
This article contains potentially distressing details about conversion therapy and makes references to suicide.
At the beginning of 2022, the practice of conversion therapy was banned in Canada. Conversion therapy, or also known as reparative therapy, is a range of techniques that falsely claim to be able to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy can range anywhere from talk therapy to drug treatments. A research study in the United Kingdom found that conversion therapy is most often conducted by religious or faith-based groups, healthcare professionals, and parents or guardians. It is estimated that 1 in 10 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experience some form of conversion therapy.
The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Canadian Psychological Association agree that there is no safe or effective method to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and that it does not need to be changed. Although it is banned in Canada and has been extensively shown to be ineffective and harmful, conversion therapy continues to happen across the country. For example, a religious children’s summer camp in New Brunswick was accused on conducting conversion therapy just last year, described by the organization as “guiding boys to authentic manhood – from confusion to clarity”. The ban on conversion therapy can be difficult to enforce due to the use of vague language, informal conversion practices, and the use of online conversion “therapists” from outside of Canada.
How it impacts mental health?
Conversion therapy has been shown to cause detrimental harm to a person’s mental health and identity. Efforts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity have been shown to increase risk for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-hatred, internalized homophobia or transphobia, suicidal thoughts, and suicide.
2SLGBTQIA+ youth who undergo conversion therapy practices at home from a parent are twice as likely to develop depression and attempt suicide compared to 2SLGBTQIA+ who have not experienced conversion therapy. Youth who undergo conversion therapy from home and from a “therapist” or religious leader are three times more likely to experience depression and attempt suicide. Conversion therapy can often lead to stigma and shame around one’s own identity, which can have long lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Having access to affirming mental healthcare, healthcare, and environments have been shown to be effective at supporting survivors of conversion therapy.
Where to turn for support?
If you have experienced conversion therapy or other efforts to change or limit the expression of your sexual orientation and/or gender identity, it is important to seek support if it is causing you distress. You can find conversion therapy related support and resources at The Trevor Project or the CT Survivors Connect online support group.
If you suspect that a person or organization is conducting conversion therapy, you can report this to your local police or RCMP. It is illegal to bring or send a minor under 18 years of age outside of Canada to undergo conversion therapy. Please consult the emergency assistance page of the Government of Canada if you feel you are at risk.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko