GM LGBTQ+ EQUALITY PANEL LAUNCHES TODAY WITH A COMMITMENT TO END CONVERSION THERAPY ACROSS GREATER MANCHESTER FOR ALL LGBTQ+ PEOPLE

17th May 2022

The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel officially launches today on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, with a promise to make the region better and safer for all LGBTQ+ communities by committing to free the city-region of so-called conversion therapy.

Conversion therapy is a practice where an individual or organisation seeks an intervention with a predetermined outcome to change, cure or suppress the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person. This powerful commitment to end this practice has been made on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority and supported by many Greater Manchester-based organisations, local authorities and charities.

Created by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as one of a series of panels formed as part of the Mayors commitment to diversity and ending inequality, the LGBTQ+ Equality Panel are a group of dedicated volunteers working with LGBT Foundation, Carl Austin-Behan and the Mayor to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ residents of Greater Manchester.

The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel believe that people and communities are our strongest voice for change. Through policy and research the panel will change lives and through practice and example make Greater Manchester a respectful and safe place to live.

For more information about the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel visit: https://lgbt.foundation/gmpanel

Here’s the full pledge:

“Greater Manchester should be a safe city-region for everyone and we are committed to ending conversion therapy for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Conversion therapy is a practice where an individual or organisation seeks an intervention with a predetermined outcome to change, cure or suppress the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person. Just as we won’t do business with those who promote discrimination or division, we believe that organisations that support, promote or facilitate conversion therapy for any member of the LGBTQ+ community should not be receiving public funding.

Organisations that support, promote, or facilitate conversion therapy or which campaign against the ending of conversion therapy should not be able to provide services on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, or to receive support from the GMCA or its affiliated community funding streams.

I urge all public bodies, organisations and businesses in Greater Manchester to sign up to this commitment. ”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

“The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel believe that our people and communities are our strongest voice for change; we believe through policy and research we can change lives and through practice and action, we will make Greater Manchester a global example of a respectful and safe place to live, learn, work and play.”

Signed and supported by:

Bev Craig, Leader, Manchester City Council
Dr. Paul Martin, OBE, LGBT Foundation
Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL, LGBTQ+ Advisor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester Paul Dennett, City Mayor, Salford City Council
Mark Fletcher, CEO, Manchester Pride
Lisa Harvey-Nebil – Chief Executive Officer, The Proud Trust
Tim Sigsworth MBE, Chief Executive, AKT
Darren Knight, Chief Executive, George House Trust

Written by: GlitterBeam

Conversion Therapy LGBT Foundation Manchester