Two reports released from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) expose how tech companies have failed to de-platform anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy disinformation and ban providers pushing the discredited practice, even though many claim to do so.
GLAAD defines conversion therapy as "any attempt to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression."
The new GPAHE reports show that, despite the well-documented physical and mental harms to LGBTQ+ people, conversion therapy organizations and related anti-LGBTQ+ materials and conspiracy theories are distressingly easy to find online on multiple platforms through simple searches. Languages other than English return less authoritative material.
GPAHE's first report, "Conversion Therapy Online: The Ecosystem," finds that the internet is filled with disinformation, especially in languages other than English. The research was conducted in English and Spanish in the United States, English in Ireland and Australia, German in Germany, Spanish in Colombia, and English and Swahili in Kenya. See globalextremism.org/reports/conversion-therapy-online-the-ecosystem/ .
GPAHE's second report, "Conversion Therapy Online: The Players," profiles 25 conversion therapy providers around the world, many of which have a sophisticated and extensive online presence, driving individuals to websites that condemn being LGBTQ+ and where "therapy" is offered. See globalextremism.org/reports/conversion-therapy-online-the-players/ .
Readers should be cautioned that the reports contain offensive and potentially triggering language.