Conversion Practices Definition

Conversion practices include all forms of abuse that have the pre-determined intention to change, ‘cure’ or suppress an individual’s, or group of individuals’, sexual or romantic orientation and/or gender identity.

Conversion practices can be perpetrated by anyone, in any setting, or within any community. They might happen in someone’s own home, someone else’s home, or in a community, religious, or therapeutic space. While conversion practices are not necessarily tied to religion or specific cultures, in some cases they can be.

This abuse could come from a family member, a community or religious leader, a romantic partner, a therapist or medical practitioner, or another individual in a person’s life.

In some cases, a person subjected to conversion practices may be led to believe they have asked for or consented to what is happening to them. They may even be told that the only way to live a happy, fulfilling life is to change their sexual or romantic orientation and/or gender identity. However, we can’t choose who we are and we can’t consent to abuse.