Religious Conversion Practices and LGBTQA + Youth

Abstract 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 fit religious norms. This paper aimed examine Australian LGBTQA + youths’ experiences outcomes practices attempting change or suppress their gender sexuality. It explored how attending related demographic characteristics outcomes. Methods A 2019 online health social well-being survey promoted via diverse media questioned 6412 Australians aged 14–21 years on sexuality suppression practices. Descriptive inferential analyses were performed understand relationships between exposure demographic, socio-behavioural, measures. Results Whilst most participants had never attended counselling, group work, programs interventions changing identity, 4% such Analyses showed associations engaging with (1) specific demographics (being cisgender male, multi-gender-attracted, unemployed, affiliated a religion the personal household level); (2) (increased rejection, negative remarks harassment); (3) socio-behavioural (decreased education, sport housing opportunities) (4) mental (including increased suicidality self-harm). Conclusions The that correlated poor outcomes, providing arguments expanding inclusive services allowing affirming non-religious youth. Policy Implications provides evidence supporting bans