January 7th
International Day
To End Conversion Therapy
The observance of IDECT was initiated by C.T. Survivors Connect, a Canadian not-for-profit organization based in Ontario. In partnership with the Conversion Therapy Survivors Network, a united call to action emerged, marking the beginnings of an international survivor community.
January 7 was chosen for IDECT because it marks the day in 2022 when Canada’s federal ban on conversion practices officially became law. This date represents not only a legislative milestone but also a global call for solidarity and legal reform.
While Canada’s ban on conversion practices was a landmark victory, and various bans have been put in place within the United States, conversion therapy and related efforts remain legal or unregulated in many countries. IDECT serves as both a memorial and a movement, honoring those lost or harmed while building momentum to end these human rights abuses worldwide.
The vision of IDECT is a world free from conversion therapy, where affirming, trauma-informed, and survivor-led care is the norm, a future that can only be achieved through collective action.
Global Call to Action
Organizers of IDECT are calling on survivors, peer support leaders, LGBTQIA+ organizations, mental health professionals, and allies across the globe to take part in the annual observance. Participation can take many forms, helping to raise awareness, foster solidarity, and build momentum toward ending conversion therapy worldwide. The campaign encourages:
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Events, rallies, and educational forums to spark dialogue and inform communities.
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Online campaigns using the hashtag #IDECT to amplify survivor voices and share resources.
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Policy advocacy efforts to secure full legal bans on conversion practices in every country.
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Public displays of the Conversion Therapy Survivor Flag to promote visibility, connection, and unity among those impacted.
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Through these collective efforts, IDECT aims to strengthen the global movement to end conversion therapy and advance affirming, survivor-led care for all.
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