Youth's Lives Every Day
LGBTQ+ young people subjected to conversion therapy practices were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide in the past year.
March 31, 2026 – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision in Chiles v. Salazar – a challenge to a Colorado state law that prohibits licensed mental health professionals from subjecting youth to discredited practices that attempt to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. The justices ruled the law regulated the speech of the petitioner, Kaley Chiles, and should have been held to a heightened level of scrutiny. The case is reversed and remanded.
The Trevor Project’s CEO, Jaymes Black, released the following statement in response:
“The Supreme Court’s decision to treat the dangerous practice of conversion therapy as constitutionally protected speech is a tragic step backward for our country that will put young lives at risk. These efforts, no matter what proponents call them, no matter what any court says, are still proven to cause lasting psychological harm. LGBTQ+ youth subjected to conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. That’s why protections have been enacted in more than 20 states, and are supported by every major medical and mental health association in the country.
“The Court’s decision today is painful, but it does not change the facts: conversion therapy is dangerous, it is malpractice, and survivors still have the ability to seek justice for the harms caused by these practices. To LGBTQ+ young people everywhere, please know this: Regardless of today’s decision, or any other headlines you read, you belong. You are worthy, you are loved, and there is nothing wrong with being who you are.
“This is not the outcome we wanted, but our community has dealt with difficult outcomes time and time again throughout our history. And we will deal with this, too. The Trevor Project remains committed to working alongside our partners, allies, and supporters to end the debunked practice of conversion therapy once and for all. Despite today’s ruling, we will continue spreading awareness of the harms of these practices and fighting to hold therapists legally accountable for harming youth.
“For any LGBTQ+ young person who needs someone to talk to, please know that The Trevor Project’s counselors are here for you 24/7.”
Related research:
- Conversion therapy is associated with an extensive list of long-lasting social and emotional consequences, including: depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance abuse, a range of post-traumatic responses, loss of connection to community, damaged familial relationships, self-blame, guilt, and shame.
- The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ young people found that 13% of LGBTQ+ young people have been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy.
- Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth who experienced conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide and more than 2.5 times as likely to report multiple suicide attempts in the past year.
- Conversion therapy and its associated harms – such as substance abuse and negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts – cost an estimated $9.23 billion in the U.S. annually.
- The Trevor Project released a report in December 2023 that identified more than 1,300 active conversion therapy practitioners across the U.S.
- Every major medical and mental health association in the United States has condemned conversion therapy, including The American Psychiatric Association, The American Psychological Association, and The American Medical Association.
- Most Americans reject conversion therapy, and support efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth from its harms. 2025 polling data found that a majority of adults in the United States (56%) think conversion therapy should be illegal to use on minors.
Related resources:
- Sign The Trevor Project’s petition, “Conversion therapy has no place in our state.”
- Watch The Trevor Project’s latest episode of “Sharing Space,” a documentary-style series, featuring a moderated conversation with six survivors of conversion therapy.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
