LGBT+
BACK THE BAN
Each month for the past seven years I have written the LGBT+ events column for Exposed Mag, and it has been a great experience seeing the growth and diversity of LGBT+ events and spaces in Sheffield. We have seen advances in rights and legislation, and as such it is common that I hear comments that we have LGBT+ equality now – we can get married, we have legal protections against discrimination, etc. So, what are we still campaigning for?
Sadly, for many LGBT+ people life is not quite as rosy as you may think. Alongside the increased visibility we have seen in recent years we have also seen rising hate crimes, especially against the trans and non-binary members of our communities. LGBT+ people still face higher rates of abuse, disproportionately poor mental health, higher rates of homelessness and poorer health outcomes. One thing we are currently campaigning for is the long overdue outlawing of the abusive practice of so-called conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is a range of dangerous and discredited practices that falsely claim to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Such practices have been rejected by every mainstream medical and mental health organisation for decades, but due to continuing discrimination and societal bias against LGBT+ people, some practitioners continue to conduct conversion therapy. Young people are especially vulnerable, and conversion therapy can lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness, and suicide. Countries around the world introduced bans yet the UK is sadly behind. Having previously committed to outlawing the practice under Theresa May, and this was subsequently announced in the Queen’s Speech, the current government are still delaying and now consulting on a proposed ban because, apparently, they think we need to ask non-LGBT+ people if they think it’s ok to abuse us. So, with yet another delay, the consultation which was originally due to conclude in December has now been extended to February. A ban is clearly welcome and long overdue; however, there are several issues with the proposed bill. While an outright ban for under 18s is proposed, the bill includes a clause that would only ban conversion therapy for adults without their consent. Due to the element of coercion – i.e., we can offer you a way to avoid the discrimination and hate crime you may face, a way to not
be rejected by your family or community – it is not reasonable to think that this is something that anyone could legitimately give informed consent to. There are also some organised anti-trans campaigns pushing to separate sexuality and gender identity in the legislation, agreeing that it is abuse for LGB people but arguing that it should be permitted for trans and non-binary people. If you are arguing for the continued abuse of an already highly marginalised and discriminated against group of people, you are very much on the wrong side of history. If, however, you are wanting to do what you can to help and ensure that there is a meaningful ban of abuse of all LGBT+ people, now is the time to use your voice. The consultation is now open until 4th February and can be accessed online at gov.uk/government/consultations/banningconversion-therapy If you have been affected by conversion therapy support is available, you can access Galop’s Conversion Therapy Helpline on 0800 130 3335
Until next time... love and rainbows WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 73