Policy Perspectives on Efforts to End Conversion Practices

After over 50 years of research and debate, the cognitive and behavioral scientific community has overwhelmingly condemned attempts to change a person’s gender identity or sexuality. Despite evidence that conversion practices are ineffective and harmful, politicians debate the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals while change efforts continue. Using the advocacy coalition framework, this paper discusses the influence of research, policy, and debate in the context of larger social and political change. As members of a policy advocacy coalition, cognitive and behavioral practitioners have the power to influence laws and other forms of policy.