Conversion therapy “nearly broke me.”

That’s the reaction of Gemma Hickey to the quick and unanimous passage of legislation banning conversion therapy in the House of Commons this week.

The practice is an attempt to change an individual’s sexual orientation using a variety of interventions. Canada is among a growing number of countries around the world that has formally banned the practice.

Hickey was subjected to conversion therapy as a young person something that held them back in many ways. Hickey is relieved by the ban.

“I attempted suicide,” Hickey says. They credit close friends in getting them to the hospital in time. After that experience, Hickey vowed to devote their life to ensure that young people never have to go through what they went through.