Hi supporters,
The Trevor Project has just released their National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2019.
The survey had over 34,000 respondents from across the US. Shockingly, the report states that 2 in 3 of those respondents reported that someone had tried to convince them to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.
42% of youth who had experienced LGBTQ+ conversion 'therapy' had attempted suicide, compared with 17% for those who had not experienced it.
57% of trans and non-binary youth who have undergone LGBTQ+ conversion therapy reported an attempt at suicide in the last 12 months.
Although this study was based in the USA, we know from survivors testimonies and also research done in Australia by La Trobe University that LGBTQ+ Conversion is happening here as well, with at least 10 formal organisations running (largely underground). This research also found lasting harm occurred for people exposed to it. You can read the report, Preventing Harm, Promoting Justice, here.
LGBTQ+ Conversion causes significant damage!
The Australian Labor Party responded to this petition, the SOCE Survivor Statement, and the research by promising to work with survivors to develop a national, multi-faceted response that would not only 'ban' the pseudo-therapies, but also address the harmful ideology and messaging that underpins them.
Just before the election last month, the Liberal Party said that they, too, would respond to the issue, however there has been no detail of how or when.
The recent election has, of course, brought with it a re-shuffle of MP's and some re-delegation of roles. This means that many of our representatives may not have heard from you yet about what you want them to do about LGBTQ+ Conversion in Australia.
Now is the time to email, write and call your new local member to demand action. You can find out how to do that here!
Please continue to share this petition and the SOCE Survivor Statement with as many as possible.
Thank you for your ongoing support, as always.
Chris Csabs
You can read The Trevor Project report in its entirety here.
If you need help or support, you can contact Life Line Australia on 131114 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636