Our Statement

Following a public petition calling for the ban of LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy, we at Breakout Youth, think it is only right to voice our support as an organisation. Each day we work with amazing LGBTQ+ young people, who come to Breakout Youth for support and a sense of community, where they may not have this in their personal lives.

We urge the UK Government and members from across the UK Parliament to put direct measures in place to protect members of the LGBTQ+ Community against so called ‘Conversion Therapy’. This is a practice that aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or to suppress a person’s gender identity. We believe that it is fundamentally wrong to tell someone that their identity is something that can be cured, that it is unethical and can cause irreparable damage to the victims of such abuse. This view is supported by a 2017 memorandum of understanding released by the British Psychological Society, which states that, in no uncertain terms:

“that conversion therapy in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation (including asexuality) is unethical, potentially harmful and is not supported by evidence”

In early May, German legislatures passed a law banning this practice being offered to under 18-year olds. We believe that the United Kingdom should follow suit and actively aid in the abolishment of an outdated mindset, that believes a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation are anything other than their true and authentic self. We would like to see the UK Government go further than has already been seen and ensure all members of the LGBTQ+ Community, regardless of age or any other factor, are protected against this practice. In addition to this, we would like to see the harshest of punishments for individuals or organisations that are found to be continuing this practice.

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In need of support? Get in touch with us at hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk


Other Organisations:

Stonewall – https://www.stonewall.org.uk/

Stonewall work to ensure that LGBT people, across all communities, are valued, welcomed by all and can participate fully in society, and to ensure that LGBT people better understand and respect difference across LGBT life.

MindOut – https://www.mindout.org.uk/

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people with experience of mental health issues. They work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ communities and to make mental health a community concern.

LGBTQ Foundation – https://lgbt.foundation/

Established in 1975, LGBT Foundation exists to support the needs of the diverse range of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans. We believe in a fair and equal society where all LGBT people can achieve their full potential. #EqualityWins underpins much of what we do and we aim to be; ‘here if you need us.’

Switchboard – https://switchboard.lgbt/

Switchboard’s information and support helpline operated for five hours every evening in a small room above a bookshop near Kings Cross Station. We’re here to help you with whatever you want to talk about. Nothing is off limits, and we understand how anxious you might feel before you pick up the phone.

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