Guide
So-Called “Conversion Therapy” and LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
Conversion therapy refers to a range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE
Ending Conversion Therapy
Conversion therapy refers to a range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. We are the leading campaign endeavoring to protect LGBTQ young people from conversion therapy in every state across the nation.
How we’re making an impact
We do the work through legislative advocacy, litigation, public education, and partnerships with mental health associations, youth organizations, LGBTQ groups, student clubs, faith communities, and educational institutions.
We also work with lawmakers in generating policy, providing survivor testimony, and demonstrating public support for ending conversion therapy.
Resources
Press
The Trevor Project Celebrates Minnesota Legislation That Would Protect LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy
15% of LGBTQ youth in Minnesota reported being threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy in the past year January 18, 2023 — The Trevor Project — the leading suicide prevention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people — voiced its support for a bill introduced by the Minnesota House of Representatives, which would prohibit licensed medical professionals from subjecting LGBTQ youth to the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. The bill is scheduled to be voted on today in a hearing held by the House Human Services Policy Committee, where it is expected…
Press
The Trevor Project Applauds Pennsylvania Governor for Protecting LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy
LGBTQ youth who were threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy reported more than twice the rate of attempting suicide in the past year August 16, 2022 — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people, commended Gov. Wolf of Pennsylvania for signing an executive order today that discourages the use of taxpayer dollars and state-sponsored health insurance plans for the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. The order will also put measures in place to ensure state offices implement culturally appropriate care and…
Press
The Trevor Project Condemns Vote to Block Protections Against Conversion Therapy in Wisconsin
Research has consistently linked the discredited practice of conversion therapy to increased suicide risk among LGBTQ youth. January 18, 2023 — The Trevor Project, the world’s leading suicide prevention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people, condemned the suspension of a rule prohibiting the practice of “conversion therapy” across the state of Wisconsin that was voted on last week by the state legislature’s Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules. "It is heartbreaking to see lawmakers strip young people across the state of Wisconsin of vital protections from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion…
Press
The Trevor Project Applauds Cleveland, OH for Protecting LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy
LGBTQ youth who were threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy reported more than twice the rate of attempting suicide in the past year October 10, 2022 — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people, applauded the Cleveland City Council for passing a municipal ordinance today that will prohibit licensed medical professionals from subjecting LGBTQ youth to the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. The Trevor Project has worked closely with Equality Ohio, local advocates, and community members to help bring this legislation…
Advocacy
Charleston Becomes 1st City in W. Virginia to Protect LGBTQ Youth from Conversion Therapy
Charleston becomes the first city in West Virginia to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy.
Advocacy
Trevor Applauds the American Psychological Association for Opposing Gender Identity Change Efforts
The Trevor Project applauds the American Psychological Association (APA) for adopting a new resolution opposing gender identity change efforts, also known as conversion therapy.
Talent
Dusty Ray Bottoms & Scarlet Envy on the Fight to End Conversion Therapy
Dusty Ray Bottoms and Scarlet Envy, fan favorites of RuPaul’s Drag Race, are both survivors who have been profoundly impacted by their experiences with conversion therapy. The Trevor Project spoke to the two about the power of sharing survivor stories and why we must pass legislation to stop licensed mental health practitioners from subjecting minors to the dangers of conversion therapy.
Press
Lincoln Becomes First City in NE to Protect LGBTQ Youth from Conversion Therapy
Today, the City Council of Lincoln, Nebraska passed an ordinance that prohibits licensed mental health professionals from subjecting LGBTQ youth to the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. With this 5 to 1 vote, the capital city of Lincoln becomes the first in the state to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy. “The Trevor Project is delighted to see the great capital city of Lincoln become the first city in Nebraska to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangers of conversion therapy. We know from our research that this so-called ‘therapy’ has only ever worked to produce negative mental health outcomes and…
Press
Lexington, KY Protects LGBTQ Youth from Conversion Therapy
WASHINGTON, DC — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people, commended the City of Lexington, Kentucky for passing an ordinance to protect LGBTQ youth from the harms of conversion therapy. Lexington becomes the third city in Kentucky to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy — building momentum for the passage of statewide protections. “This is an amazing victory for the LGBTQ youth of Lexington, who deserve to live their lives without fear of being subjected to the horrors of conversion therapy,” said Sam Brinton (they/them pronouns),…
Advocacy
Leading Suicide Prevention Orgs Ask Fed. District Court to Dismiss Challenge to Wash.’s Conversion Therapy Ban
The Trevor Project, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) united today to ask the US District Court for the Western District of Washington to dismiss a challenge to Washington State’s legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy.
Press
The Trevor Project Applauds Global Faith Leaders for Coming Out Against Conversion Therapy
Statement from Sam Brinton (they/them pronouns), Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project: “It is incredible to see hundreds of religious leaders from all different backgrounds and denominations join together and come out against the discredited practice of conversion therapy. We hope this bold effort will send a message to LGBTQ youth in diverse communities of faith that they are deserving of love and respect and should be proud of exactly who they are.“The evidence is clear — conversion therapy has only ever proven to produce negative mental health outcomes and increase suicide risk. We must all come…
Press
The Trevor Project Applauds MI Gov. for Banning Funding of Conversion Therapy
The Trevor Project commended Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for signing an executive order prohibiting the payment of state and federal funds for the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy on minors.
Become a Trevor Advocate
LGBTQ young people are facing unprecedented attacks across the United States, leading to harmful impacts on mental health. Help fight back by becoming a Trevor Advocate.