While we welcome a ban on conversion therapy in the UK, we are disappointed by the government’s decision to exclude trans and non-binary people from the upcoming LGB conversion therapy ban, as outlined in the Queen’s speech this morning. What we see consistently though our services and our research is that trans and non-binary people are more likely to experience abuse and violence based on their identity, and therefore need to be urgently protected by this legislation.
We work intensively with current so-called ‘conversion therapy’ victims, many of whom are under 25 and often isolated and vulnerable, and who have very few places to turn to for help. Often, victims and survivors reaching out to our national conversion therapy helpline have been put through this abuse for a decade or longer, causing long-term, and even lifelong negative effects.
All LGBT+ people should continue to have access to affirming services that support them, and spaces to explore their identities. Everyone should be supported to come to their own understanding of who they are. No one should be forced to be someone they’re not.
Every day that goes by without an inclusive ban leaves LGBT+ people at risk of these abusive practices in the UK.
For anyone needing support, our National Conversion Therapy Helpline is open on 0800 130 3335 and CThelp@galop.org.uk
