Conversion therapy is a harmful practice that attempts to change, suppress, or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

It is abusive.
It is not therapy.
And it causes serious harm.

Conversion therapy can happen in many settings, including counselling spaces, families, communities, and religious environments.

Quick definition

Conversion therapy is any practice that tries to change or suppress who someone is,  particularly their sexual orientation or gender identity.

It may target people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, or questioning.

Conversion therapy is based on the false belief that LGBTQ+ identities are wrong, disordered, or need to be fixed.

What conversion therapy can look like

Conversion therapy does not always look extreme or obvious.
It is often framed as care, guidance, or spiritual help.

It may include:

• Being told your identity is sinful, broken, or disordered
• Pressure to deny or suppress your sexuality or gender identity
• Counselling aimed at changing who you are
• Prayer or spiritual practices used to “remove” or “heal” identity
• Being encouraged to blame trauma, abuse, or parenting
• Threats of exclusion, rejection, or loss of community
• Being told change is required for acceptance, safety, or belonging

Some people experience conversion practices over long periods, especially in trusted or authority-led settings.

Conversion therapy and coercion

Conversion therapy often involves coercion, even when it appears voluntary.

This may include:

• Emotional pressure from family or leaders
• Fear of rejection, shame, or isolation
• Pressure to comply to stay safe or supported
• Being told you will lose relationships, housing, or community
• Being discouraged from accessing affirming support

Consent is not freely given when someone is under pressure, fear, or dependency.

Who is affected by conversion therapy?

Conversion therapy can affect:

• LGBTQ+ adults
• Children and young people
• People questioning their identity
• People with disabilities or additional support needs
• People dependent on family, care, or community structures

Young people and those in vulnerable situations are particularly at risk.

How conversion therapy affects people

Conversion therapy can cause deep and lasting harm.

Common impacts include:

• Anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Shame, self-blame, or self-hatred
• Loss of self-worth or identity confusion
• Fear of rejection or abandonment
• Difficulties trusting others or seeking help
• Increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Many people say the harm continues long after the practices stop.

Is conversion therapy the same as personal belief or discussion?

No.

Conversion therapy is not:

• Personal religious belief held privately
• Open, non-directive conversations about faith or identity
• Support that affirms choice, dignity, and self-understanding
• Counselling that helps someone explore who they are without pressure

The key difference is intent and outcome.
Conversion therapy aims to change or suppress identity, not support wellbeing.

Conversion therapy and safeguarding

Conversion therapy is increasingly recognised as a safeguarding issue.

It involves:

• Abuse of power
• Psychological and emotional harm
• Risk to mental health and safety
• Harm to children and vulnerable adults

Practices that shame, coerce, or attempt to change identity should always be taken seriously.

What if I’m not sure it “counts”?

Many people minimise their experience because:

• “They were trying to help”
• “It was about faith”
• “I agreed at the time”
• “Others had it worse”

If you were pressured to deny who you are, that matters.
Harm does not stop being harm because it was framed as care.

Support and next steps

If you have experienced conversion therapy:

• What happened was not your fault
• You deserve support that affirms your identity and dignity
• You do not have to explain or justify who you are

If you are in immediate danger or distress, seek urgent help.

Specialist LGBTQ+ and abuse support services can help you explore options safely and confidentially.

You are not alone

Conversion therapy relies on silence, shame, and fear.
Support is available, at your pace, on your terms.

The post What Is Conversion Therapy? was created by First Light.