I know a survivor - a representation of countless individuals who have been subjected to the torment of conversion therapy, in the name of 'curing' their LGBTQ+ identities. Once, they were unfairly placed in conversion camps or therapy sessions with the intent of 'correcting' their genuine need to reconcile gender identity. The experience was so traumatic that it pushed them to the brink of suicide. Today, I dedicate my efforts to ensure such a nightmare is never faced by anyone ever again.

Conversion therapy, also known as 'reparative' or 'gay cure' therapy, is a dangerous and debunked practice based on the belief that being LGBTQ+ is a mental illness that needs to be cured. This couldn't be further from the truth; both the World Health Organisation and the American Psychiatric Association found that being LGBTQ+ is not a mental disorder and stands against conversion therapy (Sources: WHO, APA).

The gravest danger of this therapy is the severe impact it has on mental health. The Trevor Project, a national organisation providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, reported that LGBTQ+ youth who underwent conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide (Source: The Trevor Project).

LGBTQ+ people have nothing to be ashamed of and there is nothing wrong or broken about who we are. Our sexual orientations and gender identities are diverse and should be celebrated. Yet conversion practices are still legal in the UK today. In July 2024, the UK Government announced its new commitment to publishing a draft Bill to ban conversion therapy. We'll be campaigning to ensure the ban is fully inclusive, protects all LGBTQ+ people, and has no loopholes that would allow abuse to continue. 

It's high time we recognise the perils of these practices, unmask the harm they cause and prevent the unnecessary anguish our brothers, sisters, and non-binary individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face. Let's strive towards a world that encourages acceptance over alteration, and love over prejudice. Support this mission by signing the petition so we can demand lawmakers to ban conversion therapy completely leaving no one behind, saving lives one signature at a time.

It's not therapy, it's abuse.