established by C.T. Survivors Connect (Canada) in partnership with the Conversion Therapy Survivor Network (United States)
January 7 will be the inaugural International Day to End Conversion Therapy (#IDECT). It’s a day when survivors, advocates, and allies come together for a global day of awareness, remembrance, and action, dedicated to ending practices that attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
IDECT was established by C.T. Survivors Connect (Canada) in partnership with the Conversion Therapy Survivor Network (United States). While IDECT was initiated in North America, Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International (ABBI) has joined fellow survivor groups, knowing there is still much to do. The significance of the day is deeply relevant to Australia — a country that has made important progress yet still has unfinished business when it comes to protecting LGBTQ+ people from so-called conversion “therapy” and “pray the gay away” practices.
All major mental health organisations recognise that attempts to make non-heterosexual people straight and gender conforming are not only a waste of time but also harmful. Sometimes with tragic outcomes.
Australia’s journey: progress — and gaps
Australia has taken significant steps in recent years. Several states and territories — including Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the ACT — have now enacted legislation restricting or banning these outdated practices. This reflects decades of survivor advocacy, community education, and growing recognition of the harm.
In Australia, protections vary depending on where someone lives, how the practice is framed, and whether it occurs in religious, pastoral, or informal settings. For survivors, this patchwork approach means safety is uneven — and accountability inconsistent. Eventually, we need to have a consistent national approach.
IDECT provides an opportunity for Australia to reflect honestly on this reality: progress has been made, but survivors are still falling through the cracks.
Remembering why this matters
LGBTQ conversion practices are not relics of the past. Legislation doesn’t automatically change the beliefs that are the source of the harm. Survivors in Australia continue to report experiences of:
- Being told their sexuality or gender identity is sinful, disordered, or broken.
- Being pressured into prayer, counselling, pastoral “support,” or suppression strategies.
- Experiencing long-term psychological harm, trauma, shame, and isolation.
- Religion is often the source of these practices, but it can also happen within certain cultural and family contexts.
- Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory are still to pass legislation.
IDECT exists to honour survivors, acknowledge these harms, and call for affirming, evidence-based care — not ideology masquerading as help
International Day to End Conversion Therapy
A central symbol of IDECT is the Conversion Therapy Survivors Flag, designed by a survivor. Its colours represent resilience, diversity, and collective strength — a reminder that survivors are not alone, and that visibility matters.
Grey – Represents PTSD and memory loss. Pink – Symbolises sexual abuse and marginalization. Blue – Stands for domestic violence. Triangle – Inspired by the Progress Pride Flag, representing survivors overcoming these struggles. Lavender/Purple – Highlights identity, pride, and community. Gold/Yellow – Signifies hope. Green – Reflects the truth of who we naturally are.
What you can do
IDECT is not only a day of remembrance; it is a call to action. Australians can take part by:
- Sharing survivor-centred resources
- Supporting organisations led by and accountable to survivors
- Select at least one survivor story that impacts you, and post on social media using #IDECT
Standing together - IDECT reminds us that ending conversion therapy is not just a policy issue — it is a human one. It is about dignity, safety, healing, and ensuring future generations are never told they must be “fixed” to be worthy.
On January 7, Australia stands with survivors worldwide. And together — survivors, allies, LGBTQ organisations and communities — we continue the work to end so-called conversion “therapy” and related practices everywhere.
Anthony Venn-Brown OAM – you are a good man – God Bless You.
Find out more about the work this amazing man does at his website by clicking here.
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