International Day to End Conversion Therapy: January 7

January 7th marks the International Day to End Conversion Therapy (IDECT), a global day to recognize the harm caused by conversion therapy and to affirm that queer and trans people deserve safety, dignity, and care exactly as they are. In 2026, we are marking this day for the first time with our community.

What is conversion therapy?

Conversion therapy is a term used to describe practices that attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These practices are often falsely framed as “treatment” or “support,” but they are not based in science or legitimate healthcare. Instead, they are rooted in the harmful belief that being 2SLGBTQIA+ is something that needs to be fixed.

Conversion therapy has taken many forms over time—from counselling sessions and coercive religious practices to isolation, shame-based techniques, and physical harm. What they all share is a core message: that queer and trans identities are wrong. Medical and mental health experts around the world have repeatedly confirmed that conversion therapy does not work and causes serious harm, including increased risk of anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicide.

Why January 7?

January 7 was chosen to mark a major turning point. On this date in 2022, Canada’s federal ban on conversion therapy came into force, making it a criminal offence to subject someone to these practices, promote them, or profit from them. Survivor-led groups recognized this moment as an opportunity not just to reflect on progress, but to push for change globally, leading to the creation of IDECT.

While Canada has taken an important step, conversion therapy still exists in many parts of the world, often under different names. Protections remain uneven, and many people, especially youth, are still vulnerable.

Why this day matters

International Day to End Conversion Therapy is both a moment of remembrance and a call to action. It honours survivors, acknowledges those who were harmed or lost, and reinforces a simple truth: being 2SLGBTQIA+ is not an illness, disorder, or failure.

Today is about learning, listening, and recommitting to a future where all queer and trans people can grow up knowing they are worthy of love, safety, and respect—without conditions.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by conversion therapy, support is available. You are not alone, QMUNITY has counselling and peer groups available to connect you with mental health resources.