Conversion therapy: change the law not the person

Conversion therapy is an umbrella terminology for any psychological, physical or spiritual interventions which aim to change or cure an individual’s sexual orientation or transgender identity because they are perceived as developmental disorders, addictions and/or spiritual problems.2 Conversion the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of disease in childhood 2023-08, Vol.108 (8), p.595-596
Main Authors: Talbot, Jonathan, Finlay, Fiona
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adolescent health
Bans
Beliefs
Bisexuality
child abuse
Community Relations
Developmental disabilities
Ethics
Evidence
Fractions
Gays & lesbians
Gender identity
Government (Administrative Body)
Health disparities
Health policy
Human rights
Legislation
LGBTQ people
Mental disorders
Mental health
paediatrics
Pediatrics
Public health
Religion
Resistance (Psychology)
Self-injury
Sex crimes
Sexual Abuse
Sexual behavior
Sexual Identity
Sexual Orientation
Society
Spirituality
Suicide
Suicides & suicide attempts
Teenagers
Transgender persons
Viewpoint
Young adults
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Summary:Conversion therapy is an umbrella terminology for any psychological, physical or spiritual interventions which aim to change or cure an individual’s sexual orientation or transgender identity because they are perceived as developmental disorders, addictions and/or spiritual problems.2 Conversion therapy is not an old problem from the Alan Turing era; conversion through ‘talking therapies’ remains a legal intervention to this day. An intervention lacking in evidence which cultivates negativity and dissatisfaction with one’s self-identification further fuels these health inequalities and it is of no surprise that research has shown that individuals experiencing conversion therapy were twice as likely to undergo suicide attempts.1 4 The transgender community are among the most vulnerable with increased mental health struggles and suicide attempts5; any changes in health policy or legislative changes must act to reduce these inequalities. Hopefully by showing unity over this matter these divided fractions can help young people find their feet in the world by demonstrating that LGBT friendly faith groups do exist, as the benefits of religion and faith should not be dismissed.7 Moving forwards towards the UK’s 50th Anniversary of Pride in 2022, we must continue to lead the world in demonstrating the benefits of an inclusive, accepting and loving society.
ISSN:0003-9888
1468-2044
DOI:10.1136/archdischild-2022-324177