End conversion therapy

Conversion practices include any medical, psychiatric, psychological, religious or cultural interventions that seek to change, ‘cure’ or suppress the sexual orientation or the gender identity of a person.

International Day to End Conversion Therapy is an annual observance held on 7 January that seeks to raise awareness about the harms associated with conversion therapy practices worldwide.

The day highlights the resilience of survivors, amplifies their experiences and promotes advocacy for the global elimination of such practices. It also calls on policymakers, allies and communities to support affirming, evidence-based care for LGBT+ individuals.

It’s been seven years now since a ban was first proposed. It was featured in the King’s Speech a year and a half ago. The Ban Conversion Practices Coalition, of which Stonewall is a proud founding member, have presented an open letter to the Prime Minister.

The letter urges him to finally make good on his promise and publish a draft Bill to ban conversion practices for LGBT+ communities as soon as possible. 

New EHRC chair tells trans people to ‘judge me on what I do’ following criticism

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson (The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC’s) new chair) insisted she was intent on upholding the “rights of everybody across all protected characteristics” in her first interview since replacing Baroness Kishwer Falkner in December.

Following the government’s confirmation of Stephenson’s appointment in July, the former director of the Women’s Budget Group faced criticism from various groups for her past engagement with so-called ‘gender-critical’ activists.

In 2022, Dr Stephenson donated to LGB Alliance founder Allison Bailey’s legal fund after she sued Stonewall and Garden Court Chambers, claiming she had been discriminated against for her views on trans people. In December 2025 Allison Bailey had a further appeal dismissed in her case against LGBT+ rights charity Stonewall.

She also faced criticism for signing two open letters in 2017 and 2018: The former linked the actions of “transgender activists” to an attack on a women’s rights campaigner, and the latter stated that those opposed to reforming the Gender Recognition Act – something that would have made it easier for trans people to have their gender identity legally recognised – should be protected from “harassment and intimidation.”

Several LGBT+ rights groups and non-profits, including Stonewall, Galop and TransActual, signed an open letter objecting to Dr Stephenson’s appointment, saying that, while they recognised her “impressive track record” in equality law, her previous actions are “at odds with inclusivity for all.”

Dr Stephenson claimed the open letters had been “really widely mischaracterised as kind of anti-trans letters”, arguing that they instead fell in line with her commitment to “protecting and upholding human rights.”

Asked what she would say to someone with concerns that she had taken a side on the issue, she said: “I was concerned about women who had been harassed or sometimes lost their jobs for the expression of legally protected views at a point when there was a public debate about changing legislation.

“I would say, you know, judge me on what I do. I am really keen, I think it’s really important for the chair of the EHRC to uphold the rights of everybody across all protected characteristics.”

Chaps Out

Chaps Out is a UK-based podcast giving voice to perspectives you don’t often hear. They provide relatable, uplifting and positive conversations that offer encouragement, affirmation and support for anyone on the journey of coming out, while celebrating and supporting bisexual and gay men.

In this first episode of CHAPS OUT (Coming Out at 40), host Grant Philpott sits down with Stephen McKenna, who shares his powerful story of self-acceptance and coming out later in life after decades of silence living in the UK during the 70s, 80s and 90s.

This is not a story of regret, but one of rebirth, courage and hope; an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to become your true self.

In this heartfelt conversation, Stephen reflects on:

• Embracing your identity at any age

• Turning fear into freedom

• Finding joy after years of hiding

• Growing up with shame

• Self-love, healing and building confidence

• The pivotal moment when everything “clicked”

• Navigating marriage breakdown

• Why living authentically is possible at any stage in life.

If you’re questioning your identity, coming out or supporting someone who is, this episode offers warmth, optimism and real-life inspiration.