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Citation
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Jones T, Power J, Hill AO, Despott N, Čarman M, Jones TW, Anderson J, Bourne A. Sex Res. Social Policy 2022; 19(3): 1155-1164. |
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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: Multiple jurisdictions are debating responses to United Nations calls for banning attempts at conversion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and asexual (LGBTQA +) peoples' identities to fit religious norms. This paper aimed to examine Australian LGBTQA + youths' experiences and outcomes of religious conversion practices attempting to change or suppress their gender or sexuality. It explored how attending conversion practices related to demographic characteristics and outcomes.
METHODS: A 2019 online health and social well-being survey promoted via diverse social media questioned 6412 LGBTQA + Australians aged 14-21 years on their experiences of sexuality or gender change or suppression practices. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to understand relationships between exposure to conversion practices and demographic, socio-behavioural, and health and well-being measures.
RESULTS: Whilst most participants had never attended counselling, group work, programs or interventions aimed at changing their sexuality or gender identity, 4% had attended such conversion practices. Analyses showed associations between engaging with conversion practices and (1) specific demographics (being cisgender male, multi-gender-attracted, unemployed, affiliated to a religion at the personal or household level); (2) social experiences (increased exposure to social rejection, negative remarks and harassment); (3) socio-behavioural outcomes (decreased education, sport and housing opportunities) and (4) negative health and mental health outcomes (including increased suicidality and self-harm).
CONCLUSIONS: The paper showed that conversion practices are correlated with poor well-being outcomes, providing arguments for expanding inclusive health and mental health services allowing for affirming religious and non-religious identities for LGBTQA + youth. Policy Implications: The paper provides evidence supporting bans on conversion practices. © 2021, The Author(s).
Language: en |