Youth's Lives Every Day
Each year on January 7th, people across the globe observe International Day to End Conversion Therapy (IDECT), sharing a worldwide call to end the dangerous, discredited practice known as ‘conversion therapy.’
What is conversion therapy?
Conversion therapy refers to practices that seek to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Despite the name, these practices are in no way legitimate “therapy,” and they lack any standards or basis in evidence. These practices are rooted in outdated ideas that LGBTQ+ people are “unnatural” or need to be “cured.”
Historically, these practices have involved behavior modification and painful aversive treatments, as well as debunked psychoanalytic theories such as the claim that being gay is “caused” by faulty parenting, trauma, or abuse.
In addition to being harmful, these practices are also unpopular. In the United States, a majority of adults think these practices should be illegal to use on minors. Because of this, proponents of conversion therapy often attempt to “rebrand” these practices, using new names such as “exploratory therapy” or “aversion therapy.” No matter what they are called, these practices remain harmful, ineffective, and rejected by leading medical and mental health institutions.
How did International Day to End Conversion Therapy (IDECT) start?
On January 7, 2022, Canada’s federal ban on conversion therapy practices was enacted into law, making it illegal to provide or promote the dangerous practices nationwide. C.T. Survivors Connect, a nonprofit support group for survivors of conversion therapy in Ontario, Canada, collaborated with an international nonprofit called The Conversion Therapy Survivor Network to find a way to honor this landmark legislative victory for protecting LGBTQ+ youth. Not only was this day monumental for protecting young people in Canada – it also created a model for action that could be taken worldwide.
According to The Conversion Therapy Survivor Network, IDECT was created to serve as both a memorial and a movement, “honoring those lost or harmed, and building momentum to end these human rights abuses worldwide.”
What can we do to observe International Day to End Conversion Therapy?
There are many ways that individuals and organizations can observe IDECT. You do not have to be a subject-matter expert, or a seasoned advocate to make an impact. Here are five ways to take action toward a world that is free from conversion therapy on this year’s International Day to End Conversion Therapy:
- 1. Take a moment to better understand the harms of conversion therapy.
The science is clear and the experts agree: conversion therapy practices cause life-threatening harm. Consider learning more by reading one of the following articles:- The American Psychological Association article, The evidence against “conversion therapy.”
- The Cornell University article, What does the scholarly research say about whether conversion therapy can alter sexual orientation without causing harm?
- The Trevor Project guide, So-Called “Conversion Therapy” and LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
- 2. Listen to the stories of survivors.
To truly understand the impact of these practices, it’s crucial to listen to the individuals and families who have been subjected to them. Here are a few options for reading or watching first-hand stories from survivors of conversion therapy:- Browse through Born Perfect’s survivor stories archive: Read stories from survivors like Darren and Amanda
- Check out Unchanged: a movement of LGBTQ+ Christians
- Watch this TODAY interview with Garrard Conley, survivor and best-selling author of Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family
- 3. Learn about the conversion therapy laws and policies in your community.
Look into the legal and policy landscape in your community, region, state, or country, and research whether there are currently laws on the books that protect LGBTQ+ young people from these practices. Consider reaching out to your elected officials’ offices to understand their positions, and if they’ve taken action to end conversion therapy where you live.
For people living in the United States, The Movement Advancement Project has a helpful map that tracks conversion therapy laws in each state.
- 4. Share resources.
Many resources have been created to spread awareness about the harms of conversion therapy, and give folks the tools they need to help protect LGBTQ+ youth in their own communities. Familiarize yourself with the following resources, and consider sharing them across your own personal or social media networks: - 5. Tell the LGBTQ+ young people in your life that you see them, support them, and respect them exactly as they are.
Even a small conversation can have a huge impact. Take today as an opportunity to tell your LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors that you have their back and, no matter what, you’ll remain firm in supporting them exactly as they are.
Never forget that The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are here 24/7 for any LGBTQ+ young person who needs support.
Visit TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help to connect with a counselor via phone, text, or chat today.
