The Project
Background
CBRC’s project to establish a Coalition to End Conversion Practices in Canada (April 2024 – June 2025) was an extension of our ongoing collaborative work to end conversion “therapy” practices in Canada. Learn more about the project here.
Led by people with lived experience of conversion practices and other change efforts, the project brought together survivors, 2S/LGBTQIA+ community organizations, academics/researchers, legal experts, mental healthcare organizations, and affirming faith groups to work collectively to establish a coalition.
This project was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Intersectoral Action Fund.
The Coalition to End Conversion Practices in Canada project was survivor-led, and included representatives from the following partner organizations and communities:
- Affirming Connections (The United Church of Canada)
- Black communities and those from newcomer communities (1st and 2nd generation)
- Canadian Mental Health Association, Toronto and National
- Egale Canada
- Fondation Émergence
- 2S/LGBTQIA+ Immigrant, refugee, and newcomers, specifically Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour community members
- Immigrant Services, YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
- Mubaadarat Collective, SWANA QT Muslim faith community
- No Conversion Canada (no longer in operation)
- Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (April – August 2024)
- Queer Interfaith Coalition
- Reform Jewish Community of Atlantic Canada
- Rainbow Faith and Freedom
- Simon Fraser University
- École de Santé publique de l’Université de Montréal
- Wisdom to Action
- Report: What Now? A Legal and Policy Report on Conversion Practices in Canada
- June 19 Webinar: What’s Next in the Fight Against Conversion Practices in Canada?
- Policy Brief: Overcoming the Challenges with Canada’s Approach to Eliminating Conversion “Therapy” Practices
- Fact Sheet: Strategies to Strengthen Canada’s Ban on Conversion “Therapy” Practices
- Explainer: Ending Conversion “Therapy” Practices in Canada: Where We Are and What Happens Next
- Blog: Establishing a National Coalition to End Conversion Practices in Canada
Coalition-Building
“What makes the coalition significant is that it centres survivors of conversion practices, especially those most impacted—BIPOC, trans, immigrant, and faith-based communities.” – A survivor and project partner
Now that the project has ended, CBRC will continue to support the work of coalition-building by providing coordination, leveraging the work already done, hosting quarterly meetings, exploring funding opportunities, and broadening intersectoral engagement. Once funding has been secured, it is our goal to officially launch the coalition with an open call for members and a media release.
How to Become Involved
If you and or your organization is involved in the work of education and awareness about conversion practices, and/or supporting survivors, and would like to be involved in the work of coalition-building, or if you have any questions, please email coalition@cbrc.net.
You can:
- Read the Coalition Overview which contains the coalition’s vision, mission, values, and goals.
- Request to be added to an email list to receive communications.
- Request information about quarterly meetings.
- Volunteer to assist with specific activities as identified in email communications.