This factsheet presents the findings of a survey conducted to examine the experiences of LGBTI+ individuals in Azerbaijan who have been subjected to conversion practices, as well as the impact of these experiences on their lives.

Data collection was carried out between July 2025 and March 2026, with a total of 137 individuals participating in the survey. 8 responses were excluded from the analysis due to incompleteness.

Of these, 30 responses were collected through focus group discussions, while the remaining responses were gathered via online outreach and direct individual invitations.

While this factsheet does not fully capture the overall situation, the findings indicate the existence of conversion practices in Azerbaijan. At the same time, they provide important preliminary insights into their impact on the lives of LGBTI+ individuals and highlight the need for more comprehensive research on these practices.

What do the results tell us?

1

Every 2nd respondent has been subjected to interventions aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity (conversion practices).

2

Minors and youth are most frequently exposed to conversion practices.

3

3 out of every 5 were forced into this without their consent.

4

Without exception, for everyone (100%), this process first began within the family. The most common family-based interventions include: being forced to conform to gender roles in daily life, faith-based or medical interventions, as well as restriction of freedom, physical and economic violence.

5

15 respondents reported that family members had attempted to kill them.

6

3 out of every 5 respondents subjected to medical interventions were exposed to either forced hormone therapy or the use of psychiatric medication.

7

9 respondents were institutionalized in psychiatric hospitals. Among them, 6 stated they were forced, while 3 mentioned they did not fully comprehend the process at the time due to being minors.

8

Among those subjected to conversion experiences, 2 out of every 3 (n=48) reported experiencing persistent thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Among those who had such thoughts, 31 respondents actually attempted suicide.

9

For 9 out of every 10, conversion practices left lasting scars on their social and personal lives. Only 7 respondents believe that such attempts can be helpful.
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