As part of Valentine’s Day, Lush has partnered with LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop to call on the government to introduce comprehensive legislation to fully protect LGBT+ people from ‘conversion therapy’ with no exemptions.
From the 10 – 16 February, Lush stores across the UK will feature window displays that bring attention to the need to protect people from the practice which attempts to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Customers will be able to scan a QR code to send a Valentine’s E-card to their MP to ban ‘conversion therapy’. Members of the public can also sign a large Valentine’s Day card in stores which will then be sent to MPs after the campaign. Limited edition heart-shaped ‘washcards’ will also be available to buy online and in UK stores, with all of the money from sales being donated to Galop to contribute to their support services for LGBT+ people experiencing forms of abuse.
‘Conversion therapy’ practices are still legal in the UK, according to Lush. Galop’s research with YouGov also found that almost 1 in 5 LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to conversion practices. Between April 2021 and December 2022, Galop’s ‘LGBT+ Young People’s Advocacy Service’ also recorded that 24% of current service users experienced conversion practices.
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“Five years ago, the UK Government promised to ban conversion practices,” Galop CEO Leni Morris said. “With each day that passes, more of our community are being left at risk. We know that 1 in 5 LGBT+ people in the UK experience someone trying to change, ‘cure’ or suppress their identity, so we need the whole community to be protected from this abuse.
“Galop has been working with victims and survivors of conversion practices for many years, and we know effects of this abuse can be lifelong. It’s time that all LGBT+ people are protected, with no one left behind. Galop’s National Conversion Therapy Helpline (0800 999 5428) is available for anyone personally affected by conversion practices, as well as anyone worried about someone in their life.”
Priced at £3 each, Lush’s Proud to Love You Washcards are made from apple pulp and described as ‘the perfect addition to any Valentine’s Day card’.
Lush PR and LGBTQIA+ community network member, Jonnie Hatfield, added: “This campaign truly comes from the heart of Lush. With many of our staff identifying as LGBT+, bringing an end to so-called ‘conversion therapy’ is a cause we are passionate about. Working with the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop gave us the perfect opportunity to bring this issue to the public’s attention and call on the government to have a heart and enact vital legislation to protect LGBT+ people across the UK from abuse.”
