Change and suppression practices (also known as conversion practices) are any practices directed at an individual that attempt to change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.
These practices have no basis in medicine. There is no evidence that sexual orientation or gender identity can be changed. Not only are these practices ineffective, but they are also deeply harmful and can cause long-term mental health issues and, in the most tragic of cases, suicide.
These practices are now banned in Victoria.
Legislative reform
The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021 began on 17 February 2022. It bans practices that seek to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
It aims to make sure Victorians are able to live their lives authentically with pride, and make it clear an individual's sexual orientation and gender identity are not 'broken' and do not need to be 'fixed.'
For more information, see the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission website.
Resources
The Victorian Government has developed a fact sheet, in partnership with survivor groups and faith leaders, to inform the Victorian community about the impact and dangers of change and suppression practices. Find the LGBTQ+ Change and Suppression Practices Fact Sheet.
Support
If this page is upsetting or worrying, you can get help and support by contacting these organisations.
Thorne Harbour Health
Victoria’s largest LGBTIQ health organisation serving the health needs of LGBTIQ communities to ensure all gender, sex, and sexually diverse individuals are treated with dignity and can participate fully in society.
Phone: 1800 134 840
Email: enquiries@thorneharbour.org
Queerspace
LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing support service.
Phone: 03 9663 6733
Email: enquiries@ds.org.au
Rainbow Door
Free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their family and friends during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
Phone: 1800 729 367 or 0480 017 246 (SMS support)
Switchboard
Peer-driven support services for LGBTIQA+ people, their families, allies and communities from 10am – 6pm.
Phone: 1800 729 367
Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au
Brave Network
Support and advocacy group for LGBTIQA+ people of faith and allies.
Visit: Brave Network website
QLife
LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships from 3pm – midnight.
Phone: 1800 184 527
Lifeline
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Phone: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline
24-hour counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years.
Phone: 1800 551 800
Email: counsellor@kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia
24-hour help, support, referrals and counselling services for men.
Phone: 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service
24-hour counselling for suicide prevention and mental health via telephone, online and video for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts.
Phone: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue
24-hour information, advice and support for people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.
Phone: 1300 224 636
Headspace
Information and support about mental health and wellbeing.
Phone: 1800 650 890
ReachOut
Information, support and resources about mental health issues for people under 25 years.
Visit: au.reachout.com
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