An Interview Tool for Identifying Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity and Expression Change Efforts in Queer Youth.

Résumé

Sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression change efforts (SOGIECE), including, but not limited to, conversion therapy, describe explicit attempts to suppress or change someone's sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression (SOGIE) from a minoritized identity status to a cisgender and/or heterosexual identity status. Research consistently demonstrates that SOGIECE are detrimental to the mental health of sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. Whereas conversion therapy is a denounced medicalized practice, SOGIECE include broad efforts to pressure or change someone's sexuality or gender identity. SOGIECE not only may occur in a medical context, but also may occur in other social contexts, including the home, religious institutions, or school. Identifying exposure to SOGIECE broadly is critical to identifying risk factors associated with poorer mental health in SGM youth. As of 2023, 22 states and Washington, DC, have enacted state-level legislation that bans conversion therapy practices for minors. However, these laws do not prevent all forms of SOGIECE from being practiced informally within families or by unlicensed practitioners or clergy, and formal conversion therapy practices by both licensed mental health professionals and religious practitioners is believed to occur within 48 states. Though more public health research is needed, estimates of exposure to SOGIECE have ranged from 2% to 34% among SGM samples, with higher rates among transgender and minoritized racial groups. Mental health professionals who treat children and adolescents must be capable of screening for and addressing exposure to SOGIECE to reduce the risk of this harmful practice and effectively support SGM youth. The goal of this article is to discuss current practices and research regarding the effects of SOGIECE and to introduce an interview tool to assist with screening adolescents who may have experienced SOGIECE.