GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Conversion Therapy Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Conversion Therapy Statistics

  • Approximately 698,000 LGBTQ adults (ages 18-59) in the U.S. have received conversion therapy, with 350,000 of those receiving treatment as adolescents.
  • In the UK, more than one in 10 LGBT+ people (12%) have been pressured to access services to question or change their sexual orientation when accessing healthcare services.
  • In a study, 84% of former ex-gay participants continued to experience same-sex attraction after conversion therapy.
  • 41% of transgender people exposed to conversion therapy attempted suicide.
  • Rates of conversion therapy are particularly high among people of color, with 71% of African-American LGBT+ people who seek religious or spiritual help having been advised to change their sexual orientation.
  • Conversion therapy can cost up to $30,000 a year for some families.
  • Currently, only 20 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have laws banning conversion therapy for minors.
  • 57% of transgender respondents who have undergone conversion therapy have attempted suicide.
  • 5% of LGBT+ Americans have been subjected to conversion therapy, and an additional 10% have been offered conversion therapy.

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As we delve into the complex and controversial subject of conversion therapy, it is essential to ground our discussions in solid data. This blog post aims to present a comprehensive examination of conversion therapy statistics. We’re going to explore several numerical aspects – from the number of individuals who have undergone such therapies, the demographics most affected, the variations across different regions, and the psychological outcomes these individuals face. These statistics can provide a crucial context as we critically evaluate the practice of conversion therapy, its implications, and the discourse surrounding its legality and morality.

The Latest Conversion Therapy Statistics Unveiled

Approximately 698,000 LGBTQ adults (ages 18-59) in the U.S. have received conversion therapy, with 350,000 of those receiving treatment as adolescents.

By painting a stark picture with its figures, the statistic about the prevalence of conversion therapy among LGBTQ adults and adolescents significantly enriches our understanding of this contentious issue. The startling numbers—698,000 LGBTQ adults having undergone this therapy, half of them as adolescents—offers a profound insight into the immense magnitude of this phenomenon. This underscores the urgency of providing comprehensive education concerning the potential harm and ineffectiveness of such therapies, advocating for stronger public health policies, and promotes a broader dialogue about respecting and protecting sexual orientation and gender identities.

In the UK, more than one in 10 LGBT+ people (12%) have been pressured to access services to question or change their sexual orientation when accessing healthcare services.

Shining a light on the hidden challenges of the LGBT+ community, the statistic revealing that over one in 10 LGBT+ individuals (12%) in the UK have been pressured to question or alter their sexual orientation while seeking healthcare services becomes a stark reminder of the persisting issue of Conversion Therapy. Within the framework of a blog post about Conversion Therapy Statistics, this particular statistic underscores the prevalence and insidiousness of such practices in seemingly safe environments like healthcare facilities. It paints a vivid picture of the silent battles LGBT+ individuals face, urging us to reflect on the need for legal, cultural, and systemic changes to eradicate discrimination and bias.

In a study, 84% of former ex-gay participants continued to experience same-sex attraction after conversion therapy.

Illuminating the complexities of sexual orientation, the statistic noting that 84% of ex-gay study participants still encountered same-sex attraction after conversion therapy offers an indelible marker on the efficacy map of such interventions. In the expansive dialogue about conversion therapy within the blog post, this specific statistic highlights the therapy’s distinct limitation and broaches the nuanced question of whether sexual orientation can truly be ‘converted’. It injects a sobering reality into the broader debate, undermining the argument for conversion therapy’s effectiveness and fanning the flames of dissent against practices that could potentially offer false hope and can potentially lead to psychological harm.

41% of transgender people exposed to conversion therapy attempted suicide.

Shining a stark light on the devastating impact of conversion therapy, the statistic that reveals 41% of transgender people exposed to such practices attempted suicide is a chilling testament to the damaging psychological effects. In a context of discussing Conversion Therapy Statistics, this brutal number offers undeniable evidence of how dire the situation is for transgender individuals subjected to conversion therapy. It underscores the critical necessity for increased awareness, open dialogues, and substantial policy change to protect individuals from therapeutic practices that far too often result in psychological distress and life-threatening consequences.

Rates of conversion therapy are particularly high among people of color, with 71% of African-American LGBT+ people who seek religious or spiritual help having been advised to change their sexual orientation.

Shining a spotlight on the startling statistic revealing that 71% of African-American LGBT+ individuals seeking religious or spiritual guidance are advised to alter their sexual orientation, underscores a dire issue embedded in the heart of our society. Within a blog post concerning conversion therapy statistics, this fact not only magnifies the enduring prevalence of these harmful practices within certain racial communities, but it also highlights an intersectional struggle faced by LGBT+ individuals of color. Thus, it underscores the urgency for intensified advocacy, education, and policy changes to abolish conversion therapy, making it crucial to explore, understand, and ultimately address.

Conversion therapy can cost up to $30,000 a year for some families.

Within the realm of conversion therapy, a piercingly salient metric is the financial encumbrance it places on families, with some facing annual costs upward of $30,000. Accentuating this point in a blog post about conversion therapy statistics serves to illuminate not only the psychological toll of such practices but also the markedly high financial strain placed on families. The hefty price tag attached to conversion therapy further underscores the multifaceted efforts and significant resources expended in a highly controversial and arguably ineffective endeavor.

Currently, only 20 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have laws banning conversion therapy for minors.

As a vivid illustration of the divisive nationwide approach towards conversion therapy for minors, this statistic underscores the stark reality that, at present, just 20 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have taken legal action to avert this controversial practice. It sheds light on the disparity between regions where rights are institutionally protected, and those where minors are still legally susceptible to undergo an extensively criticized therapy. Therefore, when mapping out the landscape of conversion therapy statistics, this jarring piece of data is not just an indicator of ongoing legislative discord, but also a catalyst for a much-needed conversation on bolstering child-protection laws across the nation.

57% of transgender respondents who have undergone conversion therapy have attempted suicide.

The haunting truth echoed in the chilling statistic – ‘57% of transgender respondents who have undergone conversion therapy have attempted suicide’ serves as a stark reminder of the profound distress inflicted by conversion therapy. In a blog post dedicated to Conversion Therapy Statistics, this viewer-jolting percentage, more than just a statistic, projects the grim narrative of the physical and mental trauma transgender individuals experience after enduring conversion therapy. Highlighting the dire consequences and life-threatening risks associated with this controversial practice, it challenges societal attitudes, urging immediate reconsideration and reform in the approaches towards mental healthcare for the transgender community.

5% of LGBT+ Americans have been subjected to conversion therapy, and an additional 10% have been offered conversion therapy.

Delving into the heart of conversion therapy statistics, it becomes alarmingly apparent, as brought to light by the data suggesting that one in twenty LGBT+ Americans have not only been exposed to, but also undergone conversion therapy. This stark reality begs a broader societal exploration, given that this equates to hundreds of thousands of people facing such a challenging experience. Further deepening concern, double that percentage have found themselves on the receiving end of conversion therapy proposals. These numbers illuminate the prevalence of such practices within our society and the daunting situation faced by the LGBT+ community, thereby signifying the acute relevance, need for awareness, and discussion on this topic.

Conclusion

Conversion therapy, an extensively criticized and controversial practice, consistently demonstrates in statistics a correlation with increased mental health issues. A large number of studies underscore the fact that this therapy’s attempts at changing one’s sexual orientation lead not to the promised ‘conversion,’ but to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation. These figures argue for the urgent need for more widespread bans and regulations against conversion therapy worldwide. Until then, each statistic serves as a striking reminder of the significant harm this practice inflicts on its subjects.

References

0. – https://www.www.stonewall.org.uk

1. – https://www.www.nytimes.com

2. – https://www.www.lgbtmap.org

3. – https://www.trevorspace.org

4. – https://www.www.liebertpub.com

5. – https://www.www.lgbtqnation.com

6. – https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

7. – https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

8. – https://www.williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu

FAQs

What is conversion therapy?

Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a type of psychological or spiritual intervention intended to change an individual's sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual.

Is conversion therapy scientifically supported?

No. The majority of health and psychological organizations, including the American Psychological Association and World Health Organisation, have stated that conversion therapy is neither scientifically valid nor beneficial. Most of these organizations highlight the therapy's potential to cause harm.

Who typically conducts conversion therapy?

Conversion therapy is typically conducted by licensed mental health professionals, religious leaders, or counselors. However, it's essential to note that many professional organizations condemn this practice due to its potential harm and lack of scientific basis.

Does conversion therapy have any potential harmful effects?

Yes. Conversion therapy can lead to a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior. Additionally, it has been linked to lower self-esteem, social withdrawal, and even suicide.

Are there any laws regulating or banning conversion therapy?

Yes, the regulation of conversion therapy varies worldwide. Some countries and U.S. states have legislated against it, particularly when it's practiced on minors. However, it remains legal in many places. It is generally recommended to support legislation that opposes this harmful and unfounded practice.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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