What is Conversion Therapy?
Conversion therapy tries to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The ‘therapy’ itself can look wildly different place-to-place as people who force it on others don’t really know what they’re doing. Some of these might look like:
- pseudo-scientific counselling sessions
- pain-inducing “aversion therapy”
- being induced to ingest “purifying” substances
- threatening a person with homelessness
- corrective rape
- being prayed over as a form of “healing”
- exorcisms
Why Is It In The News?
Following the UK government promising to ban conversion therapy entirely, last month it was decided that this will extend to gay or bisexual people in England and Wales – but not for transgender people. In other words, therapy to attempt to change people’s sexuality will be outlawed, but those practices carried out to try to change people’s gender identity will not.
What Can You Do To Help?
You can email your local MP and request that the ban protects ALL LGBTQIA+ people. If you follow this link: stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/ban-conversion-therapy you can simply enter your postcode to be directed to an email template ready to go, it couldn’t be made easier.
Where Can You Turn If This Is Affecting You?
LGBT Switchboard – Open 10am – 10pm on 0300 330 0630. They will listen to you and may be able to direct you to somewhere that can help
Albert Kennedy Trust – Offers housing and safe spaces to LGBT youth in crisis or who have become homeless. Contact on 020 7831 6562.
Galop - The UK’s LGBTQ+ anti-violence and charity is there for you. Conversion therapy is a form of abuse for which they can provide support. Contact on 0800 130 3335
