Spectra is joining organisations across the UK in calling for stronger protections against conversion practices. As a member of the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition, Spectra has been invited to submit evidence to support legislation that would ban all forms of conversion practices in the UK. To strengthen the case for a comprehensive and effective ban, we urge organisations that work with LGBTQIA+ people to share evidence of the impact conversion practices have had on the people they support. If your organisation has seen the harm caused by conversion practices, please consider submitting evidence by Monday 16 November.
Why this matters
As a not-for-profit organisation providing health and wellbeing services to people who experience inequality, stigma and barriers to care, Spectra sees first-hand the urgent need for a strong, robust and comprehensive ban on conversion practices.
Through the LGBTQ+ communities we support, we know that conversion practices continue to take place in England and Wales today. This reflects findings from Galop’s 2026 report, which found that 18% of LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to conversion practices.
We see particularly concerning evidence within our trans-specific services, supporting findings that trans and non-binary people remain at disproportionate risk. Some service users have told us of attempts by family members to isolate them, restrict their freedom, or deny them access to basic necessities in efforts to force them to reject or suppress their gender identity.
The harm caused by conversion practices can be long-lasting and severe. In our work we regularly support people living with the psychological and physical consequences, including symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, isolation and substance misuse.
As counsellors, therapists and health professionals working alongside LGBTQ+ people, we know that genuine therapeutic support is never about steering someone towards a predetermined outcome. Good therapy helps people explore their feelings, identities and experiences safely and openly, empowering them to make decisions that are right for them.
How you can help
Even if you don’t work directly with LGBTQIA+ communities, there are still important ways you can support this campaign:
- Write to your MP and ask them to support a comprehensive ban on all forms of conversion practices.
- Share information about the campaign through your newsletters, mailing lists and workplace updates.
- Post on social media and share far and wide.
- Encourage friends, family and colleagues to take two minutes to contact their MP.
A ban must be comprehensive, robust and free from loopholes. LGBTQ+ people do not need fixing. They deserve protection from harmful practices and the freedom to live openly, safely and authentically.
Write to your MP today and ask them to support the promises made to protect LGBTQ+ people and end conversion practices once and for all.