Experiences with and prevalence of conversion therapy practices and sexual orientation and gender identity or expression change efforts among 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth in Canada.

This article investigates the prevalence and characteristics of conversion therapy practices (CTP) and sexual orientation and gender identity or expression change efforts (SOGIECE) among Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (trans), queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender minority (2S/LGBTQIA+) youth aged 15–24 in Canada. The study found that 7.7% of respondents reported experiencing CTP, 7.4% were at risk of CTP, and 65.8% reported exposure to SOGIECE, with higher prevalence among men, transgender, intersex, and certain racialized groups, as well as geographic variation across provinces. CTP often occurred through certified health professionals or religious organizations, while SOGIECE was frequently experienced from family members, especially parents. The findings underscore the ongoing presence of these harmful practices despite recent Canadian legislation criminalizing CTP, highlighting the need for targeted education, policy interventions, and further research to protect vulnerable 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth populations.