International Day to End Conversion Therapy
The International Day to End Conversion Therapy (IDECT) is an annual global observance held on January 7 to raise awareness about the harms of conversion therapy, honor survivors, and promote affirming, evidence-based care for LGBT and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The day was founded in 2022 by C.T. Survivors Connect (Canada) and the Conversion Therapy Survivor Network (CTSN, United States), two survivor-led organizations that provide peer support and advocacy resources. IDECT coincides with the anniversary of Canada's federal ban on conversion therapy (Bill C-4), which became law in January 2022.[1]
History
Following Canada's national ban on conversion therapy, survivors and advocates in Canada and the United States sought to create a unifying platform for global solidarity. The first IDECT was observed in 2023, marking both a celebration of progress and a call to action for an international ban on so-called Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts (SOGIECE).[2]
Symbolism
A central emblem of the day is the Conversion Therapy Survivors Flag, introduced by CTSN and designed by a U.S. survivor. The flag’s colors symbolize diversity, resilience, and hope, serving as a unifying symbol of community, solidarity, and resistance for survivors worldwide.[3]
Observances
Each year, survivors, advocates, and organizations mark IDECT through:
- Educational campaigns and public statements
- Policy advocacy and calls for legislative bans on conversion therapy
- Local and virtual events honoring survivors
- Online activism using the hashtag #IDECT
- Displays of the Survivors Flag in public and community spaces[4]
See also
- Conversion therapy
- LGBT rights
- Transgender rights movement
- Pride Month
- Day of Silence
References
- ↑ "Bill C-4: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)". Government of Canada. January 7, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ↑ "International Day to End Conversion Therapy announced". Conversion Therapy Survivor Network. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ↑ "The Conversion Therapy Survivors Flag". C.T. Survivors Connect. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ↑ "How to Participate in IDECT". C.T. Survivors Connect. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
External links
Category:LGBT events Category:Awareness days Category:January observances Category:Conversion therapy Category:LGBT health Category:International observances
References
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