Background: Sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts (SOGIECE) range from formal (i.e. structured ‘conversion therapy’ programs) and informal (i.e. unstructured social interactions with family, religious leaders, etc.) practices that repress, deny, or change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Despite the ubiquity of these practices, experiences of SOGIECE among sexual and gender minority people of colour (SGM-POC) have not been well-explored, particularly in informal settings.

Objective & methods: Survey responses from SGM ages 15-29, living in Canada and the US, were utilized to determine the lifetime prevalence of SOGIECE and external pressures to be cisgender and/or heterosexual (“cishet”) among racial subgroups. Descriptive statistics identified: 1) who perpetuated SOGIECE and pressure to be cishet, 2) where respondents felt safe being out with their sexual/gender identity and expression, and 3) who was supportive of respondents being out.

Results: Recruitment in 2022 yielded 8020 respondents who self-identified as White (n=6494), Asian (n=544), Black (n=213), Hispanic (n=169), Middle Eastern (n=37), Pacific Islander (n=8), and multi-racial (n=655). Prevalence of SOGIECE exposure was higher among SGM-POC subgroups (71-85%) than White respondents (69.8%), though both reported similar prevalence of cishet pressure (81-90%). Parents/primary caregivers were most frequently reported to perpetuate SOGIECE and cishet pressures (83.5% White, 88-93.5% POC). SGM respondents were most supported by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, friends, and teachers/professors.

Conclusion: This exploratory quantitative analysis sheds light on the social networks and settings of support for SGM, with particular interest in POC subgroups and provides guidance for public health efforts.