Examining the Prevalence and Experiences of Conversion Practices of Sexually and Gender Diverse People in Portugal

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences and prevalence of conversion practices and their association with mental health among sexually and gender diverse (SGD) people in Portugal. Methods: Four hundred and twenty-four SGD individuals (mean age = 26.6) completed an online survey regarding their experiences of therapy and conversion practices. Data were collected between March 2021 and December 2022. Through analysis of variance, participants who reported experiencing a conversion practice were compared with those who did not on their levels of psychological distress (Clinical Outcome Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure). Results: Almost 22% of participants reported being subjected to conversion practices, with 22% of such practices performed by a mental health professional. The mean age at the start of the practice was 16.5 years. More than half of the sample who were subjected to a conversion practice reported feeling coerced into doing so, and over a third felt forced to stay in the process. After controlling for participants’ previous experience of therapy and being in therapy at the time of the study, participants reporting a conversion experience showed significantly lower subjective well-being and life functioning and significantly higher problems/symptoms and risk than those who did not. Conclusion: A high prevalence of conversion practices and their pervasive effects on SGD individuals’ mental health were found in this study. It further highlighted how SGD youth are at greater risk of being subjected to such practices. We argue that legislation to criminalize such practices and protect SGD individuals is urgent.