A study by The Williams Institute reported that 16,000 minors aged between 11 and 17 will receive conversion therapy from a health care professional in the US.Ĭonversion therapy can happen against various backdrops, such as within a religious/spiritual setting or as an offering by a qualified therapist.
Disturbingly, minors also partake in this presumably because their parents have consented on their behalf. Some people voluntarily engage in conversion therapy whilst others are pressured into it by family members or religious advisors. This can lead to individuals feeling ashamed and guilty about their sexuality and unable to live openly. Unfortunately there is still stigma attached to being gay in some communities.
Positively some countries, most recently Germany, will ban this treatment, but it is clear that further work needs to take place. This is shocking, but sadly still happening. The aim is to ‘cure’ someone of homosexuality and ‘make them straight’ as being gay is seen as an ‘illness’. There are people across the world, including in the UK, going through conversion therapy also known as reparative treatment. Whilst Pride is a time to celebrate, not everyone feels able to do so. Germany recently declared it will make it illegal for people to practise conversion therapy, should the UK do the same? We are marking each day in the week leading up to London Pride with a blog highlighting LGBTQ+ issues from home and abroad.
