Introduction The informed and compassionate care provided by mental health professionals is key to the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+, takatāpui Māori and MVPFAFF+ Pasifika communities. Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is providing this guidance on conversion practices as a way to support this invaluable work. What are conversion practices? Conversion practices are actions taken towards an individual with the intention of changing or suppressing their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expressioni. They are sometimes referred to as ‘conversion therapy’. These practices are typically directed at members of the LGBTQIA+, takatāpui Māori and MVPFAFF+ Pasifika communities. They reflect a belief system, known as conversion ideology, which asserts that being part of these communities is wrong and can be changed.ii Even though conversion practices may appear to provide short term results they inevitably failiii and cause significant harm. Evidence, internationally and in Aotearoa New Zealand, shows survivors of conversion practices experience mental distress, withdrawal and isolation, negative career impacts, physical health symptoms, and suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts.iv Examples of conversion practices • a medical practitioner delaying hormone treatment to allow for the development of a plan for gender confirming healthcare, or for activities, such as counselling. Practitioners need to act within legal, professional and ethical standards and exercise reasonable professional judgement • a religious leader preaching, praying for, or providing pastoral care for someone questioning their sexuality or gender. It is also not a conversion practice to: • assist someone who is undergoing, or considering undergoing, a gender transition • assist someone to express their gender or identity • provide acceptance, support or understanding of an individual • facilitate a person’s coping skills, development or identity exploration, or help with social support.vii Conversion practices include but are not limited to: Where conversion practices happen • using shame, coercion or other tactics to give someone an aversion to same-sex attractions or to encourage gender-conforming behaviour In Aotearoa conversion practices take place in a range of settings. • encouraging someone to believe their sexuality or gender is defective or disordered • performing a ritual, such as an exorcism or prayerbased practice to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity.v Often conversion practices are difficult to recognise because they are disguised as non-threatening, for example as a group study, mentoring and counselling or as camps or courses. They can be formal and informal, and include practices directed by others or self-imposed.vi What conversion practices are not It is not a conversion practice to do any of the following providing there is no intention to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression: • 22 sexuality or gender with their child – including offering advice and guidance or expressing a belief or religious principle a parent or guardian respectfully discussing Conversion Practices Guidance for mental health professionals Some people may engage in, or be pressured to engage in, conversion practices because of deeply held religious beliefs while others may because their cultural norms prioritise heterosexual relationships and traditional gender roles. For example in some cultures it is seen as essential to marry and have children in a heterosexual relationship to show respect to your parents. Christianity is a common context for conversion practicesviii and it can be linked to cultural norms in other settings. This is due, in part, to the historical influence of Christianity and its ongoing role in shaping communities. Conversion practices also occur in medical, counselling and psychotherapy settingsix, for example a practitioner may withhold necessary gender affirming healthcare or use counselling to suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.