International Day to End Conversion Therapy
Since January 7th, 2026, the International Day to End Conversion Therapy (IDECT) has brought survivors around the world together to raise awareness of the past and ongoing harm of these practices. Learn more about how you can participate by reading the Trevor Project’s 2026 write-up here
C.T. Survivors Connect (CTSC) is a Canadian support group and service development program for survivors of conversion “therapy” trauma. Founded by a survivor, we offer a safe, respectful space to connect, share, and build community. While based in Kingston/Belleville, ON, support is available to anyone in Canada, with help connecting to local resources. We value privacy, respect, and meeting people where they are in their healing, and we aim to expand our services over time.
What is it?
IDECT (International Day to End Conversion Therapy), observed January 7, raises awareness of the harms of conversion therapy, honors survivors, and calls for affirming, evidence-based care for LGBTQ+ people worldwide.
Who started it?
IDECT was founded through an international partnership between C.T. Survivors Connect (in Canada) with the Conversion Therapy Survivors Network (United States). January 7 was chosen to mark Canada’s 2022 federal ban on conversion therapy (Bill C-4), symbolizing both progress and a global call to action. The day honors survivors of SOGIECE (Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Change Efforts), raises awareness of its harms, promotes survivor-led healing, urges worldwide bans, and unites allies in pursuit of justice and equality.
How to participate.
IDECT organizers call on survivors, support leaders, LGBTQ+ groups, mental health professionals, and allies worldwide to join each year through events, online campaigns (#IDECT), policy advocacy, and public displays of the Survivors Flag. As founder Ben Rodgers says: “Stand strong as Survivors, come together as Community, and make a future we can all truly live in together.”
Introducing the First-Ever Conversion Therapy Survivor Pride Flag!
In late 2024, we held a contest inviting survivors of conversion therapy to submit their ideas for a pride flag that represents our community. We received many thoughtful and powerful designs, and after a vote by our survivor community, this flag was chosen.
Created by convers
The winning design was created by Hunter Moore, who also attributed meaning to each color. This flag now stands as a symbol of resilience, a banner for survivors everywhere, and a testament to our shared journey.
- Grey – Represents PTSD and memory loss.
- Pink – Symbolizes sexual abuse and marginalization.
- Blue – Stands for domestic violence.
- Triangle – Inspired by the Progress Pride Flag, representing survivors overcoming these struggles.
- Lavender/Purple – Highlights identity, pride, and community.
- Gold/Yellow – Signifies hope.
- Green-Reflects the truth of who we naturally are.
Although IDECT has –and will continue to be– observed by CT survivor organizations in nations across the world, we continue to push for legislation to recognize January 7th as Canada’s official CT Awareness Day. Federal recognition of this issue’s importance is a vital step in raising national awareness, amplifying survivor voices, and ensuring that the impacts of CT are acknowledged by Canadians across the country.