Hundreds gather in Manchester to support trans people amid 'immoral' conversion therapy ban exclusion

Hundreds gathered as members of Manchester's LGBTQ+ community came together to support trans people amid a row over government policy.

Earlier this month, the government confirmed it was still working towards banning gay conversion therapy - the hugely condemned practice of attempting to change someone's sexuality. But at the same time, the government said it was dropping plans to ban trans conversion therapy - the same practice, but used to change a trans or non-binary person's gender identity.

The announcement sparked a fierce backlash among LGBTQ+ campaign groups and has led to protest from members of the community, in Manchester and elsewhere in the UK. Today (April 16), hundreds gathered at St Peter's Square for a demonstration organised by Manchester Trans Rise Up.

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Protesters carried trans pride flags and waved placards, with messages including 'conversion therapy ban for all' and 'LGB with the T'. Speakers took turns to address the crowd, receiving warm applause and cheers from others who had gathered.

Trans man Torran Turner, 31, told the Manchester Evening News it was important for him to 'stand up' for trans rights in his hometown. "There is no ban on conversion therapy that can function or works without including trans people," he said.

"It's a practice which has been thoroughly debunked by every major professional organisation in the UK that specialises in psychiatric and psychoanalysis. To ban it for gay and bisexual people but not trans people is staggering - it makes no sense.

"I'm not in danger, no one is trying to convert me. I'm 31, I've been out for many years, I'm married, I have a brilliant family. But for kids