As momentum grows to ban conversion therapy in Canada, LGBTQ community members are speaking out about their experiences with a program that’s being offered throughout parts of the country. Journey Canada says it does not operate conversion therapy programs but as Heather Yourex-West explains, several former participants tell Global News the Journey Canada programs left them feeling depressed and ashamed of their sexuality.
Editor’s Note – In response to this story, Journey Canada told Global News in a written statement that a number of the allegations made by Jonathan Brower and Sonya Taylor concern statements made by individuals not related to Journey Canada. Both Mr. Brower and Ms. Taylor deny this. Journey Canada also told Global News that contrary to Mr. Brower’s claims, it “never blames its program participants for their challenges or their perceived lack of progress.” Journey Canada also says that it does not offer counselling services and any counselling services received by Ms. Taylor were not with anyone related to Journey Canada. Ms. Taylor has told Global News that the counsellor was referred to her by Journey Canada and was located in the same building as Journey Canada.
- Canada just tabled legislation to ban conversion therapy. Why is it necessary in 2020?
- ‘It’s causing me to not want to live’: LGBTQ2 community members recount time with Journey Canada programs