Prevalence of Exposure to Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and Associated Sociodemographic Characteristics and Psychosocial Health Outcomes among Canadian Sexual Minority Men

Abstract

Objective: Sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE), or “conversion therapy,” are pseudoscientific practices intended to suppress or deny sexual attraction to members of the same gender/sex. There are currently no data available to inform estimates of the prevalence of SOCE exposure in Canada. The objective of this study is therefore to describe the prevalence, social–demographic correlates, and health consequences of SOCE among Canadian sexual minority men. Methods: Sex Now 2011 to 2012 was a cross-sectional nonprobability survey of Canadian sexual minority men. Respondents were asked about lifetime SOCE exposure. We estimated prevalence of SOCE exposure by sociodemographic characteristics and examined psychosocial health outcomes among those exposed to SOCE. Results: Of N = 8,388 respondents, 3.5% (95% confidence interval, 3.2% to 4.1%) reported having ever been exposed to SOCE. Exposure to SOCE was higher among gay men (as compared with bisexual men), transgender respondents (as compared with cisgender respondents), those who were “out” about their sexuality (as compared with those who were not “out”), Indigenous men (as compared with White men), other racial minorities (as compared with White men), and those earning a personal income <$30,000 (as compared with those earning ≥$60,000 CAD). Exposure to SOCE was positively associated with loneliness, regular illicit drug use, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt. Conclusions: SOCE exposure remains prevalent and associated with substantial psychosocial morbidity among sexual minority men in Canada. All levels of government in Canada should consider action to ban SOCE. SOCE survivors likely require intervention and support from the Canadian health-care system.

The scope and nature of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts: A systematic review protocol

“…A meta-analysis is likely not possible due to the variability of populations (e.g., differing age groups, gender identities, gender modalities, etc.) and de nitions of SOGIECE used (2,7,23). Results will therefore be presented using a narrative synthesis with tables (37).…”

“…SOGIECE continue to occur across the globe, including jurisdictions with strong legal protections for SGM, such as Canada (2,13). To-date, no attempts have been made to synthesize quantitative prevalence estimates (i.e., using a systematic review methodology).…”

“…Given the variability in how conversion therapy is articulated and practiced, a fulsome examination requires a broad de nition. To capture the breadth of conversion therapy-related practices, such as a youth speaking to a counsellor who provides advice on repressing sexual attraction, a physician prescribing medication to suppress sex drive, or intentional delay of gender non-a rming care to a transgender (trans) or non-binary person, this project uses the acronym SOGIECE: sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts (2). This de nition includes, but is not limited to, more formal practices of conversion therapy.…”

“…The effects of SOGIECE: SOGIECE are ineffective, harmful, and often lead to poor psychosocial outcomes. For example, SOGIECE has been associated with poor self-esteem, internalized stigma and discrimination, self-harm, self-hatred, depression, anxiety, and adaptive substance use (i.e., as a form of coping or suppression) (2,12). More generally, SOGIECE can lead to isolation from both communities of origin and SGM communities, as many survivors of SOGIECE feel that they have lost years of their lives and are not able to embrace their authentic selves (13,14).…”

The scope and nature of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts: A systematic review protocol

“…Given the variability in how conversion therapy is articulated and practiced, a fulsome examination requires a broad de nition. To capture the breadth of conversion therapy-related practices, such as a youth speaking to a counsellor who provides advice on repressing sexual attraction, a physician prescribing medication to suppress sex drive, or intentional delay of gender non-a rming care to a transgender (trans) or non-binary person, this project uses the phrase sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts (SOGIECE) (2). This de nition includes, but is not limited to, more formal practices of conversion therapy.…”