Warning conversion therapy hasn’t gone away in UK as LGBTQ people threatened with violence
Conversion Therapy Lingers in UK, New Report Reveals Persistent Threats
Warning conversion therapy hasn t gone - Conversion therapy remains a prevalent issue in the United Kingdom, as highlighted by a recent report from Galop, an anti-abuse charity. The study warns that the practice has not disappeared, with LGBTQ+ individuals still facing severe physical and psychological harm. The report, spanning data from 2022 to 2025, reveals that conversion therapy continues to be used in various forms, including forced exorcisms and spiritual interventions, to “correct” sexual orientation and gender identity. These tactics are often employed by family members, putting individuals at risk of violence and emotional distress.
Survivors Describe Harrowing Experiences of Conversion Practices
Many survivors share distressing accounts of conversion therapy, such as being physically abused to the point of losing a finger or being subjected to forced marriages. These stories, collected by Galop, illustrate the diverse methods used to suppress LGBTQ+ identities, ranging from emotional manipulation to extreme bodily harm. One individual recounted how their parents inflicted regular beatings, while another described being locked in rooms and isolated from their peers as part of the process.
“Beaten regularly for being gay,” one survivor said, describing how their parents subjected them to relentless abuse. “The infection from the physical trauma eventually led to the loss of a finger.”
Another survivor shared, “I was beaten, locked in rooms, and forced to remain in my own filth as a way to change my sexuality. It felt like a never-ending cycle of humiliation.”
Conversion Therapy’s Impact on Mental and Physical Health
The report emphasizes the lasting effects of conversion therapy on survivors’ mental and physical well-being. One individual, Blake*, fled their home after enduring domestic abuse, honor-based violence, and conversion techniques. Their parents controlled every aspect of their life, including clothing choices and even confiscated gender-affirming attire. The abuse escalated to include spiritual elements, with a pastor brought in to “pray away” the person’s “issues,” leaving them in despair and ultimately homeless.
“I was forced on my knees for hours, called a ‘child of the devil,’ while my parents tried to change my sexuality,” Blake* said. “The pressure was so intense it made me feel suicidal.”
Similarly, Luke* recounted how their mother instilled fear during secondary school, warning of divine punishment if they embraced their sexuality. These experiences reflect the deep anxiety and trauma conversion therapy can inflict, often compounded by cultural or religious pressures. In 23 cases, the practice extended beyond the UK, with individuals taken abroad against their will to undergo “curing” rituals.
Why Conversion Therapy Continues to Persist
Galop’s findings reveal that many survivors initially sought help for domestic abuse or sexual assault, but conversion therapy often masked these issues. The report states that 68% of cases involved ongoing abuse, while 40% of survivors had disabilities or chronic health conditions, increasing their vulnerability. Conversion therapy is defined as the belief that LGBTQ+ identities require correction through medical, psychiatric, or religious methods, targeting not only sexual orientation but also gender identity.
Despite growing awareness, the practice persists due to societal and cultural factors. It disproportionately affects trans and non-binary individuals, as well as those from minority ethnic or religious backgrounds. The charity urges immediate action to address the issue, emphasizing the need for legal protections and public education to combat the stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ identities.
International Momentum and UK Urgency
As conversion therapy continues to thrive in the UK, global momentum for banning the practice grows. Countries like France, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have already implemented legal frameworks to protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Human rights organizations are calling on the UK to follow suit, citing Galop’s report as a compelling case for urgent reform. The study underscores that the practice is still deeply embedded in communities, threatening the well-being of countless individuals.