Ending Conversion Practices WA

06/10/2025

LGBTQIA+ change and suppression practices must be outlawed in WA.

As if we needed more evidence, another horrific WA story has come to light.

07/06/2025

Rainbow Voices WA is a community-led survey that will help shape the WA Government’s first ever whole of government LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy. This is a historic opportunity to have your voice heard and help design a future where LGBTIQA+ people across WA are safe, respected and included in healthcare, education, employment, justice and more.

🗓️ The survey is open now and closes 30 June 2025.
💬 It's for anyone 16+ in WA with diverse genders, s*xualities or s*x characteristics.
🎁 Everyone who completes it can choose to enter a draw to win one of 10 x $50 vouchers (this is optional and confidential).

Take 20 minutes now to share your voice and be part of shaping the future for LGBTIQA+ communities. You'll find the survey here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RVWA

14/02/2025

Rainbow Futures WA and Ending Conversion Practices WA are advocating for conversion practices legislation focused on a survivor-centred, trauma-informed approach that both prevents further harm and ensures survivors receive redress and support.

Conversion practices are still legal in WA.

Promised since 2022, WA Labor has committed to introducing legislation encompassing both criminal and civil schemes before the end of 2025 and have begun consultation with stakeholders.

Ending conversion practices in religious and clinical contexts features in Greens (WA) LGBTQIA+ policy.

WA Liberals haven’t taken a public position directly on the issue, but current MPs and candidates have made bigoted comments relating to conversion practices over the years and recently, which were not disavowed by party leadership. Most recently, candidate for Albany Thomas Brough has likened inclusivity training provided by the Australian Human Rights Commission to “conversion therapy” and “forced indoctrination”.

You can read more details about this legislation in our summary proposal, which was developed in response to government consultation in 2024 (link in comments).

18/10/2024

Here’s an update about the progress of conversion practices legislation!

07/08/2024

Did you catch All Things Q***r on RTRFM today?

You can still listen to the episode here - just scroll down to listen to a 15 minute story about the progress of Conversion Practices Legislation.

All Things Q***r is Perth’s dedicated q***r talks-based radio program, arriving every Wednesday morning, allowing you to recover and reflect on the weekend just gone and to cast an eye on the issues affecting the q***r community. Tackling local, national and global perspectives on the LGBTI+ exper...

28/05/2024

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO THURSDAY 30 MAY.

We still have places in this ONLINE training THIS SATURDAY to offer quality support to survivors of LGBTQIA+ conversion practices.

Expressions of Interest are open until Thursday for this FREE training.

Maybe you are a counsellor, psychologist or youth worker? Perhaps you have a peer support or community leadership role? If you provide care and support to survivors, then this training might be for you.

Places are limited, and priority will be given to people who work (or will work) closely with survivors. But, if you’re interested, please express interest! This might just be the right opportunity to build your knowledge and skills.

PARTICIPANTS FROM REGIONAL WA are warmly encouraged to participate, and will be given priority places.
Click here by Friday 24 May to submit an online expression of interest: https://forms.gle/CcXZPscXz3rJUnkX7

***

This half-day training session will provide participants with an understanding of conversion practices and the harm they can cause. Participants will hear from people with lived-experience, and the training will introduce an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to engaging with and supporting survivors. The training will be facilitated using trauma-informed principles, endeavouring to create a safe and empowering space for participants to engage with material presented.
The training is informed by the latest research, ‘Healing Spiritual Harms: Recovery from LGBTIQ+ Change or suppression Practices’ and brings together practice wisdom and lived-experience knowledge.
On completion of this training, participants will;
· Understand what conversion and suppression practices are, and the harms they can cause to survivors;
· Acquire knowledge of helpful and unhelpful approaches to supporting survivors to heal from these experiences;
· Increase their capacity to provide culturally sensitive and LGBTIQ+ affirming care to survivors of conversion practices;
· Understand the social, historical and legislative context for the evolution of religious conversion practices in Australia and other parts of the world;
· Gain an appreciation for diverse lived-experiences of survivors from a range of faith and cultural backgrounds
· Be familiar with a range of possible ways that survivors may present and how to engage and respond effectively.
Ending Conversion Practices WA, in partnership with Living Proud, is pleased to offer this training to support survivors of conversion practices. In the context of proposed legislative reform in WA, it is anticipated that political debate in the coming years is likely to have a negative impact on survivors and other community members. This has sadly been the case in places that have already passed legislation.
In 2020, the SOGICE Survivors Statement was released, calling for an end to conversion practices and greater support for survivors. You can read it here: https://www.sogicesurvivors.com.au/.../Survivor-Statement...
In 2021, Zeina Jamaleddine and Naomi Rottem worked closely with researchers from La Trobe University to develop training which aims to raise awareness and build practice skills in supporting survivors of conversion practices. The training was developed in the context of recent legislative reform in Victoria. It has been successfully piloted and evaluated by La Trobe university, and has had participants from across Australia and internationally.
· Co-production: Valuing a range of knowledge sources in the development and delivery of training, including research, practice and lived experience knowledge.
· Intersectionality: Recognising diverse experiences and identities of survivors.
· Trauma informed: Understanding the deep and complex trauma impacts of conversion practices on survivors, the training incorporates trauma informed practices in both the content and process of delivery to promote a safe learning environment for participants as well as safe practice with service users who may have experienced conversion practices and ideologies.
The training provides participants with an understanding of conversion practices and the harm they can cause for survivors. Participants will hear from people with lived-experience, and will be introduced to an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to engaging with and supporting survivors. The training was developed in partnership with La Trobe University, AGMC, and the Brave Network, as a project funded by the Victorian Government. The training is informed by the research in ‘Healing Spiritual Harms: Recovery from LGBTQA+ Change or Suppression Practices’, and brings together practice wisdom and lived-experience knowledge.
This training will take place ONLINE via Zoom on Saturday 1 June, 10.00am - 2.00pm AWST.
All you need to do is click here and submit an expression of interest by Friday 24 May 2024: https://forms.gle/CcXZPscXz3rJUnkX7

Working with survivors of LGBTIQ+ Conversion or Suppression practices EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Please note there are limited places in the training days. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by Friday 25 May 2024. Successful participants will be contacted shortly afterwards. WHEN: Saturday 1 June...

25/04/2024

Would you like ONLINE training to offer quality support to survivors of LGBTQIA+ conversion practices?

Expressions of Interest are now open for this FREE training.

Maybe you are a counsellor, psychologist or youth worker? Perhaps you have a peer support or community leadership role? If you provide care and support to survivors, then this training might be for you.

Places are limited, and priority will be given to people who work (or will work) closely with survivors. But, if you’re interested, please express interest! This might just be the right opportunity to build your knowledge and skills.

PARTICIPANTS FROM REGIONAL WA are warmly encouraged to participate, and will be given priority places.

Click here by Friday 24 May to submit an online expression of interest: https://forms.gle/CcXZPscXz3rJUnkX7

***

This half-day training session will provide participants with an understanding of conversion practices and the harm they can cause. Participants will hear from people with lived-experience, and the training will introduce an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to engaging with and supporting survivors. The training will be facilitated using trauma-informed principles, endeavouring to create a safe and empowering space for participants to engage with material presented.

The training is informed by the latest research, ‘Healing Spiritual Harms: Recovery from LGBTIQ+ Change or suppression Practices’ and brings together practice wisdom and lived-experience knowledge.

On completion of this training, participants will;
· Understand what conversion and suppression practices are, and the harms they can cause to survivors;
· Acquire knowledge of helpful and unhelpful approaches to supporting survivors to heal from these experiences;
· Increase their capacity to provide culturally sensitive and LGBTIQ+ affirming care to survivors of conversion practices;
· Understand the social, historical and legislative context for the evolution of religious conversion practices in Australia and other parts of the world;
· Gain an appreciation for diverse lived-experiences of survivors from a range of faith and cultural backgrounds
· Be familiar with a range of possible ways that survivors may present and how to engage and respond effectively.

Ending Conversion Practices WA, in partnership with Living Proud, is pleased to offer this training to support survivors of conversion practices. In the context of proposed legislative reform in WA, it is anticipated that political debate in the coming years is likely to have a negative impact on survivors and other community members. This has sadly been the case in places that have already passed legislation.

In 2020, the SOGICE Survivors Statement was released, calling for an end to conversion practices and greater support for survivors. You can read it here: https://www.sogicesurvivors.com.au/.../Survivor-Statement...

In 2021, Zeina Jamaleddine and Naomi Rottem worked closely with researchers from La Trobe University to develop training which aims to raise awareness and build practice skills in supporting survivors of conversion practices. The training was developed in the context of recent legislative reform in Victoria. It has been successfully piloted and evaluated by La Trobe university, and has had participants from across Australia and internationally.
· Co-production: Valuing a range of knowledge sources in the development and delivery of training, including research, practice and lived experience knowledge.
· Intersectionality: Recognising diverse experiences and identities of survivors.
· Trauma informed: Understanding the deep and complex trauma impacts of conversion practices on survivors, the training incorporates trauma informed practices in both the content and process of delivery to promote a safe learning environment for participants as well as safe practice with service users who may have experienced conversion practices and ideologies.
The training provides participants with an understanding of conversion practices and the harm they can cause for survivors. Participants will hear from people with lived-experience, and will be introduced to an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to engaging with and supporting survivors. The training was developed in partnership with La Trobe University, AGMC, and the Brave Network, as a project funded by the Victorian Government. The training is informed by the research in ‘Healing Spiritual Harms: Recovery from LGBTQA+ Change or Suppression Practices’, and brings together practice wisdom and lived-experience knowledge.

This training will take place ONLINE via Zoom on Saturday 1 June, 10.00am - 2.00pm AWST.

All you need to do is click here and submit an expression of interest by Friday 24 May 2024: https://forms.gle/CcXZPscXz3rJUnkX7

Working with survivors of LGBTIQ+ Conversion or Suppression practices EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Please note there are limited places in the training days. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by Friday 25 May 2024. Successful participants will be contacted shortly afterwards. WHEN: Saturday 1 June...

26/03/2024

This short segment on Nine News features the voice of a survivor of conversion practices. Please watch and share!

It also includes the Premier committing to introduce legislation. The question is ‘how long do we have to wait?’

22/03/2024

NSW is on the way to banning conversion practices.

In WA, the legislation has been promised, but there has been very limited community consultation so far.

We are looking forward to the day that survivors in WA are invited to contribute to best-practice legal protections.

https://www.change.org/p/praying-the-gay-away-nearly-killed-me-outlaw-lgbtqa-conversion-practices/u/32450993

18/02/2024

It's more than a year since the WA government committed to ban LGBTIA+ conversion practices. Still no change.

We don't call it 'conversion therapy' because it is absolutely, positively NOT therapeutic. It's time for these laws to change.

But, if you work with survivors (or would like to) there is an opportunity to undergo free training to help you. Click here to find out more: https://forms.gle/SGUMnGPCFXRfKkvL9

An alleged conversion therapy event divided this country town, but despite promises to outlaw the practice, it's still legal in this state.

17/02/2024

Would you like training to offer quality support to survivors of LGBTQIA+ conversion practices?

Expressions of Interest are now open for this FREE training. Maybe you are a counsellor, psychologist or youth worker? Perhaps you have a peer support or community leadership role? If you provide care and support to survivors, then this training might be for you.

Places are limited, and priority will be given to people who work (or will work) closely with survivors. But, if you’re interested, please express interest! This might just be the right opportunity to build your knowledge and skills.

Click here by Friday 2 March to submit an expression of interest form: https://forms.gle/SGUMnGPCFXRfKkvL9

***
This one-day training session will provide participants with an understanding of conversion practices and the harm they can cause. Participants will hear from people with lived-experience, and the training will introduce an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to engaging with and supporting survivors. The training will be facilitated using trauma-informed principles, endeavouring to create a safe and empowering space for participants to engage with material presented.

The training is informed by the latest research, ‘Healing Spiritual Harms: Recovery from LGBTIQ+ Change or suppression Practices’ and brings together practice wisdom and lived-experience knowledge.

On completion of this training, participants will;
· Understand what conversion and suppression practices are, and the harms they can cause to survivors;
· Acquire knowledge of helpful and unhelpful approaches to supporting survivors to heal from these experiences;
· Increase their capacity to provide culturally sensitive and LGBTIQ+ affirming care to survivors of conversion practices;
· Understand the social, historical and legislative context for the evolution of religious conversion practices in Australia and other parts of the world;
· Gain an appreciation for diverse lived-experiences of survivors from a range of faith and cultural backgrounds
· Be familiar with a range of possible ways that survivors may present and how to engage and respond effectively.

Ending Conversion Practices WA, in partnership with Living Proud, is pleased to offer this training to support survivors of conversion practices. In the context of proposed legislative reform in WA, it is anticipated that political debate in the coming years is likely to have a negative impact on survivors and other community members. This has sadly been the case in places that have already passed legislation.

In 2020, the SOGICE Survivors Statement was released, calling for an end to conversion practices and greater support for survivors. You can read it here:https://www.sogicesurvivors.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Survivor-Statement-A4-Doc-v1-2-Digital.pdf

In 2021, Zeina Jamaleddine and Naomi Rottem worked closely with researchers from La Trobe University to develop training which aims to raise awareness and build practice skills in supporting survivors of conversion practices. The training was developed in the context of recent legislative reform in Victoria. It has been successfully piloted and evaluated by La Trobe university, and has had participants from across Australia and internationally.

· Co-production: Valuing a range of knowledge sources in the development and delivery of training, including research, practice and lived experience knowledge.

· Intersectionality: Recognising diverse experiences and identities of survivors.

· Trauma informed: Understanding the deep and complex trauma impacts of conversion practices on survivors, the training incorporates trauma informed practices in both the content and process of delivery to promote a safe learning environment for participants as well as safe practice with service users who may have experienced conversion practices and ideologies.

The training provides participants with an understanding of conversion practices and the harm they can cause for survivors. Participants will hear from people with lived-experience, and will be introduced to an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to engaging with and supporting survivors. The training was developed in partnership with La Trobe University, AGMC, and the Brave Network, as a project funded by the Victorian Government. The training is informed by the research in ‘Healing Spiritual Harms: Recovery from LGBTQA+ Change or Suppression Practices’, and brings together practice wisdom and lived-experience knowledge.

There are two options to participate – Sunday 7 April 2024 and Monday 8 April 2024, from 9.30am – 4.00pm. The training will be hosted by Living Proud at City West Lotteries House in West Perth. Catering is provided.

All you need to do is click here and submit an expression of interest by Friday 23 February 2024: https://forms.gle/SGUMnGPCFXRfKkvL9

Working with survivors of LGBTIQ+ Conversion or Suppression practices EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Please note there are limited places in the training days. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by Friday 23 February 2024. Successful participants will be contacted shortly afterwards. WHEN: Sunday 7 A...

02/12/2022

From this article…

Ending Conversion Practices WA said they were heartened by the Western Australian Government’s announcement that it intends to criminalise practices that seek to change or suppress an individual’s s*xual orientation or gender identity.

“We have a vision for LGBTQIA+ people to be safe from harms caused by conversion practices and ideology; and instead for them to have the freedom to explore and embrace their s*xual orientation and gender identity.” the group said in a statement.

“We are committed to working with the McGowan Government to ensure legislative reforms are informed by the lived experience of conversion practices survivors. We also look forward to seeing strong support services for affected individuals, considering that one in ten LGBQTIA+ people have experienced conversion practices.

“The recommendation to prohibit conversion practices was included in the Education and Health Standing Committee Report of the Inquiry into the Esther House foundation and unregulated private health facilities. Conversion practice survivors of Esther House shared their stories of experiencing harm prior to and during the Inquiry. We thank them for this act of immense bravery.

“We also thank the Committee for listening to the evidence of Ending Conversion Practices WA and supporting our recommended approach.” the group said.

LGBTIQA+ rights groups have welcomed the announcement from Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan regarding banning conversion therapy practices. Ending Conversion Practices WA said they were heartened by the Western Australian Government’s...