• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-14 years, and the third leading cause among those aged 15-24 years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022)

• LGBTQ+ young people are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019;Johns et al., 2020)

Convsersion therapy is defined by the dictionary as "the practice of attempting to cause a non-heterosexual person to become heterosexual by using psychoanalysis, behavioral modification, spiritual counseling, or other means." In the late 19th century, homosexuality began to make its way into the fields of psychology/psychiatry leading to professionals searching for ways to reverse it - this was often rooted in spiritual and religious beliefs that looked at homosexuality as a sin or against the human condition. 

Since the 19th century, science has come to understand that it is extremely harmful to the mental and physical health of LGBTQ+ youth and adults, increasing the likelihood of depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness, and self-image issues. Not only that, but it simply does not work (Human Rights Campaign). Research results published by the American Psychological Association on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE's) have shown "that it is unlikely that individuals will be able to reduce same-sex attractions."