If you’ve been subjected to conversion practices, you may find that it has impacted your emotional or psychological wellbeing, or your sense of self. There are a few things to keep in mind during your recovery to help keep you on track and hopefully make the process easier.

Speaking about what has happened or is happening to you is a brave and positive step

Everyone deserves to live free from abuse and violence. Telling someone about what you are experiencing, are afraid of going through, or have experienced in the past takes a lot of courage. This is a positive step towards a better future.

Recovery is not linear

There will be ups and downs as you go through this journey, no matter how recent or how long ago the abuse took place.

There may be days when you feel fine and able to manage, days when you are not feeling okay, or even days when it feels very difficult to cope.

It’s important to listen to yourself and acknowledge how you are feeling on any given day. Try to work with how you are, rather than how you think you are ‘supposed’ to be.

There is no right or wrong way to feel

Conversion practices are not always a single event. Sometimes, it is a pattern of actions intended to make you feel afraid to be yourself. If someone is trying to change, ‘cure’ or suppress your sexual or romantic orientation and/or gender identity, we are here to help.

You may be facing the impacts of conversion practices in any area of your life, from your relationships and friendships, to work, study, everyday tasks, your physical and mental well-being and your identity. Reporting your experiences to the police can seem scary and the process that follows can feel quite daunting. It is completely okay to feel that way.

While you’re going through these emotions, remember:

  • No one should ever be forced to change or suppress who they are. Your identity does not need to be cured.
  • Conversion practices are forms of abuse and they do not work.
  • We can’t choose who we are and we can’t consent to abuse.
  • There is support available to you. You don’t have to face this alone – we’re here to help.