This morning we released a groundbreaking report exposing the global reach of so-called conversion therapy. As discussions in some countries in Latin America, Australia, Europe and North America about banning so-called conversion therapy have intensified, awareness of the practices in these regions has grown. However, next to nothing was known about similar practices in other parts of the world.
Our report aims to change that. It is the first-ever global survey on the topic, with input from over 500 survey responses from across the world, 19 in depth interviews with survivors from over a dozen countries, an extensive literature review, as well as in-depth conversations with experts.
“Conversion therapy” is the most widely used term to describe practices attempting to change, suppress, or divert one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. It is also called reorientation therapy, reparative therapy, reintegrative therapy, gay cure therapy, or, more recently called support for unwanted same-sex attraction or transgender identities, and in essence constitutes cis-gender, heteronormative indoctrination.
So-called conversion therapy occurs in countries around the world.
Its main perpetrators and advocates are people acting in the name of religion or pseudo-healthcare, often pressured by family.
22% of respondents to our survey had experienced "conversion therapy" directly. 34% of those sought it for themselves. The rest were coerced.
While they may vary due to religious, cultural, or traditional norms and contexts, these practices are harmful and never work; instead, they cause deep, lasting trauma that affects every realm of life.
Persistence of “conversion therapy” is directly related to societal beliefs about LGBTIQ people and the degree to which their lives are accepted and embraced within families, faiths, and societies at large. Where homophobia and transphobia prevail, so, too, do stigma, discrimination, and violence—all manifestations of social norms that dictate that being LGBTIQ is unacceptable.
Such practices are the epitome of what the LGBTIQ movement has been fighting, and symptomatic of just how much of an uphill battle we still have to fight to gain acceptance and equality.
We hope that this report will shed much needed light on the global prevalence of these barbaric practices, and incite ever more countries to seek ways of not only banning “conversion therapy”, but finding genuine, sustainable ways to ensure LGBTIQ people have true and sustainable access to their full human rights, and ensuring that the misinformation, prejudice and perceptions of the norm which drive families and individuals to seek conversion therapy are eradicated for good. The report has already given rise to OutRight's first response - we are gearing up to launch a program to tackle conversion therapy working with partners in three African countries in the coming months.
With best wishes,
Maria Sjödin
Deputy Executive Director, OutRight Action International
