The Evolution of Karen Beattie
AN: So I never liked the explanation of Lauren's change of identity as a result of eco-terrorism, it just doesn't feel like her. I have therefore changed this, and to me this fits more with the title of Lost Girl, as Bo is not the only one who is lost, its also Lauren, Kenzi and even Tamsin.
Warning, the following subjects include torture (non-explicit) and inhumane treatment. Possible trigger warning.
The information used here is based on limited research of such techniques which were used during the 20th century and which were probably pretty well gone by 2001 but I am taking some creative liberty with this.
Chapter 1
Phase 1:
Prayer sessions, support groups
Unsuccessful
Proceeding to next stage. Institutionalisation advised.
One week ago
Pending Case #: 6731
Status: Awaiting review
Subject: Karen Beattie
Born: 1984
Priority: Urgent
Level: Black
Handler: Dr Everrett
Preliminary:
High priority 17 year old girl, Karen Beattie, requiring urgent intervention. Currently undergoing inhumane treatments at the hands of an extremist religious group attempting to change her sexual orientation. Initially spent three months in a program offering the first three phases of the highly controversial treatment, has since been referred to a harsher facility to undergo more extensive treatment.
The authorities are turning a blind eye to cases with parental consent, as in her case. Her parents have signed off on all phases of treatment.
Beattie is in imminent danger of undergoing the last two phases (Phases 5 and 6) and is currently undergoing Phase 4.
After extensive assessment and investigation a conclusion has been reached.
Immediate intervention and relocation is advised. Long term recommendation that the subject be put in the black. Extremist groups, particularly this one, are not known to relent and as such will not let her go without a fight.
Attached is the proposed treatment plan.
Phase 2:
Institutionalised. Phase 1 repeated extensively. No progress.
Implemented heterosexual stimuli, emphasis on the opposite sex.
Unsuccessful
Proceeding to next stage.
Present day (2001)
Account of Karen Beattie, for the record, part 1.
"Cosima and I were best friends for as long as I can remember. As we got older, we got closer. We started dating when we were 16, I think.
Cosima told her parents right away, but I waited. My parents are extremely religious Christians and I doubted their reaction would be a positive one.
So I didn't tell them, instead I chose to hide that part of myself. I felt like I was lying, both to them and to myself. I felt guilty too, every time I acknowledged that part of myself, because they didn't know. I shut my friends out, I didn't know how to open up to them, and I didn't have the energy to pretend. Cosima was the only person I was still close to.
When Cosima told her parents they didn't understand, but they also didn't react badly. They told her they wouldn't influence her either way, that she should just be herself. They supported her.
Eventually my parents found out from one of my teachers. She was a nosy old lady and member of the same Church. She'd come across us holding hands, and though she didn't say anything at the time and we separated fast, I knew she'd noticed. When I got home my parents were waiting. That should have been a warning in and of itself – my father is never home before 5. They told me that I was sick but that they would stand by me on the road to recovery. They said that only then could I seek redemption in the eyes of God.
They immediately banned me from seeing Cosima, and arranged for me to talk to the priest, who tried to "cure" me of being a lesbian. It started with counselling sessions, but when this did not work, their methods went even further.
When I was 17, they checked me into a program run by the Church which claimed it could cure anyone. I spent three months in this program, and none of their methods were effective.
It started with more thorough and round-the-clock prayer sessions, combined with a support group made up of "misguided" adolescents like me.
When I resisted their efforts, or fought them, I was locked in a dark room with no way to mark the passing time. I never knew how long they kept me there.
Next they made me watch straight porn, and view images of naked guys.
This had no effect.
They tried hypnosis next, but I never felt any different.
After three months with no progress, they sent me back to my parents and referred me to another program."
Session ended by examiner.
Phase 3:
Hypnosis
Unsuccessful
Proceeding to next stage.
AN: Please leave a review and let me know what you thought!
