Ban Conversion Therapy

Conversion therapy, a harmful and discredited practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, continues to cast a dark shadow over the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. In the United Kingdom, there is growing momentum to ban trans conversion therapy due to its devastating effects on transgender and gender-diverse people. This article explores why it is crucial to ban trans conversion therapy in the UK and outlines actionable steps that university students can take to help push the government towards this long-awaited ban.

Why Banning Trans Conversion Therapy Is Essential

Protecting Vulnerable Individuals

Transgender and gender-diverse individuals already face significant challenges, including discrimination, stigma, and violence. Trans conversion therapy exacerbates these difficulties by subjecting them to emotional and psychological trauma. Banning this practice is a critical step in protecting the mental and emotional well-being of vulnerable individuals.

Upholding Human Rights

Trans conversion therapy is a violation of human rights. It infringes upon the principles of autonomy, dignity, and bodily integrity. Banning it aligns the UK with international human rights standards and signals a commitment to equality and non-discrimination.

Safeguarding Mental Health

Research consistently shows that conversion therapy is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals. Banning trans conversion therapy can contribute to the mental health and overall well-being of transgender and gender-diverse people.

What can you do?

At the UCB Guild of Students, we have partnered with the University of Central Lancashire Students Union to show our solidarity with trans people. Please visit the shop, sign the postcard, and pop it back on our Equalities Officer’s work desk where we will send them back out.