The Welsh Government has joined forces with Galop to launch a new service aimed at helping LGBTQ+ individuals.
This service will also provide important information and resources to organizations wanting to support the LGBTQ+ community.
‘Conversion practices’ are treatments or therapies that try to change someone’s sexual orientation or suppress their gender identity.
More organisations are now promising to help people who have suffered from or are at risk of these harmful practices, as the new support service will be available later this year.
Lesley Griffiths, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, said:
“This new service is a first for Wales and will support survivors and victims of conversion practices. It is part of our wider commitment to improving the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
“Organisations throughout Wales have a crucial role in working with us to support the LGBTQ+ community and I encourage them to register their interest in helping us.
“Work continues to ensure steps are in place for the service to be available later this year.”
Amy Roch, Galop’s Interim CEO, added:
“We are delighted to be working with the Welsh government to provide direct support to LGBT+ victims of conversion practices in Wales.
“Galop’s research shows that conversion practice abuse is a significant and ongoing issue. The psychological, emotional and physical trauma of conversion practices has serious and long-term impacts on its victims. We know that survivors of this abuse need long-term, expert support to help them move on from what has happened to them, and ensure that they are safe and able to fulfil their potential.
“We are grateful to the Welsh Government for ensuring that LGBT+ survivors of conversion practices have somewhere to turn for support.”
Tony Smith, Chief Governance Officer at Principality Building Society, said:
“We are proud to work with Welsh Government and other partners, in their efforts to make Wales a safe haven for all.
“At Principality Building Society, we believe that a diverse workforce, that reflects the communities we serve, is key to our success as a business. Our goal is to ensure that we provide an inclusive workplace for all our colleagues with a culture focused on celebrating diversity, acceptance and a sense of belonging.”
The Welsh Government’s promise to support victims of conversion practices is part of their LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales. This plan includes advice on banning conversion practices and aims to improve the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ people in Wales.
