that he still gets from fans of the show. “I get letters every day via social media from people who tell me: ‘Thank you so much for coming out, you’ve given me the courage to come out, thank you for sharing your story,'” he said.

“‘Those things have happened to me and you’ve given me confidence to stand up to people who are doing those things to me at my job and in my life.’

“It’s all a reward for me on so many levels because I know that I’ve helped other people to find the strength within themselves to speak up and talk.

“My story is similar to some of what they had to go through. I’m glad these things are coming about because hopefully it’s only going to make the world a better more accepting place.”