The UK’s New Government Is No Ally to Queer People
Different party, same queerphobia
It’s been three weeks since the UK general election, ushering Keir Starmer’s Labour Party into power after fourteen years of Conservative government. But despite the change, so far LGBTQ+ people don’t have much to celebrate given the actions of the new Labour government.
It’s a case of different government, same old queerphobic policies…
Puberty blockers banned
Probably most notable is Secretary of State for Health Wes Streeting’s intention to permanently ban puberty blockers, following a last-minute temporary ban enacted by Victoria Atkins, Streeting’s predecessor, which is now being challenged in court and defended by Streeting.
a ban for puberty blockers that amounts to conversion therapy for trans youth
Atkins has been criticised for ignoring warnings from civil servants that “there is a high risk of unanticipated consequences [which] may include harm to patients”, with NHS England noting that “clinical risks of suicide or self-harm are identified to be quite high” among transgender youth.
Streeting has said the proposals are based on the recommendations of the much-criticised Cass…
