Trans ‘conversion’ clinic realises it is out of touch and shuts down, apologises
A clinical centre which for years provided ‘conversion’ therapy to transgender young people has decided to close.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto announced it was “winding down”.
The decision came after an external review showed that the approach it took to children’s gender identities was way outdated, compared with current clinical practice.
Two independent clinicians undertook the review, after criticism over the fact that the centre was practicing ‘conversion’ therapy.
In practicing ‘conversion’ or ‘cure’ therapy, the centre had attempted to change the gender identity of young people, despite such practices having been widely discredited.
Current clinical practice usually focusses on acceptance, as opposed to attempted “treatments”, for those who identify as transgender.
Dr Kwame McKenzie, the Clinic’s medical director said the services should reflect the most up to date practices.
He also apologises for the Clinic’s practices being out-of-date.
The doctor said it will wind down, and plans to engage with both community and academic organisations, its clients and their families, in order to decide how to proceed.
