An LGBTQ+ advocate in this province says they were “emotional in the best kind of way” upon hearing that the federal government is presenting a bill that would ban conversion therapy nationwide.
Gemma Hickey underwent conversion therapy several years ago.
They say this is an important step to take because homophobia, in recent times, has become more subtle. Homophobia and transphobia are still out there, but due to new laws and changes in society it is happening in less obvious ways. They say without an outright ban on conversion therapy, it is hard to tell if it is still happening.
Hickey says conversion therapy can have damaging effects. They tried to take their own life after going through it. When Hickey recovered, they vowed to help other youth in similar situations, and notes it became the basis for their activism.
The Can. Gov’t introduced legislation yesterday toamend the Criminal Code to ban conversion therapy. Gemma Hickey is a LGBTQ activist who underwent conversion therapy decades ago. They join us live @590VOCM @Fred_Hutton @justbegemma pic.twitter.com/U47kqvAefO
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) March 10, 2020
