Study finds sexual orientation conversion therapy still common in Canada
New research published in the has found that conversion therapy to attempt to change a person鈥檚 sexual orientation is still common in Canada. The study calls for government and societal support to end conversion therapy practices.
According to university and community-based researchers, four per cent of Canadian gay and bisexual men鈥攁pproximately 20,000 individuals across the country鈥攈ave been exposed to conversion therapy, which includes scientifically discredited practices that try to repress, discourage, or change a person鈥檚 sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These numbers are based on a survey of gay and bisexual men across Canada, led by the national (CBRC).
鈥淭he ongoing practice of conversion therapy in Canada threatens the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ2 people,鈥� says study lead author Travis Salway, an SFU health sciences professor. 鈥淔or this reason, the federal government is working to amend the criminal code to ban conversion therapy across the country. This research further emphasizes the urgency of this legislative action.鈥�
Consistent with other studies conducted internationally, gay and bisexual men who reported conversion therapy in this survey were more likely to report loneliness, regular drug use, thoughts of suicide, and suicide attempts.
While this study was focused on gay and bisexual men, other research has highlighted similar or higher rates of conversion therapy among lesbian and bisexual women and transgender people.
The CBRC has been working with LGBTQ2 communities and policymakers to stop more Canadians from experiencing conversion therapy.
鈥淎 federal ban on conversion therapy would send a strong message to Canadians and the rest of the world that attempting to change someone鈥檚 sexual orientation, gender identity or expression is not only ineffective, but wrong,鈥� says Michael Kwag, director of Knowledge Exchange and Policy Development at the CBRC. 鈥淔or queer and trans people who have been subjected to conversion therapy, a ban would help validate and affirm their experiences of survival and healing.鈥�
Salway says other levels of government can also play a role. Provincial conversion therapy bans, in particular, can ensure that healthcare resources are not used to repress or change patients鈥� diverse gender identities and expressions or sexual orientations.
鈥淪everal elected officials have asked whether conversion therapy is still happening in Canada,鈥� notes Salway. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the social responsibility of all Canadians to ensure that LGBTQ2 people are told, without hesitation, that their identities and lives are valued. It鈥檚 time to end conversion therapy.鈥�
Other researchers collaborating on the study are from 脡cole de sant茅 publique, Universit茅 de Montr茅al, the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, the School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity in Vancouver.