Young people in NSW are still facing gay conversion attempts that can leave them deeply scarred and battling long-term mental health impacts.
While broadly seen as outdated and destructive, calls are growing louder to bring NSW in line with other states and ban the practice.
Conversion therapy survivor Anthony Venn-Brown said the church where he had undergone conversion several decades ago had now become pro-LGBTQI.
"Many churches now are affirming, and so it's nothing against religion. It's just very much about creating a better space for people," he said on Friday.
"Being gay, lesbian, transgender, it's beautiful - just to be yourself and not be told you're broken."
Key independent MP Alex Greenwich on Friday said he would introduce a bill to end gay conversion therapy in NSW, regardless of who is elected to government in March.
His Equality Bill to remove a variety of barriers for LGBTQI communities would stop the practice of changing or suppressing sexual orientation and gender identity.
Anglican Bishop of Newcastle, Dr Peter Stuart, threw his support behind the bill, saying it provides space for faith groups to speak of their values and theology while ensuring LGBTQI members, especially children, are protected.
"Those who have experienced conversion practices speak of the damage done to them including persistent thoughts of ending their lives," Dr Stuart said.
"There is no place for them (the practices) in NSW."
Advocacy group, Equality Australia estimates as many as one in 10 LGBTQI young people are vulnerable to the kinds of messages that underpin conversion practices.
Mr Greenwich called on the government and the Opposition to support his bill before the March election, explaining it would be a critical element of any deal to support a minority government.
"As a gay man and the MP representing the largest LGBTQ community there is no way I could support a future minority government that allowed discrimination against my community to continue in law," he said.
"I think this is a reform that the public supports, the community supports and even church leaders, as we know, also support."
The legislation is based on the survivor-led Victorian model, which focuses on a civil response to complaints including mediation and education. In the most extreme cases of harm, police get involved.
Mr Greenwich, a kingmaker in the current parliament after the coalition slipped into minority government, invited Premier Dominic Perrottet to attend WorldPride, having worked "extremely well" together on LGBTQI issues.
The festival begins in Sydney next Friday and is one of the biggest LGBTQI festivals in the world.
"I would love to see the premier attend WorldPride events and would happily attend events with the premier," he said.
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