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7 things you might not know about conversion practices

Conversion practices are a damaging and degrading practice that tries to change, "cure", or suppress people's sexual orientation and/or gender identity.It leaves lasting scars on LGBTQ+ survivors – but not everyone fully understands what it is. Below, we look at seven things about the practice that you might not know about.1. It’s still happening in the UKConversion practices aren't a thing of the past. Since conversion practices are still legal in the UK, it can – and does – still…

Lil Nas X and the reemerging diversity of Blackness

I’m usually not one to follow the latest music videos, but Lil Nas X has changed that.There’s so much to dissect in videos for songs like Montero and Industry Baby – namely that he’s an openly gay young male showing his femininity and being dark skinned all at once. And yes, the tone of his skin matters.The Black community has a different relationship with sexuality and its politics, which has been heavily influenced by the European colonial history. This includes having to deal with sexual…

LGBTQ+ people don’t just come out once – and for me, that was a good thing

October 11 is National Coming Out Day – but for most LGBTQ+ people, coming out is an ongoing process. In this essay, Stonewall’s Creative Manager, Max Hartley, describes their own journey towards coming out as trans.I’m Max. And this National Coming Out Day, I’m coming out as trans. Getting to this stage has been a long and winding journey from childhood until today, at 28. For me, ‘coming out’ has taken a few different forms over the years – including tearfully telling my Mum I ‘wasn’t…

What does it mean to be Black and queer?

When I think about being Black and queer, the first thing that comes to mind is the incredible and intriguing presence that Black queer people have. There is a powerful air of ownership, profound confidence, the bold audacity to reclaim the word queer and revel in our Black history. I think that comes after accepting our identity is still seen as an oxymoron in today’s society.In my life, I’ve questioned whether I am Black ‘enough’ to occupy Black spaces, appear queer ‘enough’ to belong…

Seven survivors of conversion practices describe its lasting, damaging impact

‘Whenever I remembered the treatment I’d had, I would start physically shaking,’ – survivors of conversion practices share their experiences.Shockingly, conversion practices remain legal in the UK. And while this remains the case, LGBTQ+ people are at risk of harm. According to the Government's LGBT Survey, 7% of LGBT+ people have been offered conversion therapy, rising to 13% of trans people and 10% of asexual people.Behind those cold numbers are real people – many of whom still carry…

LGBT+ experiences in UK education improving, new study finds

A trailblazing new report from UCAS and Stonewall uncovers that nine out of ten LGBT+ students have a positive or neutral experience of the UK education system – and also shines a light on areas for improvement.For many, higher education marks the beginning of a new period of possibility in their lives: freedom, independence, and an opportunity to find their place in the world. But for LGBT+ students, it also offers something greater– the chance to be their true selves. Today, a groundbreaking…

10 ways you can step up as an ally to bi people

23 September is Bi Visibility Day, where we celebrate the huge range of people worldwide who identify as bi.But do you know what it means to be bi? And do you know how you can better support bi people? Read on to find out! Let's start with the basics - what do we mean by bi?When Stonewall talks about bi people, we are using bi as an umbrella term used to describe a romantic and/or sexual orientation towards more than one gender. Bi…

An intergenerational Q&A about LGBTQ+ education in schools

An intergenerational Q&A about LGBTQ+ education in schools.Claire Dowie and Rachel Watkeys-Dowie are a mother and daughter who both identify as queer. Claire is 64, grew up in Birmingham and made a career in playwriting, stand-up comedy and performance. Rachel is 28, grew up in London and works as a TV producer and stand-up comedian.As part of our inclusive education campaign, we wanted to understand what school was like for LGBTQ+ people from different generations. We set up a Q&A…

How we can help LGBTQ+ refugees

Nobody would leave their home country unless they have no other option. LGBTQ+ refugees are some of the world’s most vulnerable people – at risk of persecution and often, certain death. Here’s what we can do to help.The journeys that LGBTQ+ refugees embark upon to reach safer shores are gruelling and fraught with risk. And the reality is that when – or if – they reach sanctuary, the challenges are far from over. Those who survive the journey to countries like the UK are often met with…

LGBTQ+ or not, a truly inclusive education system benefits everyone – here’s why

All LGBTQ+ children and young people deserve an education that reflects who they are. Join us in building a world where LGBTQ+ youth are safe, seen and heard. Stop the threats to LGTBQ+ inclusive education and donate today.Here in the UK, people of a certain age don’t have to imagine what a world without inclusive education looks like – in fact, many of us lived through an era of actively exclusive education.Section 28, a damaging piece of legislation that prohibited the discussion of LGBTQ+…