Conversion therapy - meaning and definition
AlsoSOGICEconversion practicesreparative therapyex-gay therapysexual orientation and gender identity change efforts
Definition
Practices that try to change, suppress or "cure" someone's sexual orientation or gender identity. Major health bodies say they do not work and can cause serious harm.
At a glance
- Attempts to change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Rejected by major medical and psychological bodies.
- Linked to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
- Banned in a growing number of countries and regions.
- Differs from supportive therapy that has no fixed outcome.
In detail
Conversion practices can include talk-based "therapy", religious rituals, pressure from family or community, and in some places physical abuse. They rest on the false idea that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or asexual is a disorder.
Leading medical and psychological organisations reject these practices, and many survivors report depression, anxiety, shame and suicidal thoughts. A growing number of countries and regions have banned them. Genuinely supportive therapy helps people explore their identity without a fixed outcome in mind.
In a sentence
- The documentary followed survivors of conversion therapy and how they rebuilt their lives.
- Our country is debating a ban on conversion practices.
Not to be confused with
- Gender-affirming care
Gender-affirming care supports a person's own understanding of their gender rather than trying to change it.
Common questions
Does conversion therapy work?
No. Research and major health organisations have found no evidence that sexual orientation or gender identity can be changed by these practices, and strong evidence of harm.
Is it the same as exploring your identity with a therapist?
No. Affirming therapy supports a person to understand themselves without pushing any outcome. Conversion practices start from the goal of changing who someone is.