Conversion therapy: What is the reality for trans people?
The UK Government’s consultation on banning conversion therapy in England and Wales ends on the 4 February 2022. But did you know that 13 per cent of trans people in the UK have been offered or undergone conversion therapy, nearly double the average of 7 per cent which applies to all LGBTQ+ respondents?
The conversation around conversion therapy is important, but too often it is spoken about through the lens of ‘gay conversion therapy’, highlighting how this conversation often only looks at sexuality, and not allowing trans experiences to receive as much attention or concern despite the disproportionate statistics.
On 26 January, Britain’s Equality and Human Rights Commission published its written response for plans to legislate banning conversion therapy.
Despite condemning the practice, their official statement stated that the prohibition of trans conversion therapy should be delayed further so that more research can be done, with an indication that it could be banned ‘once more detailed and evidence-based proposals are available which can be properly scrutinised.’ So, with trans people left in the dark yet again, just what is the reality like for trans people who have been offered or undergone conversion therapy?
