Conversion Therapy Survivor Network

10/06/2026

On October 6th, 1998, Matthew Shepard was brutally attacked because he was gay.
Today, we honor his memory and continue the fight to end hate in all its forms.

08/27/2026

At CTSN, Women's Equality Day reminds us: changing laws is one step toward equality, not the goal itself.

Survivor stories in the media often center gay men. Yet, many of our survivors are women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), whose contributions to the movement have been essential.

Today, we honor those who fought for the right to vote. We also recognize the women and AFAB survivors who shape our movement, a fight that can't be won through laws alone.

08/26/2026

We lost another icon yesterday. Tim Curry was a true original: an actor, singer, voice artist, and performer. His fearlessness and willingness to defy convention defined generations of LGBTQ+ people. We will miss you.
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08/25/2026

Today we lost a true American and beloved LGBTQ Ally. We will always love you.
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08/25/2026

The artist was a star performer in country music, and went on to become one of the genre's most recognizable and universally adored ambassadors to broader popular culture.

08/06/2026

Huge news!

Joanna Whaley, a survivor of conversion therapy, has won her Democratic primary for the Michigan House of Representatives. When elected, she'll become the first openly transgender person ever in the Michigan House.

During our first International Day to End Conversion Therapy (IDECT) Joanna shared her survivor story on a Tiktok livestream. Many of us watching were in tears as she spoke with both power and grace.

We survivors often struggle with isolation, self doubt, and fear of telling our truth. Joanna is leading by example to show us our stories matter!

Congratulations Joanna, it's an honor to call you one of our own.

Joanna Whaley, ex-megachurch pastor who endured years of conversion practices, comfortably bested her opponents

07/06/2026

When is the US going to do this?! It's been far too long!

Spain's Congress of Deputies approved a bill that would make practicing 'conversion therapy' a criminal offense punishable by prison time. The legislation now moves to the Senate before it can become law

07/05/2026

🎊🎉🎊

Spain's Congress of Deputies approved a bill that would make practicing 'conversion therapy' a criminal offense punishable by prison time. The legislation now moves to the Senate before it can become law

06/28/2026

Today marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising/Riots, the event that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and the first Pride marches.
On June 28, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City fought back against yet another police raid after years of harassment, discrimination, and violence. Their resistance ignited days of protest and became a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.
As we celebrate Pride, we honor the courage of everyone who stood up at Stonewall, especially the trans women, drag queens, LGBTQ+ people of color, and other marginalized members of our community whose bravery helped change history.
🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride!

06/26/2026

Great news across the pond!!

The Netherlands has taken a major step toward protecting LGBTQ+ people.

This week, the Dutch Senate voted 57-15 in favor of legislation that would criminalize conversion therapy nationwide. Once signed by King Willem-Alexander, the law will make attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to €27,500.

For many LGBTQ+ advocates, the vote represents the culmination of years of work.

Among those following the decision closely is Jacques Zonne, who spent two years subjected to efforts aimed at "curing" him. Reflecting on that experience, he said: "Your entire identity is broken down. That trauma never goes away."

Stories like his are one reason conversion therapy remains such a controversial practice. Critics argue that it can cause lasting emotional and psychological harm, particularly when directed at young people.

The legislation follows nearly 15 years of advocacy by LGBTQ+ organizations, including COC Nederland, which has campaigned extensively for stronger protections.

The Netherlands now joins countries such as Germany, France, and Belgium in moving toward stronger restrictions on conversion therapy. The broader conversation continues across Europe, with growing support for similar protections at the European level.

For many LGBTQ+ people, the vote is being viewed as more than a legal change.

It's a statement that their identities do not need fixing, changing, or curing.

And that's a message many believe is long overdue. 🌈