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By: Geron Malbas

A recently published report, co-written by Master of Public Health (MPH) student Reilla Archibald, provides clear findings on what supports are needed for 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada who have been harmed by sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts (SOGIECE)鈥攚hich includes conversion 鈥渢herapy鈥� (CT). 鈥檚 findings highlight barriers experienced in recovering from harm, as well as supports and resources that were helpful during survivors鈥�/participants鈥� recovery.

Archibald worked as the research assistant for the project leading the qualitative and quantitative survey analyses, as well as supporting the project lead with focus groups and interviews. She highlights that the report鈥檚 participants identified the need for increased public awareness and education and that our society should be mindful that SOGIECE still exists.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a big surprise for a lot of people that it鈥檚 still happening in Canada and around the globe; there is a lot of harm that continues to happen, and there are a lot of recovery needs,鈥� Archibald explains. 鈥淗ealthcare providers should make conscious efforts to not reinforce the cisgender and heterosexual norms that society commonly enforces, which continue to perpetuate harm among survivors. It鈥檚 important to approach people in respectful ways that aren鈥檛 assumptive.鈥�

The report recommends four categories of support and actions: 1. The development of a variety of survivor supports, along with necessary funding; 2. Increased education and awareness among the general public and specific communities; 3. Education, training, and tools within the healthcare system; and 4. Continued research. While all four are important, Archibald and Sullivan point out the intersectional and additional considerations that can be made.

鈥淎wareness of the public and continued research is really important; in this project, we weren鈥檛 able to focus on specific populations, since we first sought to understand what is needed by the survivor community at large,鈥� Archibald explains. 鈥淏ut we have identified that there are many intersectional needs specific to different sub-populations, such as BIPOC individuals that have experienced harm, that require further research to properly understand their unique needs.鈥�

鈥淭he creation of a multifaith coalition of 2SLGBTQ+ affirming faith-based networks leaders and allies that are strategically created as anti-racist and anti-oppressive would help to act as a conduit to the grassroots advocacy that is already helping the religious communities,鈥� Sullivan explains. 鈥淗ealthcare practitioners/providers, scientists, and researchers should not assume that all 2SLGBTQ+ people want to leave their religious communities, or abandon religion altogether if they do leave, or that they don鈥檛 still carry within them open wounds from religious trauma in addition to SOGIECE related trauma if they do leave religion altogether.鈥�

For those interested in working in the health care or research field, Archibald and Sullivan reiterate the importance of being cognizant of environments and individuals that may differ from your lived experience.

鈥淏e affirming of all sexual and gender minorities 鈥� approach work, not from a binary lens, but a neutral lens where there is a spectrum,鈥� Archibald says. 鈥淵ou cannot assume for people, so try your best to make an inclusive, affirming, and welcoming environment.鈥�

鈥淧eople who experienced CT need support, not judgment or dismissal; they need to hear stories of healing and liberation experienced by survivors of conversion therapy practices, who know the pitfalls and dangers of religious abuse and conversion therapy practices,鈥� Sullivan explains. 鈥淲e need to be there to affirm the validity of their experience when they start looking for information not provided by their gatekeepers.鈥�

If you are looking for opportunities to help connect with work in this area, or with Reilla鈥檚 team or colleagues, you can participate in the , or connect with The Roundtable. If you want to connect with Jordan鈥檚 work, you can stay tuned to .