Members of the LGBTQ+ community have been threatened with rape, beaten, locked in rooms and subjected to forced exorcisms as an anti-abuse charity warns that conversion therapy remains prevalent.
A major new report has uncovered 195 cases in the UK between 2022 and 2025, with representative data from Galop and YouGov finding that nearly one in five (18 per cent) LGBTQ+ people in the UK have been subjected to conversion practices.
One person who turned to Galop’s helpline was beaten “regularly for being gay” and lost a finger due to an infection stemming from the physical abuse, while another was “beaten, locked in rooms and made to stay in his own filth as a way to change his sexuality”.
The research comes as The Independent releases its annual Pride List in June for Pride Month, to recognise a mix of high-profile activists and everyday community champions.
Conversion therapy refers to the belief that LGBTQ+ identities need correction, and seeks to change or “cure” sexual orientation through medical, psychiatric, psychological, religious and cultural intervention.
open image in galleryTrans and non-binary people, as well as those from minority ethnic groups and religious communities, face disproportionate risk.
Blake* fled his home for safety after experiencing domestic abuse, honour-based abuse, and conversion practices in his family home. His parents controlled where Blake could go, who he could see, what he could eat, and how he could dress, including confiscating gender-affirming clothing.
Eventually, the abuse escalated to physical, psychological and spiritual abuse, with his parents bringing home a pastor to “pray away” his “issues”, which led to him being forced on his knees for hours while being called a “child of the devil”. The escalating abuse eventually led him to feel suicidal, and he became homeless before contacting Galop for support.
Another survivor, Luke*, said: “Throughout secondary [school], my mum told me if I ever consider becoming gay, that my brothers will rape and murder me. She would remind me, if I ever am gay, God will also send people to rape me to death.
“I tried coming out to my brother who was meant to be safe, and he told me if I am being serious, he will murder me right there and then.”
open image in galleryIn the vast majority of cases analysed, 76 per cent were perpetrated or initiated by family members, including 63 per cent by parents, with 81 per cent involving coercing and controlling conversion practices such as abuse, threats, forced marriage or restriction and surveillance.
Most cases were referred to Galop through official referral channels such as local authorities and police, with many survivors initially requesting support for issues such as domestic abuse (50 per cent), ‘honour-based abuse’ or forced marriage (14 per cent) and sexual violence (9 per cent).
In 23 cases, the conversion practices happened outside the UK, with one person “forced into a marriage in Nigeria to ‘cure’ their sexuality”, and another taken from the UK against her will by her parents due to her gender identity.
One person shared that “conversion therapy often feels like my last possible hope to make my parents love me again”, while another said he is continuously pressured to marry a woman, with his mother requesting his church group to pray for him.
In another instance, a survivor told Galop: “I was raped by someone at school who wanted to ‘turn me straight.’”
In 68 per cent of the cases examined by the charity, the abuse was current, recent or ongoing, while 40 per cent of the survivors are disabled or living with a long-term condition.
open image in galleryA growing number of countries, including France, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, have banned conversion therapy, with Galop and other human rights organisations urging the UK to make a similar move.
A government spokesperson said that the Labour government were committed to to delivering a ban on conversion therapy.
Jasmine O’Connor, co-CEO of Galop, said: “Galop’s new report provides some of the strongest evidence yet that conversion practices are not a thing of the past. The people whose stories are shared in this report could have been protected from insidious forms of abuse and violence.
“For eight years, consecutive governments have promised, and failed, to deliver a ban on conversion practices. With each delay to this vital legislation, more and more victims and survivors have been failed and left at risk.
“These findings make clear that LGBTQ+ people need protection and access to specialist support. Conversion practices should be illegal.”
Saba Ali, chair of the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition, added: “Galop’s landmark report provides unambiguous, evidence-based proof of what conversion practices actually look like: physical violence, coercive control, sexual abuse, and the forcible confinement of LGBTQ+ people, most often at the hands of their own families.
“For eight years, consecutive governments have promised and failed to act, and with every delay more victims and survivors are left without protection.
“The Ban Conversion Practices Coalition is unequivocal: the UK government must introduce comprehensive, UK-wide legislation now. There is no excuse for further delay.”
*Names have been changed to protect anonymity
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branchIf you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673).