Report

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts and Suicide Morbidity Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in Colombia

July 2021

Using data from the largest survey of LGBTQ people in Colombia to date, this article examines the prevalence of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts of LGBTQ adults in the country. It also assesses the association between exposure to conversion therapy and suicide. It appeared in LGBT Health in July 2021.

AUTHORS
  • Ana María del Río-González
    Assistant Research Professor, George Washington University
  • Maria Cecilia Zea
    Professor, George Washington University
  • Jennifer Flórez-Donado
    Professor, Universidad Simón Bolívar
  • Prince Torres-Salazar
    Professor, Universidad Simón Bolívar
  • Daniela Abello-Luque
    Professor, Universidad de la Costa
  • Eileen Andrea García-Montaño
    Professor, Universidad de la Costa
  • Paola Andrea García-Roncallo
    Professor, Universidad de la Costa
  • Ilan H. Meyer
    Distinguished Senior Scholar of Public Policy
Highlights
Conversion therapy is a discredited practice intended to change the sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression of LGBTQ people.
The rate of lifetime suicide attempts among LGBTQ people in Colombia is almost 10 times higher than among the general Colombian population.
LGBTQ Colombians who underwent conversion therapy were more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
Data Points
22%
of LGBTQ people in Colombia have undergone conversion therapy
49%
of them received it from a religious leader

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Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts and Suicide Morbidity Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in Colombia